NR585NP Week 7 Assignment: Evidence-Based Practice Change

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NR585NP Week 7 Assignment: Evidence-Based Practice Change – Step-by-Step Guide With Example Solution

The first step before starting to write the NR585NP Week 7 Assignment: Evidence-Based Practice Change is to understand the requirements of the assignment. The first step is to read the assignment prompt carefully to identify the topic, the length and format requirements. You should go through the rubric provided so that you can understand what is needed to score the maximum points for each part of the assignment. 

It is also important to identify the paper’s audience and purpose, as this will help you determine the tone and style to use throughout. You can then create a timeline to help you complete each stage of the paper, such as conducting research, writing the paper, and revising it to avoid last-minute stress before the deadline. After identifying the formatting style to be applied to the paper, such as APA, review its use, including writing citations and referencing the resources used. You should also review the formatting requirements for the title page and headings in the paper, as outlined by Chamberlain University.

How to Research and Prepare for NR585NP Week 7 Assignment: Evidence-Based Practice Change

The next step in preparing for your paper is to conduct research and identify the best sources to use to support your arguments. Identify a list of keywords related to your topic using various combinations. The first step is to visit the Chamberlain University library and search through its database using the important keywords related to your topic. You can also find books, peer-reviewed articles, and credible sources for your topic from the Chamberlain University Library, PubMed, JSTOR, ScienceDirect, SpringerLink, and Google Scholar. Ensure that you select the references that have been published in the last 5 years and go through each to check for credibility. Ensure that you obtain the references in the required format, such as APA, so that you can save time when creating the final reference list. 

You can also group the references according to their themes that align with the outline of the paper. Go through each reference for its content and summarize the key concepts, arguments and findings for each source. You can write down your reflections on how each reference connects to the topic you are researching. After the above steps, you can develop a strong thesis that is clear, concise and arguable. Next, create a detailed outline of the paper to help you develop headings and subheadings for the content. Ensure that you plan what point will go into each paragraph.

How to Write the Introduction for NR585NP Week 7 Assignment: Evidence-Based Practice Change

The introduction of the paper is the most crucial part, as it helps provide the context of your work and determines whether the reader will be interested in reading through to the end. Begin with a hook, which will help capture the reader’s attention. You should contextualize the topic by offering the reader a concise overview of the topic you are writing about so that they may understand its importance. You should state what you aim to achieve with the paper. The last part of the introduction should be your thesis statement, which provides the main argument of the paper.

How to Write the Body for NR585NP Week 7 Assignment: Evidence-Based Practice Change

The body of the paper helps you to present your arguments and evidence to support your claims. You can use headings and subheadings developed in the paper’s outline to guide you on how to organize the body. Start each paragraph with a topic sentence to help the reader know what point you will be discussing in that paragraph. Support your claims using the evidence collected from the research, and ensure that you cite each source properly using in-text citations. You should analyze the evidence presented and explain its significance, as well as how it relates to the thesis statement. You should maintain a logical flow between paragraphs by using transition words and a flow of ideas.

How to Write the In-text Citations for NR585NP Week 7 Assignment: Evidence-Based Practice Change

In-text citations help readers give credit to the authors of the references they have used in their work. All ideas that have been borrowed from references, any statistics and direct quotes must be referenced properly. The name and date of publication of the paper should be included when writing an in-text citation. For example, in APA, after stating the information, you can put an in-text citation after the end of the sentence, such as (Smith, 2021). If you are quoting directly from a source, include the page number in the citation, for example (Smith, 2021, p. 15). Remember to also include a corresponding reference list at the end of your paper that provides full details of each source cited in your text. An example paragraph highlighting the use of in-text citations is as below:

“The integration of technology in nursing practice has significantly transformed patient care and improved health outcomes. According to Morelli et al. (2024), the use of electronic health records (EHRs) has streamlined communication among healthcare providers, allowing for more coordinated and efficient care delivery. Furthermore, Alawiye (2024) highlights that telehealth services have expanded access to care, particularly for patients in rural areas, thereby reducing barriers to treatment.”

