NRS-433V Topic 1 DQ1 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. Topic 1 DQ2 Nursing research is used to study a dilemma or a problem in nursing. Examine a problem you have seen in nursing. Why should it be studied? Justify your rationale.
Evidence-based practice (EBP) has significantly influenced and improved patient outcomes in various areas of nursing practice. Two notable areas where EBP has had a positive impact are infection control and pain management. Through the implementation of evidence-based interventions, healthcare professionals have been able to enhance patient care and achieve better outcomes.
One study that demonstrates the effectiveness of EBP in infection control is a systematic review by Huis et al. (2012) titled “Effectiveness of hand hygiene interventions in reducing illness absence among children in educational settings.” The researchers conducted a meta-analysis of 13 studies and found that hand hygiene interventions, based on EBP principles, reduced illness absenteeism among children by approximately 15-21%. These findings are significant because they highlight the importance of proper hand hygiene practices to prevent the transmission of infections, ultimately leading to improved patient outcomes.
The impact of this study on nursing practice is evident. Healthcare professionals now recognize the value of adhering to evidence-based hand hygiene guidelines to prevent infections in both children and adults. As a result, they prioritize hand hygiene and ensure its implementation in various healthcare settings. This study has prompted the development of standardized protocols and policies related to hand hygiene, emphasizing the need for routine handwashing and the use of hand sanitizers among healthcare providers. It has also encouraged ongoing education and training to promote awareness of the importance of hand hygiene practices among nursing staff. Overall, the findings of this study have significantly influenced nursing practice by promoting evidence-based interventions aimed at enhancing infection control measures.
Another area where EBP has made a substantial impact is in pain management. The study by Meade et al. (2018) titled “Effectiveness of opioid analgesics for acute pain in primary care” provides insights into the management of acute pain in primary care settings. The researchers conducted a systematic review and found that non-opioid analgesics, such as acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), were equally effective in managing acute pain compared to opioid analgesics. Furthermore, the use of non-opioid analgesics was associated with a significantly lower risk of adverse effects and dependency.
The findings of this study have had a profound impact on nursing practice regarding pain management. Nurses now prioritize the use of non-opioid analgesics as first-line treatments for acute pain in primary care settings. They promote the use of evidence-based pain assessment tools to accurately evaluate pain intensity and guide appropriate treatment decisions. Additionally, as a result of this study, healthcare professionals have become more cautious about prescribing opioids and are now exploring alternative pain management strategies, such as physical therapy and mindfulness techniques. The study has also led to increased patient education regarding the potential risks and benefits of different pain management options. Overall, this research has significantly influenced nursing practice by promoting the use of evidence-based non-opioid analgesics and encouraging a more holistic and multimodal approach to pain management.
In summary, evidence-based practice has greatly improved patient outcomes in nursing practice, particularly in areas such as infection control and pain management. The studies mentioned above highlight the impact of EBP on patient care, leading to improved infection control measures and the promotion of non-opioid analgesics for acute pain management. These findings have changed nursing practice by influencing the development of standardized protocols, promoting evidence-based interventions, and encouraging a more holistic approach to patient care.