NUR 590 Assignment The implementation of hand hygiene protocols and measures

The implementation of hand hygiene protocols and measures to reduce and prevent the occurrence of hospital acquired infections (HAIs) among healthcare workers (HCWs) in pediatric care setting is focused on enhancing patient safety, quality care, and better outcomes. The evaluation of its implementation is essential to ascertaining if the evidence-based practice project proposal will attain its expected goals and outcomes (Albarqouni et al., 2018). The purpose of this evaluation is to discuss the expected outcome of the EBP project proposal, review data collection tools related to the selected research design and select a suitable statistical test and methods to apply to data collection and measuring of the outcomes and their assessment based on selected tool.

Christian values are essential to embody in all aspects of life. While GCU utilizes these values as a foundational component for educational standards, these should also be standard for how students are influenced in their academic performance as well. Academic dishonesty, which is the opposite of academic integrity, plagues all academic levels. There are several reasons why I think students are tempted into dishonesty including pressure for success, lack of understanding about what constitutes plagiarism, and not fully understanding the entire process of academia. Integrity is the intrinsic belief to do the right thing even when no one is watching and is an essential value of the Christian doctrine. When students believe and practice integrity, they will be able to apply this outside of the classroom and to other aspects of life. If students are engaging in academic dishonesty, this may be suggestive of a lack of integrity outside of the classroom as well. Lack of integrity is one example of the brokenness seen in society today. It shows a desire for success regardless of the means to get there or if there was any actual self-growth in the achievement of success. Having an educational infrastructure based on Christian values will not only foster academic success but will support students to apply these values beyond the classroom and become a part of their daily lives.

Expected Outcomes for the EBP Project Proposal

The implementation of this EBP project is focused on enhancing outcomes that will guarantee patient safety, quality care and better interventions by healthcare workers to reduce and prevent the occurrence of hospital acquired infections among the pediatric patients. The expected outcomes for the project include knowledge dissemination to healthcare workers in the selected settings to reduce HAIs, enhancement of patient safety protocols and development of organizational frameworks and policies to incorporate hand hygiene measures and protocols for healthcare workers. The EBP project proposal is expected to reduce the rate or prevalence of hospital acquired infections and expand the adoption of hand hygiene measures that include handwashing with soap and water alongside hand sanitizers or alcohol-based hand rubs in the care targeted care facilities.

Data Collection Tools Based on Selected Research Design

The proposed EBP project will employ a qualitative research design. The approach is used to understand thoughts, concepts and experiences of research subjects in connection to the proposed project and its significance to the target population. Qualitative research design employs different data collection tools that include focus groups, interviews, observations and review of literature (Hunter, 2017). The qualitative approach will ensure that the research incorporates opinions from healthcare workers on the need to improve hand hygiene measures to prevent and reduce the prevalence of hospital acquired infections (HAIs).

Data collection is an essential step in evidence-based practice project proposal as it allows researchers to document findings based on opinions, views and observations of the target population and research participants. A selected data collection tool should be effective for the research design based on its validity, reliability and applicability.

In this case, the selected research data collection tool for the EBP project is institutional interviews where the participants will fill questionnaires detailing their experiences and thoughts on the topic. These include their views and opinions on hand hygiene measures to enhance quality and safe care in pediatric settings by healthcare workers (Kampstra et al., 2018). Interviews are an essential tool for collection of qualitative data because of their flexibility, validity and reliability. Data collected through interviews capture the original sentiments, opinions, and views of healthcare workers in pediatric settings. Interviews enhance confidentiality, accuracy and precision of the information as it comes from the participants who experience the various situations and apply different interventions in care delivery.

Statistical Test for the EBP Project Proposal

Statistical tests provide a framework for making effective decisions about a particular study sample. Statistical tests mainly evaluate the hypothesis concerning the significance of an observed sample. The tests also evaluate the interactions between predictor variables and outcome variables and estimate the differences between two or more groups (Rebekah & Ravindran, 2018). The proposed EBP project will use a parametric test called regression.

Regression tests have stringent requirements and make robust inferences based on collected data. Regression test will be used to show the cause-and-effect approach to the phenomenon under review. The EBP project will use a qualitative research design with interview being the main data collection tool. Therefore, the interviews will offer views on the outcomes of handwashing protocols for healthcare workers that include the use of hand sanitizers besides soap and water. The tool is best suited for the project since it offers information on the cause and effect approach to the project. For instance, the use of hand sanitizer among HCWs to reduce HAIs is essential in deterring the transmission of infections to pediatric patients.

