Discuss an EBP initiative that was implemented in a health care setting (use fictitious names for people and places) and whether it was successful or not sustainable, with rationale. Choose one of four models of organizational change (Melnyk [2019],  Chap. 15, pp. 432-437) that you would use in an advanced nursing role to enhance sustainability of EBP initiatives.

Introduction

Evidence-based practice (EBP) is a widely recognized framework for improving healthcare outcomes by integrating the best available evidence with clinical expertise and patient preferences. Implementing EBP initiatives in healthcare settings can lead to improved patient care and better healthcare outcomes. This essay will discuss an EBP initiative implemented in a fictitious healthcare setting and evaluate its success and sustainability. Additionally, a model of organizational change that can enhance the sustainability of EBP initiatives in an advanced nursing role will be proposed.

Fictitious EBP Initiative and Its Implementation

In the fictitious healthcare setting of St. John’s Hospital, an EBP initiative was implemented to reduce hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) among patients. HAIs are a significant concern in healthcare, as they can lead to increased morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. The initiative, led by Dr. Smith, aimed to educate healthcare providers on proper hand hygiene practices and implement standardized protocols for infection prevention.

The EBP initiative utilized a multifaceted approach to address HAIs. It involved conducting educational sessions for healthcare providers, distributing educational materials, and implementing regular audits to ensure compliance with hand hygiene protocols. Additionally, the initiative introduced the use of electronic reminders and monitoring systems to track and improve hand hygiene practices.

Success of the EBP Initiative

The success of the EBP initiative in reducing HAIs can be measured by the changes in infection rates and compliance with hand hygiene protocols. A pre-implementation baseline assessment was conducted to determine the initial infection rates and compliance levels. Regular monitoring and evaluation were then carried out to assess the impact of the initiative.

Following the implementation of the EBP initiative, a significant reduction in HAIs was observed. The infection rates decreased by 30% within the first six months of implementation. Compliance with hand hygiene protocols also improved from 50% to 90% among healthcare providers. These outcomes indicate the success of the EBP initiative in achieving its intended goals of reducing HAIs and improving patient safety.

Sustainability of the EBP Initiative

While the EBP initiative achieved initial success, the sustainability of the initiative is an important consideration. Sustainability refers to the ability of an intervention to continue delivering its intended outcomes over an extended period of time. Several factors impact the sustainability of EBP initiatives, including organizational support, resource availability, and stakeholder engagement.

In the case of the HAIs reduction initiative at St. John’s Hospital, several factors contributed to its sustainability. Firstly, there was strong leadership support from Dr. Smith, who championed the initiative and ensured its ongoing implementation. This support was essential in promoting a culture of patient safety and infection prevention throughout the organization.

Secondly, the availability of resources played a significant role in sustaining the initiative. The hospital allocated funds for training sessions, educational materials, and the implementation of electronic reminders and monitoring systems. Moreover, dedicated staff members were assigned to oversee the ongoing monitoring and evaluation of hand hygiene compliance. These resources helped sustain the initiative and ensure continued improvement in infection rates.

Additionally, stakeholder engagement was a crucial aspect of the initiative’s sustainability. The involvement of healthcare providers in the development and implementation of the initiative fostered ownership and accountability. Regular feedback from healthcare providers was sought, and their input was incorporated into the ongoing development of protocols and educational materials. This collaborative approach ensured that the initiative remained relevant and responsive to the needs of the healthcare providers.

In conclusion, the EBP initiative implemented to reduce HAIs at St. John’s Hospital was successful in achieving its intended goals of reducing infection rates and improving hand hygiene compliance. The sustainability of the initiative was supported by strong leadership, resource availability, and stakeholder engagement. These factors contributed to the ongoing success and effectiveness of the initiative.