NR 449 Week 7 RUA Presentation

Name

Chamberlain University

NR-449 Evidence-Based Practice

Prof. Name

Date

AHR Quality Indicators: A Comprehensive Overview

Presented by: Aissatou Diallo, Alyssa Harrison, Ashley James, Safina Ortiz, and Maame Seiwaa

Problem Identification

The key quality indicators identified in this research focus on critical infection control practices, such as proper hand hygiene, appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and the prevention of infections. These factors are essential in reducing healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and improving patient outcomes.

Impact on Nursing Practice

Failure to adhere to infection control practices like handwashing and correct PPE use can lead to severe consequences, including higher mortality and morbidity rates. These lapses also result in increased healthcare costs, which affect the efficiency and sustainability of healthcare systems. Preventing HAIs is crucial to ensuring the well-being of patients and improving the overall quality of care.

The Research Process

The research process was comprehensive, involving multiple databases and terms to gather evidence supporting best practices in infection control:

• Databases Utilized:

  • Chamberlain Online Library
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
  • World Health Organization (WHO)
  • Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)
  • CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature)
  • PubMed

• Terms Searched:

  • Evidence-Based Practice Research
  • Quality Indicators
  • Hand hygiene and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
  • Infection Control

The research utilized various methodologies, including observational studies, randomized control trials, surveys, and video-reflexive ethnography.

Research Findings

A variety of studies were reviewed, providing valuable insights into infection prevention:

• Study Types:

  • 5 Observational Studies
  • 1 Randomized Control Trial
  • 1 Randomized Trial
  • 2 Surveys

• Key Findings:

  • The research emphasized the significant impact of proper hand hygiene and PPE use in reducing infection rates.
  • A randomized control trial (Kim, E.- Gyeong, & Jeong, I. S., 2019) showed that experimental groups had higher rates of accuracy in hand hygiene (p < 0.001) and PPE donning/doffing (p < 0.001) compared to control groups.

Summary of the Validity of Qualitative Evidence

A survey conducted across 183 US hospitals, involving 11,282 patients, reported that 4% of patients had at least one healthcare-associated infection (HCAI). The most common microorganisms identified were Clostridium difficile, with the majority of infections being surgical site infections (SSIs), pneumonia, and gastrointestinal infections. A previous study by the same group found a 6% rate of HCAIs, with Staphylococcus aureus as the most frequently detected microorganism.

Summary of the Validity of Quantitative Evidence

The research draws on historical figures like Dr. Ignaz Semmelweis, who advocated for hand hygiene to reduce maternal mortality. The transmission of organisms through improper hygiene practices has long been a critical issue in healthcare, and early interventions like chlorinated lime hand washing helped reduce infection rates significantly.

NR 449 Week 7 RUA Presentation

Practice Changes

Several practices can be implemented by both patients and healthcare providers to minimize the risk of infections:

• For Patients:

  • Wear masks during hospital stays.
  • Maintain proper hand hygiene.
  • Adhere to prescribed antibiotics and report signs of infection promptly.
  • Get vaccinated to prevent flu and other infections.
  • Allow environmental staff to clean hospital rooms effectively.

• For Healthcare Providers:

  • Ensure proper PPE training and fit, including FFP2 masks.
  • Provide face-to-face training courses and hard-copy modules for in-service education, ideally twice a year.

Recommendations for Implementation

To improve infection control and ensure the effective use of PPE, the following recommendations are made:

• Availability of private patient isolation rooms (Sujan C Reddy, et al., 2019).
• Administrative enforcement to limit movements within isolation rooms (Sujan C Reddy, et al., 2019).
• Visual display training for hospitalized patients on appropriate PPE use.
• Policies regulating PPE use by providers during care (Sujan C Reddy, et al., 2019).
• Leadership-driven education on proper PPE use (Sujan C Reddy, et al., 2019).
• Healthcare surveillance to detect infection spread patterns (Sara Dequeker, 2019).
• Vaccination of healthcare providers and patient screening for infections (Sara Dequeker, 2019).

Conclusion

Proper handwashing and the correct use of PPE are essential in preventing infections in healthcare settings. Adopting these practices can significantly reduce the rates of healthcare-associated infections, ensuring better outcomes for patients and improved nursing practice.