Methods of Data Collection Tool, Measurement and Evaluation of Outcomes

The main method to the data collection tool will be use of persona interviews where the researcher will conduct interviews before, during and after the implementation of the interventions among the target population or participants (Melnyk & Fineout-Overholt, 2019). The interviews will be based on questionnaire given to the participants to fill concerning the need to reduce and prevent hospital acquired infections among pediatric patients.

The outcome measurement and evaluation will be based on the collected data by analyzing the responses and feedback from the sampled population. For instance, the project will use satisfaction surveys to evaluate the effectiveness of measures deployed to reduce the prevalence of HAIs. Positive outcome measures will include a reduction in the number of reported HAIs among the inpatient pediatric patients, enhanced hand hygiene measures and development of protocols to be followed to attain the required standard practices.

Strategies if Outcomes Are Positive or Expected Results

The conclusion that nothing new occurred does not add to the current knowledge and only affirms the current status quo. Imperatively, if the outcomes fail to provide the expected or positive results, it is imperative to analyze what led to the failure (Rebekah & Ravindran, 2018). If it is about the approach used or methodological aspects, it is fundamental to begin again using different approaches. However, if the methodology is effective, it would be important to review the entire process and ensure that the EBP project gives positive outcomes.

Sustainability of the EBP Project

The project team must have plans to maintain, extend, review or discontinue the proposed solution after the overall implementation. In this case, the plans to maintain the project include incorporating the recommended practice standards as part of the organization’s culture (Schirm et al., 2018). The second aspect is to extend the best practices in all units within the facility by dissemination of the acquired knowledge and skills among the healthcare workers. The third aspect is to continually review and revise components of the project to align with the organization’s goals, best practices and quality improvement initiatives and policies.

Conclusion

Evaluating the implementation of EBP project proposal is fundamental to ascertaining the overall outcomes and effectiveness of the initiatives. Evaluation helps to review the expected outcomes and their attainment, review different components of the program to make align them with research goals and ensure that research design and data collection tools aid the project’s implementation. In this case, the EBP project will be evaluated and sustained using the approach highlighted by the paper.

References

Albarqouni, L., Hoffmann, T., & Glasziou, P. (2018). Evidence-based practice educational

intervention studies: a systematic review of what is taught and how it is measured. BMC medical education, 18(1), 1-8. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-018-1284-1

Hunter, S. (2017). Not All Evidence is Created Equal: Changes in practice require the highest

possible level of statistical testing. EMS World, 46(10), 46-50.

Schirm, V., Banz, G., Swartz, C., & Richmond, M. (2018). Evaluation of bedside shift report: A

research and evidence-based practice initiative. Applied Nursing Research, 40, 20-25. doi: 10.1016/j.apnr.2017.12.004

Kampstra, N. A., Zipfel, N., van der Nat, P. B., Westert, G. P., van der Wees, P. J., &

Groenewoud, A. S. (2018). Health outcomes measurement and organizational readiness support quality improvement: a systematic review. BMC health services research, 18(1), 1-14. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-018-3828-9

Melnyk, B. M., & Fineout-Overholt, E. (2019). Evidence-based practice in nursing and

healthcare: A guide to best practice (4th ed.). Wolters Kluwer. ISBN-13:

9781496384539

Rebekah, G., & Ravindran, V. (2018). Statistical analysis in nursing research. Indian Journal of

Continuing Nursing Education, 19(1), 62.

Vandermause, R., Barg, F. K., Esmail, L., Edmundson, L., Girard, S., & Perfetti, A. R. (2017).

Qualitative methods in patient-centered outcomes research. Qualitative health research, 27(3), 434-442. doi: 10.1177/1049732316668298

Assessment Description

In 750-1,000 words, develop an evaluation plan to be included in your final evidence-based practice project proposal. You will use the evaluation plan in the Topic 8 assignment, during which you will synthesize the various aspects of your project into a final paper detailing your evidence-based practice project proposal.