How to Write the Conclusion for NR585NP Week 7 Assignment: Evidence-Based Practice Change

When writing the conclusion of the paper, start by restating your thesis, which helps remind the reader what your paper is about. Summarize the key points of the paper by restating them. Discuss the implications of your findings and your arguments. Conclude with a call to action that leaves a lasting impression on the reader or offers recommendations.

How to Format the Reference List for NR585NP Week 7 Assignment: Evidence-Based Practice Change

The reference helps provide the reader with the complete details of the sources you cited in the paper. The reference list should start with the title “References” on a new page. It should be aligned center and bolded. The references should be organized in an ascending order alphabetically, and each should have a hanging indent. If a source has no author, it should be alphabetized by the title of the work, ignoring any initial articles such as “A,” “An,” or “The.” If you have multiple works by the same author, list them in chronological order, starting with the earliest publication. 

Each reference entry should include specific elements depending on the type of source. For books, include the author’s last name, first initial, publication year in parentheses, the title of the book in italics, the edition (if applicable), and the publisher’s name. For journal articles, include the author’s last name, first initial, publication year in parentheses, the title of the article (not italicized), the title of the journal in italics, the volume number in italics, the issue number in parentheses (if applicable), and the page range of the article. For online sources, include the DOI (Digital Object Identifier) or the URL at the end of the reference. An example reference list is as follows:

References

Morelli, S., Daniele, C., D’Avenio, G., Grigioni, M., & Giansanti, D. (2024). Optimizing telehealth: Leveraging Key Performance Indicators for enhanced telehealth and digital healthcare outcomes (Telemechron Study). Healthcare, 12(13), 1319. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12131319

Alawiye, T. (2024). The impact of digital technology on healthcare delivery and patient outcomes. E-Health Telecommunication Systems and Networks, 13, 13-22. 10.4236/etsn.2024.132002.

NR585NP Week 7 Assignment: Evidence-Based Practice Change Instructions

Evidence-Based Practice Change

Follow these guidelines when completing each component of the assignment. Contact your course faculty if you have questions.

General Instructions 

To implement evidence-based practice, advanced practice nurses must evaluate current research findings for application to practice. Create a PowerPoint Presentation and address the following requirements:

Use Microsoft PowerPoint to create the presentation. Submit the presentation as a .ppt or .pptx file to the Week 7 Dropbox.

  1. The presentation should total 6-10 slides (excluding title and reference slides).
  2. Create slides that are professional in appearance and tone and balanced spatially, including words and graphics.
  3. Follow APA grammar, spelling, word usage, and punctuation rules consistent with formal, scholarly writing.
  4. Include speaker notes for all slides except the title and reference slides. Use complete sentences.
  5. Include the following sections (detailed criteria listed below and in the grading rubric).

In a PowerPoint presentation, address the following topics. All slides except the title and reference slides should include speaker notes using complete sentences.

  1. Title Slide
  2. Introduction (1-2 slides): Identify and describe the patient-focused practice issue. Explain the significance of the issue and its impact on patient health outcomes, nursing practice, or healthcare delivery. Include sufficient integration of scholarly sources to support the information presented. You may use the description of the issue completed in Week 1.
  3. PICOT Question (1 slide): Include your PICOT question in sentence format. Include the required elements in the PICOT statement (P – population and problem, I – intervention, C – comparison, O – outcome, T – timeframe for outcome achievement). You may use the PICOT question and elements developed in Week 2.
  4. Findings (2-3 slides): Present the findings of the Literature Summary completed in Week 5. Provide a 1-2 sentence overview of the results of each of the five studies related to the PICOT question. Include sufficient integration of scholarly sources to support the information presented.
  5. Synthesis (1-2 slides): Discuss common themes found in the literature. Explain any gaps found in the literature related to the PICOT question. Identify whether the evidence in the literature was sufficient to support the intervention in the PICOT question. Include sufficient integration of scholarly sources to support the information presented.
  6. Recommendations (1-2 slides): Based on your literature review, what are your recommendations [implement practice change or conduct additional research]? Identify the stakeholders impacted by your recommendation. Discuss the resources needed to implement your recommendation. Include sufficient integration of scholarly sources to support the information presented.
  7. References: Provide complete references in APA format; you may use bullets. Hanging indents are not required.