References

• Alrubaiee, G. G., Baharom, A., Faisal, I., HayatibKadir, S., Daud, S. M., Basaleem, H. O. (2021). Implementation of an educational module on nosocomial infection control measures: A randomized hospital-based trial. BMC Nursing, 20(1), 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-020-00587-2

• Arianpoor, A., Zarifian, A. A., Askari, E. (2020). Infection prevention and control idea challenge contest: A fresh view on medical education and problem solving. Antimicrobial Resistance & Infection Control. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13756-020-0688-y

• Haque, M., Sartelli, M., McKimm, J., & Abu Bakar, M. (2018). Healthcare-associated infections: An overview. Infection and Drug Resistance, 11, 2321–2333. https://doi.org/10.2147/IDR.S177247

NR 449 Week 7 RUA Presentation

• Neuwirth, M. M., Mattner, F., Otchwenah, R. (2020). Adherence to personal protective equipment use among healthcare workers caring for confirmed COVID-19 and alleged non-COVID-19 patients. Antimicrobial Resistance & Infection Control. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13756-020-0688-y
• Dequeker, S. (2019). Quality Indicators for Infection Prevention and Control in Belgian Acute Care Hospitals. NSIH Symposium 2019. Retrieved from https://www.wiv-isp.be/nsih/download/symposium%202019/Sara%20Dequeker_Quality%20indicators.pdf
• Shang, J., Needleman, J., Liu, J., Larson, E., & Stone, P. W. (2019). Nurse staffing and healthcare-associated infection, unit-level analysis. The Journal of Nursing Administration, 49(5), 260–265. https://doi.org/10.1097/NNA.0000000000000748

NR 449 Week 7 RUA Presentation

• Reddy, S. C., Valderrama, A. L., Kuhar, D. T. (2019). Improving the use of personal protective equipment: Applying lessons learned. Clinical Infectious Diseases, 69(Supplement_3), S165-S170. https://doi.org/10.1093/cid/ciz619

NR 449 Week 3 RUA – Topic Search Strategy

Name

Chamberlain University

NR-449 Evidence-Based Practice

Prof. Name

Date

Clinical Question

The clinical issue addressed in this paper is the impact of health literacy on disease prevention, particularly in the context of asthma in children. According to the CDC (2022), “Personal health literacy is the degree to which individuals have the ability to find, understand, and use information and services to inform health-related decisions and actions for themselves and others.” Health literacy plays a significant role in healthcare because individuals who do not understand health information may struggle to take proper care of themselves, leading to poor outcomes. A clear example of this would be a situation where a nurse provides a parent with a consent form for a blood transfusion for their child, but the parent does not sign it due to not understanding the form.

This misunderstanding could delay the blood transfusion, potentially harming the child. Factors such as education, health history, socio-economic status, age, and access to healthcare influence a person’s level of health literacy. Improving health literacy could reduce avoidable hospitalizations by 26%, hospital readmissions by 9%, and emergency department visits by 18% (United Health Group, 2020). The selected PICOT question for this paper is: “In children diagnosed with asthma, does low health literacy compared to high health literacy play a role in reduced disease management?” This paper aims to explore the differences in health outcomes for children with asthma and how their condition is affected by varying levels of health literacy. This paper will also discuss the search strategy used to identify credible sources on the topic.

Levels of Evidence

The PICOT question in this paper relates to the prognosis of asthma in children, focusing on how health literacy influences disease progression. Prognosis refers to the likely course of a disease. To answer this question, both qualitative and quantitative research is required. Quantitative research is necessary to measure the extent of health literacy in parents or caregivers and the resulting impact on the child’s health management. For instance, we need to quantify how health literacy levels influence the management of asthma symptoms in children. Qualitative research is essential to gather subjective data from parents, caregivers, healthcare providers, and patients themselves about how the level of health literacy has affected the child’s health outcomes.

Search Strategy*

The PICOT question in this paper focuses on two primary topics: health literacy and asthma. To address these, I began by searching for articles related to pediatric health literacy and asthma. Using the Chamberlain University library, I searched for “pediatric health literacy with asthma” and limited the search to articles published between 2017 and 2022, yielding 76 results. The first article titled “The Impact of Caregiver Health Literacy on Pediatric Asthma: An Integrative Review” was found, but the article link was broken. I then turned to the NIH Library of Medicine and searched again. I found 136 results and located the article at the top of the list, with free access to the full text. This article, by Abrams (2020), explores how caregiver health literacy affects pediatric asthma.