Provide the following criteria in the evaluation, making sure it is comprehensive and concise:

Discuss the expected outcomes for your evidence-based practice project proposal.
Review the various data collection tools associated with your selected research design and select one data collection tool that would be effective for your research design. Explain how this tool is valid, reliable, and applicable.
Select a statistical test for your project and explain why it is best suited for the tool you choose.
Describe what methods you will apply to your data collection tool and how the outcomes will be measured and evaluated based on the tool you selected.
Propose strategies that will be taken if outcomes do not provide positive or expected results.
Describe the plans to maintain, extend, revise, and discontinue a proposed solution after implementation.

Refer to the “Evidence-Based Practice Project Proposal – Assignment Overview” document for an overview of the evidence-based practice project proposal assignments.

You are required to cite a minimum of five peer-reviewed sources to complete this assignment. Sources must be published within the last 5 years and appropriate for the assignment criteria and nursing content.

Complete the “APA Writing Checklist” to ensure that your paper adheres to APA style and formatting criteria and general guidelines

for academic writing. Include the completed checklist as an appendix at the end of your paper.

Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center.

This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.

You are required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite. A link to the LopesWrite technical support articles is located in Class Resources if you need assistance.

Resources

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Evaluation of Bedside Shift Report: A Research and Evidence-Based Practice Initiative

Read “Evaluation of Bedside Shift Report: A Research and Evidence-Based Practice Initiative,” by Schirm, Banz, Swartz, and Richmo

Reliability and Validity: Linking Evidence to Practice

Read “Reliability and Validity: Linking Evidence to Practice,” by Kamper, from Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical The

Comparing Clinical Significance and Statistical Significance – Similarities and Differences

Read “Comparing Clinical Significance and Statistical Significance – Similarities and Differences,” by Zbrog (2021), located on t

Advanced Practice Nursing: Essential Knowledge for the Profession

Review Chapter 20 in Advanced Practice Nursing: Essential Knowledge for the Profession.

View Resource

Research, Evidence-Based Practice, and Clinical Improvement/Innovation Posters

Read “Research, Evidence-Based Practice, and Clinical Improvement/Innovation Posters” (2015), from AORN Journal.

https://lopes.idm.oclc.org/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=ccm&AN=109809571&site=eds-live&scope=site

A Practical Definition of Evidence-Based Practice for Nursing

Read “A Practical Definition of Evidence-Based Practice for Nursing,” by Stannard, from Journal of PeriAnesthesia Nursing

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Evidence-Based Practice Educational Intervention Studies: A Systematic Review of What Is Taught and How It I s Measured

Read “Evidence-Based Practice Educational Intervention Studies: A Systematic Review of What is Taught and How it is Measured,” by

Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing and Healthcare: A Guide to Best Practice

Read Chapter 4 and review Chapter 3 in Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing and Healthcare: A Guide to Best Practice.

View Resource

Advanced Nursing Research: From Theory to Practice

Review Chapter 25 in Advanced Nursing Research: From Theory to Practice.

View Resource

The evaluation of evidence-based practice (EBP) project proposal is essential to ascertain the effectiveness of the suggested intervention. The evaluation must define the expected outcomes, and identify data collection tools to determine their effectiveness, validity, reliability and application to the project (Melnyk et al., 2019). Additionally, statistical tests for the proposed intervention should be selected and be appropriate or align with the data collection tools. The purpose of this paper to describe the evaluation plan for the proposed EBP project of implementing Fall TIPS to reduce falls among adult patients in medical-surgical unit.

Expected Outcomes

The EBP process implores one to identify the expected outcomes of the proposed project. Most EBP projects focus on improving quality of patient care through leveraging research evidence and optimization of clinical skills and knowledge. Imperatively, the main expected outcome for this EBP project proposal is to reduce the occurrence of patient falls in the medical-surgical unit by 30% within six months of the implementation (Rebekah et al., 2018). The expectation is that implementing Fall TIPS will allow nurses and other providers to tailor fall prevention interventions based on a patient’s condition and not a one-fits-all approach.

Data Collection Tool: Validity, Reliability & Applicability

While there are different data collection tools for EBP project proposal. In this case, the project will use qualitative design meaning that it will apply questionnaires and focus groups as well as observation to collect data on the efficacy of the proposed intervention. These data collection tools are valid and applicable as well as reliable since they gather data from patients on firsthand experience. These tools will be effective because they will integrate diverse aspects of the project and what it means for patients in the setting (Grove et al., 2019). The semi-structured questions and observations will complement each other and increase the overall validity and reliability.