NR585NP Week 7 Assignment: Evidence-Based Practice Change Example

Introduction – Impact of HAIs on Patient Health

Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are a major concern worldwide, as they increase patient morbidity and mortality. The transmission of pathogens like MRSA, C. difficile, and vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) often occurs through contaminated hands of healthcare workers (HCWs). Despite being largely preventable, the frequency of HAIs remains high due to non-compliance with infection control guidelines, particularly hand hygiene protocols. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasize the importance of hand hygiene as a critical intervention in reducing the spread of these infections (Wiedenmayer et al., 2020).

HAIs are not just a matter of infection—they are linked to longer hospital stays, increased costs, and, in many cases, worse patient outcomes. The financial burden of treating infections, coupled with the impact on patient health, is significant. Particularly in ICUs, where patients are more vulnerable due to compromised immune systems and invasive procedures, the risk of acquiring an infection is high. Furthermore, non-compliance with hand hygiene protocols contributes to the spread of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs), making infection control even more crucial (Boora et al., 2021). Effective adherence to hand hygiene practices can mitigate these risks and improve patient health outcomes.

PICOT Question

The PICOT question focuses on evaluating the effectiveness of hand hygiene practices in preventing healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). The population (P) is adults and older patients in acute care settings, where the risk of acquiring HAIs is particularly high. The intervention (I) examines the proper implementation of evidence-based hand hygiene practices by healthcare practitioners. The comparison (C) involves cases of non-adherence to these practices. The outcome (O) is the rate of healthcare-associated infections, and the timeframe (T) is set at 6-8 months to assess the short-term effectiveness of the intervention

Findings– Boora et al. (2021)

Boora et al. (2021) conducted a study in a neuro trauma ICU to assess the impact of hand hygiene compliance on healthcare-associated infections. Over five years, hand hygiene compliance increased from 53.95% to 63.65%, leading to a reduction in HAIs from 6.9% to 4.25%. The study found a direct correlation between increased hand hygiene compliance and lower infection rates, underscoring the importance of adherence to infection control practices in critical care environments. Even modest improvements in hand hygiene compliance can lead to significant reductions in healthcare-associated infections, highlighting the effectiveness of hand hygiene as an infection prevention strategy (Boora et al., 2021).

Findings– Knudsen et al. (2023)

Knudsen et al. (2023) investigated the impact of an electronic hand hygiene monitoring system (EHHMS) on improving hand hygiene compliance and reducing hospital-acquired bloodstream infections (HABSIs). The study showed that providing real-time feedback to healthcare workers via the EHHMS significantly increased compliance. Over a two-year period, the EHHMS contributed to a 9% reduction in hospital-acquired bloodstream infections, demonstrating that technology can play a crucial role in sustaining long-term improvements in hand hygiene practices. This study emphasizes the value of using electronic monitoring systems in enhancing infection control efforts (Knudsen et al., 2023).

Findings Mouajou et al. (2022)

Mouajou et al. (2022) conducted a systematic review to examine the relationship between hand hygiene compliance and healthcare-associated infection rates. The review found that a compliance rate between 60% and 70% was sufficient to significantly reduce HAIs. The optimal rate for minimizing infections was found to be around 60%, suggesting that even moderate improvements in compliance can result in substantial infection reductions. The study emphasized that continuous education and monitoring of healthcare workers are critical to sustaining high compliance levels across different healthcare settings, including ICUs and general wards (Mouajou et al., 2022).