NR 449 Week 3 RUA – Topic Search Strategy

For the second article, I searched “asthma management in children” in the Chamberlain University library, filtered by publications from 2017-2022, and selected an article that complemented the group’s PICOT question. The article titled “Designing an Indoor Air Quality Monitoring App for Asthma Management in Children: User-Centered Design Approach” (Kim, Park, & Ackerman, 2021) discusses the creation of an air quality monitoring app aimed at improving asthma management in children.

Conclusion

In conclusion, health literacy plays a critical role in improving healthcare outcomes by helping individuals make informed health decisions for themselves and their loved ones. One way to address low health literacy is through evidence-based research, which enhances understanding of its impact on healthcare, particularly for children with asthma. The more we learn about health literacy and its influence on disease management, the better we can improve healthcare strategies and patient outcomes.

NR 449 Week 3 RUA – Topic Search Strategy

Table: Summary of Search Strategy

References

Abrams, E. (2020). The impact of caregiver health literacy on pediatric asthma: An integrative review. Pediatric Allergy Immunology Pulmonology, 33(3), 110-116. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9353981/

Improving health literacy could prevent nearly 1 million hospital visits and save over $25 billion a year. (2020). United Health Group. https://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/content/dam/UHG/PDF/About/Health-LiteracyBrief.pdf

NR 449 Week 3 RUA – Topic Search Strategy

Kim, S., Park, Y., & Ackerman, M. (2021). Designing an indoor air quality monitoring app for asthma management in children: User-centered design approach. JMIR Formative Research, 5(9), e27447. https://www-proquestcom.chamberlainuniversity.idm.oclc.org/publiccontent/docview/2575368864?pqorigsite=primos

What is health literacy. (2022). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/healthliteracy/learn/index.html

NR 449 Week 2 The Research Process

Name

Chamberlain University

NR-449 Evidence-Based Practice

Prof. Name

Date

The Research Process

The research process and the nursing process share many similarities, but there are key differences. While the nursing process is focused on providing care at the individual client level, nursing research aims to improve nursing practice at a broader level. The ultimate goal of nursing research is to enhance nursing practice by identifying problems and developing effective solutions. Problem statements in nursing research describe the gap between what is currently known and unknown. One of the first steps in research is developing a research question, which directly precedes selecting a research design. Reviewing existing literature can highlight studies that may be replicated and contribute to answering the research question.

A critical aspect of the research process involves selecting the appropriate research design, which can vary depending on the type of data being collected. Below is a table that outlines different research designs and their corresponding descriptions:

NR 449 Week 2 The Research Process

NR 449 Week 2 The Research Process

The research process itself follows a systematic sequence of steps:

1. Determine the problem.
2. Review the literature.
3. Design the study.
4. Collect the data.
5. Analyze the data.
6. Communicate the results.
7. Implement practice change.

Additionally, it is important to match the research characteristics to the appropriate research type, such as the objectivity of data in quantitative research or the personal involvement of the researcher in qualitative research.

Types of Research Studies

Research studies can either focus on primary or secondary data collection. Primary data collection is prospective, where data is gathered for the first time. In contrast, retrospective studies use data previously collected for another purpose. When data is collected over a long period, it is called a longitudinal study, whereas a cross-sectional study collects data at a single point in time.

Research questions guide the direction of a study. For example, to assess the effectiveness of a fall prevention intervention, an experimental prospective quantitative study would be appropriate. If exploring obstacles to a pressure ulcer prevention regimen, a qualitative study using focus groups might be the best choice.

Quantitative research is particularly valuable in providing strong evidence for nursing practice, as it enables researchers to make confident inferences about the effectiveness of interventions.

Evidence and Research Design

When reviewing literature, researchers often encounter different types of evidence with varying levels of credibility. For example, clinical practice guidelines are considered the highest level of evidence, followed by systematic reviews, randomized clinical trials, and expert opinions. These sources are ranked in descending order of credibility.

