Minimum of 250 words with peer review reference Based on the PICOT you developed for NUR-550, summarize the change initiative you will be proposing. How does this support the population of focus, your setting, and role? Justify how the problem you selected to investigate is amenable to a research-based intervention using the PICOT format.
The change initiative I am proposing is focused on improving hand hygiene compliance to reduce healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) among healthcare workers in a hospital setting. The population of focus for this initiative is healthcare workers, including nurses, doctors, and other personnel, working in an intensive care unit (ICU) in a large urban hospital.
Hand hygiene is a critical component of infection control, and proper compliance can greatly reduce the risk of HAIs. However, studies have shown that healthcare workers often fail to adhere to hand hygiene protocols, leading to increased rates of HAIs. This problem is particularly prevalent in ICUs, where patients are highly vulnerable to infections due to their compromised immune systems.
As a nurse in the ICU, my role is to provide direct patient care and ensure the safety and well-being of my patients. Improving hand hygiene compliance is directly in line with these responsibilities, as it will help prevent the spread of infections and provide a safer environment for patients.
The problem of low hand hygiene compliance in healthcare settings is amenable to a research-based intervention using the PICOT format. The PICOT (Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome, Time) format is a framework used to formulate research questions that can guide evidence-based practice.
In this case, the population is healthcare workers in the ICU, the intervention is improving hand hygiene compliance through various strategies, and the comparison is the current standard practices for hand hygiene. The desired outcome is a reduction in HAIs among patients, and the time frame for the intervention can be determined based on the resources and feasibility of the project.
The problem of low hand hygiene compliance is well-supported by existing research, which has consistently shown the significant impact of hand hygiene on preventing and controlling HAIs. Numerous studies have demonstrated the relationship between poor hand hygiene practices and increased rates of HAIs in healthcare settings.
For example, a study by Pittet et al. (2000) found that healthcare workers’ compliance with hand hygiene guidelines was directly associated with a reduction in HAIs. When hand hygiene compliance improved from 48% to 66%, the incidence of HAIs decreased by 30%. This study provides strong evidence for the effectiveness of improving hand hygiene compliance in reducing HAIs.
Additionally, several systematic reviews and meta-analyses have also concluded that interventions aimed at improving hand hygiene compliance are effective in reducing HAIs. For instance, a systematic review by Gould et al. (2017) found that hand hygiene interventions, including education, reminders, and feedback, significantly reduced the risk of HAIs.
Overall, the problem of low hand hygiene compliance in healthcare settings is well-documented and supported by research evidence. By implementing a research-based intervention focused on improving hand hygiene compliance, the proposed change initiative has the potential to significantly reduce HAIs among patients in the ICU setting. As a nurse in the ICU, this initiative aligns with my role and responsibilities in providing safe and effective patient care.