Statistical Test

Researchers use appropriate statistical test tools based on the type of data collection deployed. Researchers use statistical test to organize data into evaluable results to determine the effectiveness of an EBP project proposal. Because of the various sets of subjects and data collection tools, the most appropriate statistical test will be the t-test. The independent t-test has data from different subjects so difference in measurements among the individuals can be determined (Rebekah et al., 2018). This test is best-suited to the project due to the data collection tools selected to gather information from patients on Fall TIPS model.

Methods Applied to the Data Collection Tool

As part of the evaluation plan, methods must be uses to the data collection tool and consideration should be made on outcome measures. Method analysis and presentation influences the evaluation of study claims, promotes more rigor on access to data and encouraged increased transparency and honesty in research. Using data collected through semi-structured questionnaires, the researchers will measure patient outcomes and experiences (Lengnick-Hall et al., 2020). They will then tabulate the data to determine if there are changes after the implementation of the Fall TIPS. The research will the deploy computation tools to determine rates of improvement based on the reduction of falls within the unit.

Alternative Strategies

An effective evaluation plan must develop alternative strategies that can be used if outcomes are not positive or fail to deliver expected results. Improving care quality through reduced prevalence of falls is an iterative process meaning that it is not immune to corrections and refining as providers learn from experience to improve outcomes. The implication is that the project will integrate effective approaches that include better communication and collaboration, use of inter-professional interventions based on better communication approaches.

Strategies to Address Unexpected or Negative Outcomes

It is anticipated that the proposed intervention will result in positive outcomes as indicated above. However, in the event that the outcomes are negative, the researchers will deploy various strategies to correct the issue. The first strategy will be to re-examine the implemented intervention by analyzing the process and all components associated with ach stage. Such an approach may reveal weak areas of the project that requires improvement for the intervention to offer better outcomes. The next strategy is formulation of new timelines, especially extending the project schedule and time. This will allow the stakeholders to explore corrective measures and possibly have better outcomes. The other aspect would be to change the implementation model or conceptual framework, if possible, and where it does not offer better interpretation of the expected outcomes.

Plan to Maintain, Extend, Revise, & Discontinue the EBP Project

The maintenance, extension, revision and discontinuation of the EBP project will require developing an appropriate plan. In this case, sustenance of the EBP implementation will require training, continual quality monitoring, and developing teams that will review areas of concern and ensure that the Fall TIPS focus on patient needs and concerns. Review of objectives and goals will also be important as it identify areas that may be discontinued because of their inappropriateness to the project Revision will be based on the project’s inability to meet expected outcomes. The review process will trigger change aimed at providing better approaches to avoid similar mistakes in the future.

Conclusion

Evaluation is a critical phase of the EBP process and project implementation. Developing an evaluation plan allows stakeholders and project team to understand different aspects of the implementation and the expected outcomes. The evaluation plan identifies weak areas and what the implementers can integrate to attain expected outcomes.

References

Grove, S. K., & Cipher, D. J. (2019). Statistics for Nursing Research-e-book: A

workbook for evidence-based practice. Elsevier Health Sciences.

Lengnick-Hall, R., Willging, C. E., Hurlburt, M. S., & Aarons, G. A. (2020). Incorporators, early

investors, and learners: A longitudinal study of organizational adaptation during EBP implementation and sustainment. Implementation Science, 15(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13012-020-01031-w

Koota, E., Kääriäinen, M., Kyngäs, H., Lääperi, M., & Melender, H. (2021). Effectiveness of

evidence‐based practice (EBP) education on emergency nurses’ EBP attitudes, knowledge, self‐efficacy, skills, and behavior: A randomized controlled trial. Worldviews on Evidence-Based Nursing, 18(1), 23-32. https://doi.org/10.1111/wvn.12485

Melnyk, B. M. & Fineout-Overholt, E. (2019). Evidence-based Practice in Nursing &

Healthcare: A Guide to Best Practice. Wolters Kluwer.

Rebekah, G., & Ravindran, V. (2018). Statistical analysis in nursing research. Indian Journal of

Continuing Nursing Education,19(1), 62-70. https://www.ijcne.org/text.asp?

2018/19/1/62/28649