Research studies, especially those that are well-conducted, can guide nursing practice by identifying effective interventions. When analyzing a study, nurses must be vigilant about the validity of its findings, considering factors such as sample size, bias, and potential threats to validity.

NR 449 Week 2 The Research Process

PICOT Question and Hypothesis

The PICOT format is commonly used to develop research questions. It consists of the following elements:

• P: Population or problem of interest
• I: Intervention or exposure being studied
• C: Comparison group or intervention
• O: Outcome to be measured
• T: Time frame for the study

A null hypothesis suggests no difference between groups, whereas an alternative hypothesis predicts a significant difference. Identifying the appropriate hypothesis and selecting the correct research design is crucial for answering the research question effectively.

Conclusion

Nursing research plays a vital role in advancing practice and improving patient care. Through systematic inquiry and the use of appropriate research designs, nurses can gather evidence to support interventions and inform clinical decisions. By following the research process and carefully evaluating sources of evidence, nurses ensure that the findings can be applied in practice to improve patient outcomes.

References

Pickham, L. A., et al. (2018). Clinical effectiveness of wearable patient sensors in improving care delivery and patient outcomes. Journal of Nursing Research.

Tan, Y. J., et al. (2020). Perceptions and challenges of nurses regarding pressure injuries caused by medical devices. International Journal of Nursing Practice.

Alsulami, Z., et al. (2014). Perceptions of registered nurses on double-checking medications in pediatric care. Journal of Pediatric Nursing.

Relihan, A., et al. (2010). Distractions during medication administration: A quantitative analysis. Journal of Nursing Administration.

NR 449 Week 2 The Research Process

Parker, R. P., et al. (2017). Reducing catheter-associated urinary tract infections in an acute care setting. American Journal of Infection Control.

Luwang, B. J., et al. (2021). Research on medication errors: A case study. Journal of Clinical Nursing.

NR 449 Evidence Based Practice Healthcare Associated Infection

Name

Chamberlain University

NR-449 Evidence-Based Practice

Prof. Name

Date

Clinical Question

The healthcare sector is continually confronted with numerous inquiries across various disciplines. The specific information we aim to collect is influenced by the area of interest, as well as whether we are pursuing qualitative or quantitative insights. This paper centers on Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs), defined as infections that patients acquire during their stay in a healthcare facility and that were not present upon their admission. Such infections often arise from non-compliance with established protocols. HAIs present substantial challenges for both patients and healthcare institutions. This discussion aims to explore the risk factors associated with HAIs and the prevention strategies that can be implemented.

The PICOT question guiding this paper is: “What preventive measures can healthcare personnel implement to reduce the occurrence of HAIs?” According to research published in Tropical Biomedicine (2017), HAIs significantly impact hospitalized patients, with occurrences rising to as high as 51% among patients in Intensive Care Units (ICUs). Additionally, an article from the Journal of Hospital Infection (2016) examines how performance management can improve HAI reporting. This paper will investigate how HAIs are contracted and will highlight effective preventive strategies to decrease their incidence.

Levels of Evidence

To effectively address our group’s inquiry, both qualitative and quantitative studies are valuable sources of evidence. Qualitative studies provide insights that can deepen our understanding of the efficacy of various interventions (Houser, 2018). They help identify the specific needs of targeted populations, such as immunocompromised patients, recent surgical patients, and infants. These studies contribute to the design of interventions that healthcare staff can implement. Furthermore, qualitative research reveals the processes of implementation, challenges related to treatment adherence, and the real-world impacts of interventions (Houser, 2018).

Focusing on the qualitative aspect of HAIs, one study explored how perceptions and experiences related to performance management affect infection rates. It was found that institutions with well-defined accountability structures saw a reduction in infection rates (Brewster, Tarrant, & Dixon-Woods, 2016). However, the study also identified potential drawbacks, such as the risk of tunnel vision and the marginalization of other critical issues when utilizing performance management strategies (Brewster, Tarrant, & Dixon-Woods, 2016). Moreover, certain performance management approaches may foster a culture of fear that stifles learning and strains professional relationships. Concerns regarding possible reprimands or financial repercussions for reporting HAIs could deter accurate reporting.

