Topic 1: Evidence-Based Change
- Locate an article from a peer-reviewed nursing journal where a practice change was made based on research, preferably a change that could relate to your area of practice or organization. Note: You are seeking to find an evidence-based article that describes some change in practice that was based on research; this is all about applying research, not doing research. Thus, you are not looking for a research article, but you are looking for an article that uses evidence from research to make a change.
- Describe the change made and comment on the strength of the research evidence utilized and the whether the change led to improved patient outcomes.
- Note any barriers to change that were identified and how they were overcome.
- End your discussion with a reflection on how this article is useful to you as you consider your role as an advanced practice nurse leading others to use the best evidence to strengthen nursing practice and improve nursing-sensitive patient outcomes.
Discussion TopicTopic 2:
- Eight Steps for Successful Change: Your Personal Example
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- Post your personal example about change here for peer and instructor feedback.
- Refer to the Practice area in Reading.
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
As a medical professor, it is important to teach our students how to utilize evidence-based research to implement positive change in their practice. In this assignment, we will explore a nursing journal article that highlights a practice change based on research and reflect on how this article can be useful in leading others to improve nursing practice and patient outcomes. Additionally, we will discuss our personal example of successful change utilizing the eight steps for successful change, as outlined in our reading.
Answer to Topic 1:
The article “Implementing a new breastfeeding protocol to reduce postpartum length of stay for well newborns” by Gannon & Johnson (2017) describes how a change in practice was implemented to reduce postpartum length of stay for healthy newborn babies and their mothers. The new breastfeeding protocol was based on evidence that showed that early and exclusive breastfeeding has positive effects on infant and maternal health outcomes. The study utilized strong research evidence from multiple sources including the American Academy of Pediatrics and the World Health Organization.
After implementing the new breastfeeding protocol, the hospital saw a significant decrease in postpartum length of stay, particularly for mothers who are breastfeeding exclusively. The change led to improved patient outcomes, as shorter hospital stays have been shown to decrease hospital-acquired infections and improve maternal and infant bonding.
Barriers to the change were identified, including resistance from staff who were accustomed to the previous protocol, lack of resources, and staff education. These barriers were overcome through staff education and training, providing additional resources, and encouraging open communication and feedback.
This article emphasizes the importance of utilizing evidence-based research to implement positive practice changes that lead to improved patient outcomes. As advanced practice nurses, it is our responsibility to lead by example and encourage others to do the same. This article can serve as an example of successful change implementation and provides insight on how to overcome barriers to change.
Answer to Topic 2:
My personal example of successful change involves implementing a new patient discharge process in the hospital where I work. The eight steps for successful change outlined in our reading were fundamental in the implementation of this change.
First, I identified the need for change through patient feedback and staff observations. Second, I assembled a team to lead the change, including staff from various departments and patients themselves. Third, we established a clear and measurable goal to improve the patient discharge process. Fourth, we developed and tested the new process, gathering feedback from all stakeholders to ensure the process was effective and efficient.
Fifth, we identified and addressed any potential barriers to implementing the new process, such as lack of resources or staff buy-in. Sixth, we implemented the new process and provided staff education and training. Seventh, we monitored and evaluated the success of the new process through regular feedback from staff and patients.
Finally, we sustained the change by continuing to gather feedback and revise the process as necessary. This personal example highlights the importance of utilizing the eight steps for successful change to implement positive improvements in nursing practice and improve patient outcomes.
