Identify two areas of nursing practice, which evidence-based practice has improved patient outcomes. State the study and its impact on patient care. How have these findings changed your nursing practice? Please support your response with a minimum of two supporting peer reviewed articles. PLEASE NO PLAGIARISM. 400 WORDS, MINIMUM OF 2 REFERENCE
Evidence-based practice (EBP) has had a significant impact on patient outcomes in various areas of nursing practice. This approach involves integrating the best available evidence with a clinician’s expertise and the patient’s preferences to make informed and effective healthcare decisions. Two areas in which EBP has greatly contributed to improved patient outcomes are in the fields of pain management and infection control.
One study that has demonstrated the positive impact of EBP in pain management is the research conducted by Manias, Aitken, Dunning, and Deakin (2016). The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of nurse-initiated pain protocols on acute postoperative pain management. The researchers implemented a standardized pain assessment tool and a nurse-initiated pain management protocol that included pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions.
The study found that the implementation of nurse-initiated pain protocols led to better pain control and reduced postoperative complications. This evidence-based approach enabled nurses to assess pain more accurately and provide timely interventions, resulting in improved patient outcomes. The findings from this study changed my nursing practice by emphasizing the importance of implementing standardized protocols in pain management and advocating for nurse-led initiatives in optimizing pain control.
Another area in which EBP has had a noticeable impact is infection control. One study that has contributed to improved patient outcomes in this field is the research conducted by Pronovost, Needham, Waters, and colleagues (2006). This study focused on the implementation of a bundle of evidence-based practices known as the Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infection (CLABSI) prevention bundle in intensive care units (ICUs).
The CLABSI prevention bundle comprises several evidence-based practices, including hand hygiene, maximal barrier precautions during catheter insertion, chlorhexidine skin antisepsis, optimal catheter site selection and care, and daily review of line necessity with prompt removal of unnecessary lines. The study found that the implementation of the CLABSI prevention bundle resulted in a 66% reduction in CLABSI rates.
The findings of this study prompted a nationwide initiative to implement the CLABSI prevention bundle, leading to a significant reduction in CLABSI rates across the United States. This evidence-based approach transformed infection control practices, emphasizing the importance of bundling multiple evidence-based interventions to prevent healthcare-associated infections. As a result, this study has influenced my nursing practice by reinforcing the significance of following evidence-based guidelines and implementing bundles of care to improve patient safety and outcomes.
In conclusion, evidence-based practice has significantly improved patient outcomes in various areas of nursing practice. The studies discussed above in pain management and infection control highlight the positive impact of EBP on patient care. Implementing nurse-initiated pain protocols has led to improved pain control and reduced postoperative complications. Similarly, the implementation of the CLABSI prevention bundle has resulted in a significant reduction in CLABSI rates. These findings have changed my nursing practice by emphasizing the importance of standardized protocols and bundling evidence-based interventions to optimize patient outcomes. By incorporating evidence-based practices into clinical decision-making, nurses can enhance the quality and safety of care provided to their patients.