Conversely, quantitative studies provide numerical data and statistical analysis to illustrate outcomes. They are crucial for determining the effects of interventions, assessing relationships between variables, and measuring changes over time (Houser, 2018). In relation to our research question, quantitative studies can offer robust evidence concerning the effectiveness of specific interventions aimed at reducing HAIs and enhancing patient outcomes. By integrating both qualitative and quantitative evidence, we can gain a comprehensive understanding of the preventive measures healthcare personnel can take to lower the incidence of HAIs.

Search Strategy

To locate relevant literature on Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs) and their prevention, I utilized two search engines: CINAHL Complete, available through our school’s library, and Google Scholar. To enhance my search results, I used various search terms such as “Healthcare-Associated Infections prevention,” “quantitative or qualitative,” and “hospital-acquired infections.” I also incorporated synonymous terms to expand the breadth of my search.

Throughout the search process, I iteratively refined my search terms to identify more pertinent articles related to my group’s topic. Specific limitations were established for the articles, focusing on peer-reviewed publications and restricting the time frame to the past five years. These limitations were intended to exclude older studies that may not reflect current practices and knowledge regarding HAI prevention. Among the numerous articles reviewed, two were chosen for their relevance to our topic and their comprehensive coverage of both qualitative and quantitative aspects of HAI prevention.

NR 449 Evidence Based Practice Healthcare Associated Infection

The first article, “Qualitative study of views and experiences of performance management for healthcare-associated infections,” was published in the Journal of Hospital Infection. The second article, “Nosocomial Infections: Epidemiology, prevention, control, and Surveillance,” appeared in the Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine. Both articles were published within the last five years and include up-to-date information and research findings.

References

Brewster, L., Tarrant, C., & Dixon-Woods, M. (2016). Journal of Hospital Infection, 94(1), 41-47. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhin.2016.01.021

Houser, J. (2018). Nursing research: Reading, using, and creating evidence. Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apjtb.2017.01.019

NR 449 Evidence Based Practice Healthcare Associated Infection

Tropical Biomedicine. (2017). Nosocomial Infections: Epidemiology, prevention, control, and Surveillance. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine.

NR 449 Week 6 Assignment Nutrition, Feeding, and Eating

Name

Chamberlain University

NR-449 Evidence-Based Practice

Prof. Name

Date

Introduction

This week’s assignment centers on evaluating interventions designed to enhance nutritional status. A quantitative study conducted by Dr. Desroches and colleagues investigates the critical role of patient adherence to dietary guidelines, especially in the context of preventing and managing chronic diseases. The research seeks to determine which interventions are most effective in encouraging compliance with nutritional recommendations. This topic is particularly important as non-adherence and poor management of care plans can significantly increase the risks of chronic diseases, morbidity, infection, and mortality. The article details the search strategy implemented to tackle the research question effectively.

Research Article Review

Dr. Desroches and colleagues’ research article presents a quantitative analysis of how various interventions affect patients’ adherence to nutritional recommendations. It highlights the necessity of following dietary advice for the prevention and management of chronic diseases. The study’s objective is to identify successful strategies that promote adherence to nutritional guidelines by assessing different intervention methods.

Search Strategy

To explore the research question, a systematic search strategy was applied. Initially, relevant databases such as PubMed and the Cochrane Library were accessed to find pertinent research articles. Specific keywords and phrases, including “interventions,” “nutritional intake,” “adherence,” and “chronic diseases,” were utilized to refine search results and maintain relevance.

The criteria for inclusion involved selecting articles published in the last five years, available in English, and focusing on interventions that promote nutritional adherence among chronic disease patients. Articles outside this timeframe or not directly related to the research question were excluded. Articles were screened based on titles and abstracts, and those meeting the criteria were thoroughly read to evaluate their quality, relevance, and contribution to the research question. The selected article by Dr. Desroches and colleagues was appropriate for review due to its emphasis on interventions aimed at enhancing adherence to nutritional recommendations.

Article Findings

Among the various findings, an article by Dr. Murai and colleagues stood out. This research resonated with the target audience, shared similarities with related studies, and aligned with the required publication timeframe. Dr. Murai and his team focused their investigation on adherence to dietary advice interventions, specifically examining compliance in dialysis, fluid management, and medication adherence. Their methodology involved a qualitative meta-analysis, with data collection primarily conducted online. The findings underscored improvements in trial design and outcomes, particularly highlighting short-term benefits for dialysis patients (Murai, 2019).