Synthesis– Common Themes

The studies reviewed reveal common themes: improving hand hygiene compliance leads to a significant reduction in healthcare-associated infections. Electronic monitoring systems and educational interventions have been shown to be particularly effective in enhancing compliance. Real-time feedback mechanisms, such as those implemented in Knudsen et al. (2023), play a critical role in sustaining improvements in adherence. The literature emphasizes that consistency in hand hygiene practices is crucial, particularly in high-risk settings like ICUs. Furthermore, the use of multimodal strategies that incorporate monitoring, education, and feedback is essential for long-term success in reducing infection rates (Boora et al., 2021; Knudsen et al., 2023).

Synthesis- Gaps in the Literature

While the literature supports the effectiveness of hand hygiene in reducing healthcare-associated infections, gaps remain, particularly in long-term studies. Few studies extend beyond two years, limiting our understanding of the sustainability of interventions. Additionally, there is a lack of cost-effectiveness data for electronic monitoring systems, which are increasingly used in healthcare facilities. Research is also lacking in low-resource settings, where challenges such as infrastructure and staffing may hinder the implementation of effective hand hygiene practices. Further studies are needed to explore cultural barriers to compliance, the role of patient empowerment, and the influence of hospital leadership in sustaining hand hygiene programs (Wiedenmayer et al., 2020).

Recommendations

Based on the findings, I recommend implementing multimodal strategies that combine electronic monitoring systems, continuous training, and real-time feedback to enhance hand hygiene compliance. Involving key stakeholders, including healthcare workers, infection control teams, and hospital management, is crucial to ensure the success of the program. Investment in electronic monitoring systems and regular training sessions will ensure that healthcare workers adhere to the best infection control practices. Additionally, more research is required to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of these interventions, particularly in low-resource settings, to assess their global applicability (WHO, 2024).

Hand hygiene is the cornerstone of infection control in healthcare settings, and improving compliance is essential for reducing healthcare-associated infections and improving patient safety. Technological solutions, such as electronic monitoring systems, combined with education and feedback, can significantly enhance compliance. Multimodal strategies are necessary for long-term success, requiring the engagement of all stakeholders, including healthcare workers, management, and patients. The role of leadership in fostering a culture of safety and compliance is crucial. Ongoing research, particularly in low-resource settings, will further support the development and implementation of effective hand hygiene strategies worldwide (Knudsen et al., 2023).

References

•Boora, S., Singh, P., Dhakal, R., Victor, D., Gunjiyal, J., Lathwal, A., & Mathur, P. (2021). Impact of hand hygiene on hospital-acquired infection rate in neuro trauma ICU at a level 1 trauma center in the national capital region of India. Journal of Laboratory Physicians, 13(02), 148–150. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0041-1730820

•Knudsen, A. R., Hansen, M. B., & Møller, J. K. (2023). Individual hand hygiene improvements and effects on healthcare-associated infections: A long-term follow-up study using an electronic hand hygiene monitoring system. Journal of Hospital Infection, 135, 179–185. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhin.2023.02.017

•Mouajou, V., Adams, K., DeLisle, G., & Quach, C. (2022). Hand hygiene compliance in the prevention of hospital-acquired infections: A systematic review. Journal of Hospital Infection, 119(3), 33–48. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhin.2021.09.016

•Wiedenmayer, K., Msamba, V.-S., Chilunda, F., Kiologwe, J. C., & Seni, J. (2020). Impact of hand hygiene intervention: A comparative study in health care facilities in Dodoma region, Tanzania using WHO methodology. Antimicrobial Resistance & Infection Control, 9(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13756-020-00743-4

•World Health Organization. (2022). Hand Hygiene. Www.who.int. https://www.who.int/teams/integrated-health-services/infection-prevention-control/hand-hygiene

•World Health Organization. (2024). WHO collaborating centre for patient safety solutions aide memoire. https://cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/patient-safety/patient-safety-solutions/ps-solution9-hand-hygiene.pdf?sfvrsn=72e362b9_6

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