Propose an evidence-based practice project that addresses a patient problem relevant to nursing practice.
The purpose of this paper is to propose an evidence-based practice project that addresses a patient problem relevant to nursing practice. The patient problem identified is the prevention of pressure ulcers in critically ill patients. Pressure ulcers are a significant healthcare concern, particularly for critically ill patients, as they can lead to prolonged hospital stays, increased healthcare costs, and patient morbidity and mortality. The proposed intervention for managing pressure ulcers is the implementation of a standardized pressure ulcer prevention protocol based on current research evidence.
Project Topic and Rationale
Pressure ulcers are a prevalent issue in nursing practice, and critically ill patients are at increased risk for developing pressure ulcers due to their decreased mobility and increased time spent in bed. According to the National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel, pressure ulcers are a significant healthcare concern, affecting up to 3 million adults in the United States each year (Cuddigan et al., 2014). Preventing pressure ulcers is essential for improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs. The rationale for choosing this topic is that pressure ulcers are a significant concern in nursing practice, and there is a need for evidence-based interventions to prevent their occurrence.
Literature Review
Several research studies have investigated the prevention of pressure ulcers in critically ill patients. In a systematic review of pressure ulcer prevention interventions in critically ill patients, Coyer et al. (2018) found that the use of pressure ulcer prevention protocols was associated with a reduced incidence of pressure ulcers in critically ill patients. Similarly, in a randomized controlled trial, McInerney et al. (2018) found that the implementation of a pressure ulcer prevention protocol was associated with a reduced incidence of pressure ulcers in critically
Looking for a similar assignment?
Let Us write for you! We offer custom paper writing services
Another study by Makic et al. (2017) found that the use of a pressure ulcer prevention bundle was associated with a reduced incidence of pressure ulcers in critically ill patients. The pressure ulcer prevention bundle included the use of pressure-reducing devices, repositioning, skin care, and nutrition.
Proposed Change
The proposed change is the implementation of a standardized pressure ulcer prevention protocol based on current research evidence. The protocol will include the use of pressure-reducing devices, regular repositioning, skin care, and nutrition. The protocol will be implemented by all healthcare providers caring for critically ill patients in the hospital. The protocol will be integrated into the hospital’s electronic medical record system, and healthcare providers will receive training on the protocol and its implementation.
Potential affected parties include nurses, nursing assistants, physical therapists, occupational therapists, dieticians, and other healthcare providers involved in the care of critically ill patients. The revised protocol will be evaluated regularly to ensure its effectiveness in preventing pressure ulcers in critically ill patients.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the implementation of evidence-based practice (EBP) is critical in healthcare settings to ensure that patients receive the most effective care. The purpose of this paper was to identify a patient problem in healthcare and propose an evidence-based intervention to address it. The selected patient problem for this project was the prevention of pressure ulcers, which is a common problem among hospitalized patients.
Through a literature review, it was found that pressure ulcers are a significant problem in healthcare and can lead to various complications, including infection and sepsis. Additionally, there are various interventions available that can help prevent pressure ulcers, such as repositioning, pressure redistribution devices, and skin assessment tools. It was concluded that implementing an evidence-based protocol that includes the use of these interventions can significantly reduce the incidence of pressure ulcers.
The proposed change for this project was the development of a standardized guideline for pressure ulcer prevention that would be used in the practice site. The guideline included the use of pressure redistribution devices, repositioning, and skin assessment tools, as well as education for staff on the importance of pressure ulcer prevention. The potential affected parties of this change include nursing staff, patients, and other healthcare professionals involved in patient care.
The implementation of the proposed guideline would require collaboration among various healthcare professionals, including nursing staff, physicians, and physical therapists. A change in practice can be challenging, and the success of this proposed change would depend on the support and commitment of all involved parties. However, the potential benefits of preventing pressure ulcers, such as reducing patient morbidity and mortality, lowering healthcare costs, and improving patient satisfaction, make the implementation of this change worthwhile.
In conclusion, the proposed change in this project, which involves the development of a standardized guideline for pressure ulcer prevention, is evidence-based and has the potential to significantly reduce the incidence of pressure ulcers in healthcare settings. The implementation of this change would require collaboration and support from various healthcare professionals, but the potential benefits for patients and the healthcare system make it a worthwhile endeavor. The importance of evidence-based practice in healthcare cannot be overstated, and the implementation of evidence-based interventions is crucial to ensuring that patients receive the most effective care possible.