Evidence for Practice: The Importance of Adherence Interventions

Dr. Murai and colleagues investigated non-compliance in patients with end-stage kidney disease, aiming to discern whether non-adherence was intentional or unintentional (Murai, 2019). The article outlines four intervention strategies that could enhance adherence among these patients. These include educational approaches that inform patients about their condition, counseling that addresses patient behavior and empowers self-care, psychological interventions that facilitate discussions about emotions and identify social support, and a combination of tailored interventions to meet individual patient needs (Murai, 2019).

Implementing these strategies can profoundly enhance patient care by encouraging individuals to take responsibility for their health decisions. Each intervention serves as a foundation for the next, creating a holistic approach to adherence. While these interventions offer significant benefits, they also pose challenges. Patients must possess self-confidence, a sense of accountability, and motivation to actively participate in their care. A lack of these elements may hinder engagement with the interventions, potentially leading to perceptions of weakness.

Overall, the findings underscore the necessity of implementing adherence interventions to bridge the gap between patients and their healthcare. By addressing factors contributing to non-compliance, healthcare professionals can enhance patient outcomes. It is essential to customize interventions according to individual needs and provide support to help overcome barriers to adherence. This approach allows patients to become active participants in their health, ultimately improving their quality of life.

Sharing Evidence for Improved Patient Care

The insights from Dr. Murai’s article hold significant value and should be disseminated across various healthcare departments, professionals, families, and patients at risk for or affected by kidney disease. The findings can benefit specialists in urology, nephrology, nutrition, dietary fields, cardiology, and other related areas. Including Dr. Desroches’ article can further enhance available resources and evidence.

Sharing this valuable information is crucial for both education and preventive measures. Incorporating these findings into patient brochures or featuring them in publications can effectively reach a broader audience. Providing these resources in dialysis clinics or nephrologists’ offices ensures that patients and their families are informed, aiding in decision-making and self-care.

By disseminating this evidence, healthcare professionals can deepen their understanding of effective interventions for enhancing adherence in kidney disease patients. This empowerment enables them to offer better care, provide appropriate guidance, and engage patients in discussions about their treatment and lifestyle choices. Ultimately, sharing evidence contributes to improved patient outcomes, heightened public awareness, and a proactive approach to managing kidney disease.

Conclusion

Recognizing the Importance of Ethical Considerations and Evidence-Based Practice. In healthcare, acknowledging ethical issues and understanding the vital role of evidence-based practice in addressing these concerns is crucial. When implementing interventions aimed at enhancing adherence to dietary recommendations and nutritional intake, it is essential to tailor these interventions to meet patients’ specific needs.]

NR 449 Week 6 Assignment Nutrition, Feeding, and Eating

References

Murali, K. M., Mullan, J., Roodenrys, S., Hassan, H. C., Lambert, K., & Lonergan, M. (2019). Strategies to improve dietary, fluid, dialysis, or medication adherence in patients with end-stage kidney disease. PLoS ONE, 14(1), e0211479. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.021147

NR 449 Week 5 RUA Evidence Based Practice 12

Name

Chamberlain University

NR-449 Evidence-Based Practice

Prof. Name

Date

Clinical Question

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly altered lives worldwide, presenting numerous challenges. A critical issue that has emerged is the implementation of quarantine and isolation measures, particularly in long-term care facilities. These restrictions have had a detrimental impact on patient and family engagement, resulting in negative consequences such as increased complications and elevated patient mortality rates.

Research conducted by Tupper et al. (2020) underscores the positive effects of family presence on the quality of life and mortality rates among residents in long-term care settings. The absence of family members leads to care inconsistencies, healthcare errors, and missed opportunities to address specific patient needs. Furthermore, the psychological well-being of patients has suffered due to enforced isolation, contributing to higher mortality rates and complications.

Considering the critical importance of family engagement during the pandemic, our group has formulated the PICOT question, “Patient and Family Engagement during a Pandemic.” This topic has raised significant concerns throughout 2020, and this paper seeks to explore the negative effects of restricted family involvement on patient outcomes, the implications for healthcare workers and family members, and the urgent need for solutions to this pressing issue.

