NU300: Unit 5 Assignment Evidence-Based Practice: Innovation and Change Worksheet

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Purdue University Global

NU300 Professional Leadership Transitions

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Evidence-Based Practice, Innovation, and Change Worksheet

Healthcare innovations driven by evidence-based practice (EBP) improve patient safety, enhance clinical outcomes, and support high-quality nursing care. Nursing research provides the scientific evidence needed to implement effective practice changes, reduce preventable errors, and improve patient outcomes. This worksheet examines the role of nursing research, explores evidence-based strategies for reducing healthcare-associated infections, and discusses the motivating and restraining forces that influence successful implementation of practice changes.

Part A: Current Applications of Nursing Research

Problem and Significance

The selected research article by Cooper, Tupper, and Holm (2016) examined interruptions that occur during medication administration. The study sought to identify the frequency and types of interruptions experienced by nurses, evaluate how these interruptions affected the time required to administer medications, and determine whether interruption patterns varied throughout the day.

Medication administration interruptions represent a significant patient safety concern because they increase the likelihood of medication errors. Identifying the causes and frequency of interruptions enables healthcare organizations to develop strategies that reduce distractions, improve nursing workflow, and promote safer medication administration practices. Ultimately, minimizing unnecessary interruptions contributes to better patient outcomes and enhances the quality of nursing care.

Research Approach Method

The researchers used a quantitative research approach. Quantitative research relies on numerical data, objective measurements, and statistical analysis to examine relationships between variables and evaluate outcomes (Blais & Hayes, 2016).

This study was appropriately classified as quantitative because it measured:

The number of interruptions
Types of interruptions
Time required for medication administration
Statistical relationships between interruptions and medication administration time

The use of measurable data strengthened the reliability of the study findings and supported evidence-based recommendations for nursing practice.

Improving Patient Outcomes

The study findings demonstrate that reducing unnecessary interruptions during medication administration can significantly improve patient safety. Healthcare organizations can use these findings to implement interventions such as:

Establishing designated “No Interruption” medication zones
Educating staff about minimizing non-urgent interruptions
Standardizing medication administration procedures
Improving communication among healthcare team members

These evidence-based interventions help reduce medication errors, improve nursing efficiency, and enhance overall patient outcomes.

In-text citation: (Cooper et al., 2016)

Part B: Future Applications of Evidence-Based Practice

Problem and Significance

One significant clinical issue observed in the healthcare setting is the increase in Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections (CLABSIs). Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, the nursing unit experienced a noticeable rise in CLABSI cases, negatively affecting patient safety, increasing hospital stays, and raising healthcare costs.

CLABSIs are among the most preventable healthcare-associated infections. Reducing these infections is essential because they contribute to increased patient mortality, prolonged hospitalization, and substantial financial burdens on healthcare systems.

Addressing the Problem to Improve Patient Outcomes

Evidence-based nursing research can identify effective interventions that reduce CLABSI rates. Research findings support several best practices that significantly decrease infection risk, including:

Performing proper hand hygiene before and after patient contact
Bathing patients with chlorhexidine daily
Changing central line dressings according to established protocols
Scrubbing catheter hubs and access ports before every use
Replacing IV tubing according to infection prevention guidelines
Conducting daily assessments to determine whether central lines remain clinically necessary
Educating healthcare personnel on evidence-based insertion and maintenance techniques
Performing routine compliance audits to ensure adherence to infection prevention protocols

Implementing these evidence-based interventions can reduce CLABSI incidence, lower healthcare costs, shorten hospital stays, and improve patient survival.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 2014), most CLABSIs are preventable when healthcare professionals consistently follow evidence-based infection prevention practices.

Research Approach Method

A quantitative research design would be the most appropriate method for studying this issue because it allows researchers to:

Measure infection rates before and after interventions
Compare outcomes between patient populations
Analyze statistical relationships between preventive measures and infection reduction
Evaluate the effectiveness of evidence-based protocols

Using measurable clinical outcomes provides reliable evidence for improving nursing practice.

Part C: Navigating Change

Motivating Force #1: Hand Hygiene Compliance

Description

Hand hygiene is one of the most effective evidence-based interventions for preventing healthcare-associated infections. Proper handwashing reduces the transmission of microorganisms between healthcare providers and patients.

Example

Healthcare facilities implemented mandatory hand hygiene policies, educational programs, compliance monitoring, and sanitizer stations throughout patient care areas.

Effect

Improved hand hygiene compliance reduced infection rates, strengthened patient safety initiatives, and accelerated the adoption of evidence-based infection prevention practices.

Motivating Force #2: Leadership Support

Description

Strong leadership encourages staff participation in evidence-based practice by providing education, resources, and organizational support for change initiatives.

Example

Nurse managers introduced infection prevention training, monitored compliance with clinical protocols, and recognized staff members who demonstrated best practices.

Effect

Leadership involvement increased staff engagement, improved adherence to clinical guidelines, and facilitated successful implementation of new evidence-based practices.

Restraining Force #1: Resistance to Change

Description

Some healthcare professionals may be reluctant to adopt new clinical practices due to established routines, skepticism, or uncertainty regarding new procedures.

Example

Staff members continued using previous methods despite updated infection prevention protocols and evidence-based recommendations.

Effect

Resistance delayed implementation, reduced compliance, and limited improvements in patient safety and quality of care.

Restraining Force #2: Staffing Shortages and Workload

Description

High patient-to-nurse ratios and heavy workloads often limit the time available to consistently perform evidence-based interventions.

Example

Busy clinical units occasionally experienced missed hand hygiene opportunities, delayed dressing changes, or inconsistent documentation due to staffing constraints.

Effect

Workforce shortages impeded consistent implementation of evidence-based practices and increased the risk of preventable patient complications.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is evidence-based practice (EBP) in nursing?

Evidence-based practice integrates the best available research evidence, clinical expertise, and patient preferences to guide healthcare decisions and improve patient outcomes.

Why is quantitative research commonly used in nursing?

Quantitative research provides measurable, objective data that helps evaluate interventions, identify trends, and support evidence-based clinical decision-making.

Why are medication interruptions a patient safety concern?

Interruptions during medication administration increase the risk of medication errors, prolong nursing tasks, and may compromise patient safety.

What is a CLABSI?

A Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infection (CLABSI) is a serious infection that occurs when bacteria or other pathogens enter the bloodstream through a central venous catheter. Most CLABSIs are preventable through evidence-based infection control practices.

How does nursing research improve patient outcomes?

Nursing research identifies effective clinical interventions, evaluates patient care practices, and provides scientific evidence that supports safer, more efficient healthcare delivery.

Medication Administration Interruptions

Research demonstrates that reducing interruptions during medication administration improves patient safety by decreasing medication errors, increasing nursing efficiency, and supporting standardized clinical workflows.

Preventing Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections

Evidence-based interventions—including hand hygiene, chlorhexidine bathing, proper dressing maintenance, catheter hub disinfection, daily line necessity assessments, and staff education—significantly reduce CLABSI rates and improve patient outcomes.

Importance of Evidence-Based Practice

Evidence-based practice enables nurses to implement interventions supported by scientific research, resulting in higher-quality care, improved patient safety, reduced healthcare costs, and better clinical outcomes.

References

Blais, K. K., & Hayes, J. S. (2016). Professional nursing practice: Concepts and perspectives (7th ed.). Pearson.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2014). Central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) prevention resources. https://www.cdc.gov/infection-control/hcp/intravascular-catheters/index.html