You have just mentored a group of medical-surgical nurses on your unit through an EBP project aimed at addressing Hospital Associated Pressure Injury Rates, and your results were astounding! You want to disseminate your results quickly to let the world know of your team’s successes. The nurses know the results need to be disseminated internally, but are torn between submitting an abstract for a state-level organization, a national conference, or submit a manuscript to a journal for publication reference: 2 peer reviewed articles with 5 yrs.
Addressing Hospital Associated Pressure Injury Rates
Introduction
Hospital-associated pressure injuries (HAPIs) are a significant concern in healthcare settings, leading to increased morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. Various strategies have been implemented to reduce HAPI rates, including the use of evidence-based practice (EBP) projects. This study aimed to address HAPI rates within a medical-surgical unit and effectively disseminate the results. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the options for disseminating the EBP project results by comparing the submission of an abstract to a state-level organization, presenting at a national conference, or submitting a manuscript to a peer-reviewed journal for publication.
Background
HAPIs are localized injuries to the skin and underlying tissue caused by sustained pressure on the skin, typically occurring over bony prominences (National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel, 2014). These injuries can result in pain, decreased quality of life, prolonged hospital stays, and increased healthcare costs (Black et al., 2012). It is estimated that the prevalence of HAPIs in acute care hospitals ranges from 16% to 23.9% (Zimmerman et al., 2014).
EBP projects have been effective in improving patient outcomes and reducing HAPI rates in healthcare settings. These projects involve the integration of the best available evidence, clinical expertise, and patient preferences to guide nursing practice (Melnyk & Fineout-Overholt, 2018). Implementing EBP projects within medical-surgical units can lead to significant improvements in patient care and outcomes.
Dissemination Options
Dissemination of research findings is crucial to share knowledge, increase awareness, and facilitate the implementation of evidence-based practices in healthcare settings (Muir Gray & Flodgren, 2017). In this study, there are three potential options for disseminating the EBP project results: submitting an abstract to a state-level organization, presenting at a national conference, or submitting a manuscript to a peer-reviewed journal for publication.
State-Level Organization
Submitting an abstract to a state-level organization is a practical and efficient way to disseminate the project results locally. State-level organizations may include nursing associations, state departments of health, or regional healthcare collaboratives. Disseminating the results at this level allows for sharing insights and outcomes with nurse colleagues within the same state. It also offers an opportunity to receive feedback, engage in discussions, and inspire other healthcare professionals to incorporate evidence-based approaches in their practice.
National Conference
Presenting the project results at a national conference provides a broader platform for dissemination. National conferences attract healthcare professionals from across the country, enabling the exchange of ideas and experiences on a larger scale. Presenting at a national conference allows the EBP project team to showcase their achievements, share best practices, and network with experts in the field. This level of dissemination increases the potential for collaboration and adoption of evidence-based interventions in diverse healthcare settings.
Peer-Reviewed Journal
Submitting a manuscript to a peer-reviewed journal for publication is considered the gold standard for dissemination (Melnyk & Fineout-Overholt, 2018). Peer-reviewed journals provide an avenue for reaching a wider audience, including researchers, clinicians, and policymakers. Publications in reputable journals contribute to the body of nursing knowledge and can influence future research and practice. Manuscript submission requires a rigorous review process, ensuring that the research methodology, results, and implications are critically evaluated by experts in the field before being accepted for publication.
Pros and Cons
Each dissemination option has its advantages and limitations. Submitting an abstract to a state-level organization allows for local networking and collaboration opportunities. It is a cost-effective way to disseminate the project results and receive feedback from peers. However, the audience may be limited to healthcare professionals within the state, potentially reducing the impact and reach of the findings.
Presenting at a national conference provides a larger audience and facilitates networking at a national level. It enables the team to share their experiences and learn from other experts in the field. However, presenting at conferences can be expensive, and there is limited time for in-depth discussions and feedback.
Submitting a manuscript to a peer-reviewed journal allows for widespread dissemination and recognition within the nursing community. Publication in a reputable journal enhances the credibility and impact of the research. However, the publication process can be time-consuming, and there is no guarantee of acceptance. It also requires significant effort to prepare a comprehensive manuscript in accordance with the journal’s guidelines.
Conclusion
Dissemination of research findings is vital to enhance nursing practice and improve patient outcomes. In this EBP project addressing HAPI rates, the options for dissemination include submitting an abstract to a state-level organization, presenting at a national conference, or submitting a manuscript to a peer-reviewed journal. Each option has its benefits and limitations, and the team should carefully consider the desired impact, reach, and resources available to determine the most suitable mode of dissemination.