Synthesis of Literature

The study by Tupper, Ward, and Parmar (2010) investigates the connection between family visits or engagement and patient well-being, including its impact on healthcare staff. The research identifies two key variables: the independent variable being the allowance of family visits and the dependent variable being patient well-being. Findings indicate that permitting family visits correlates with enhanced patient well-being. This qualitative research emphasizes the quality of patient health and its influence on healthcare professionals. Additionally, Tupper et al. (2020) highlight the necessity of balancing family engagement with the safety of all individuals involved.

In another qualitative study by Burn and Chung (2010), the focus is on the role of evidence-based medicine in addressing clinical questions. This study identifies two variables: the independent variable being the formulation of clinical questions and the dependent variable being the application of evidence-based medicine. The findings illustrate the critical role of evidence-based practices in shaping the future of healthcare and improving quality efforts.

Levels of Evidence

Our group has been assigned a prognosis question, which seeks to predict the outcomes of an intervention for a particular population (Burns & Chung, 2010). The PICOT question centers on promoting family and patient participation during the pandemic and evaluating the effects of various interventions on patients and their families. The study design selected for this analysis is determined by the nature of the research question.

Cohort studies are often an appropriate method for prognosis questions. As noted by Burns and Chung (2010), a prospective cohort study involves observing participants undergoing an intervention and assessing outcomes. This methodology allows for comparison between two groups with similar characteristics but exposed to different interventions. In the context of our PICOT question, both research groups comprise hospitalized patients and their families during the pandemic. One group receives a targeted intervention aimed at improving family engagement, while the other group does not receive the same intervention. Given the circumstances of the pandemic, a prospective cohort design is suitable as it facilitates ongoing monitoring and implementation of prescribed interventions.

Based on this design, our study aligns with level two evidence, indicating moderate certainty in the results. By employing a prospective cohort approach, we can obtain valuable insights regarding the prognosis and effects of interventions on patient and family outcomes during the pandemic.

Search Strategies

To conduct my research, I employed various search strategies to identify relevant literature. Initially, I accessed the Chamberlain University Library and utilized specific keywords, such as “family and patient engagement during a pandemic” and “COVID-19 pandemic,” to direct my search. I explored multiple databases, including CU libraries and Google Scholar, to gather informative publications.

To refine my search results and manage the overwhelming number of available papers, I implemented specific filters and criteria. My focus was on selecting peer-reviewed articles while restricting the geographical location to the United States. Additionally, I limited my search to articles published within the last five years. These adjustments facilitated a more streamlined search process, allowing me to identify two critical studies that I believed would be beneficial for my group and myself.

Throughout my research, I prioritized locating studies that provided insights into techniques and strategies for enhancing family and patient engagement in healthcare settings, particularly in light of the challenges posed by the pandemic. By utilizing these search strategies, I aimed to gather relevant information to contribute to a better understanding of effective methods for fostering engagement during these trying times.

Conclusion

The two studies discussed offer valuable insights that support our group’s analysis and align with our hypothesis. One article examines the transformation of American medicine through the adoption of evidence-based practices, while the other explores the implications of COVID-19 on hospitals and patient-family engagement. Given the high-risk environment of hospital settings, family involvement in inpatient care has undergone considerable changes during the COVID-19 pandemic to reduce virus transmission. Nonetheless, recognizing the importance of family engagement in promoting positive patient outcomes is crucial. Therefore, exploring strategies that facilitate family involvement in care while minimizing the risk of further infection spread is essential. With the insights gained from these studies, we can enhance our understanding of practical approaches to maintain family engagement in healthcare settings during these challenging times.

References

Burn, P.B., & Chung, K.C. (2010). Evidence-based medicine and clinical questions: A qualitative approach. Journal of Clinical Evidence, 1(1), 1-5. https://doi.org/10.1097/PRS.0b013e3181de24a

Houser, J. (2018). Nursing research: Reading, using, and creating evidence. Jones & Bartlett Learning.

NR 449 Week 5 RUA Evidence Based Practice 12

Tupper, S.M., Ward, H., & Parmar, J. (2020). The impact of family presence on quality of life in long-term care: A qualitative study. Canadian Geriatrics Journal, 23(4), 335–339. https://doi.org/10.5770/cgj.23.476