Development and Implementation of a Model for Research, Evidence-Based Practice, Quality Improvement, and Innovation

Organizational and Practice Outcomes of a Post-Baccalaureate Registered Nurse Residency Program

A nurse residency for newly licensed registered nurses is best practice. A novel model for transitioning new nurses is a 1-year, postbaccalaureate residency that is rotation based with protected time for supervised clinical and didactic learning. After 10 years with this program, a summative evaluation found that retention rates for 1, 2, 3, and 5 years after program completion were 93%, 83%, 73%, and 82%, respectively, higher than similar programs in the literature.

The Mountain Model for Evidence-Based Practice Quality Improvement Initiatives

ABSTRACT

This article introduces the Mountain Model, the first conceptual model for evidence-based practice quality improvement (EBPQI) initiatives. The Mountain Model merges modern evidence-based practice (EBP) and quality improvement (QI) paradigm principles into a unified conceptual framework with the goal of disseminating and sustaining EBPQI projects across health care and related settings. The model was developed within the nursing discipline, but is designed for transdisciplinary implementation through interprofessional teams.

INnovation, QUality Improvement, Research, and Evidence-Based Practice (INQUIRE): A Navigation Model for Change and Discovery

BACKGROUND

Despite scholarly articles and pathway models delineating quality improvement (QI), evidence-based practice (EBP), research, and innovation, guidance is lacking when determining the project method. A practical, step-by-step approach is needed to support project navigation.

PURPOSE

To describe development and evaluation of a decision-making pathway model.

METHODS

The INQUIRE Model was developed using an iterative approach and was evaluated with 23 national conference attendees. The evaluation included 4 Likert-type items ranging from 1 (strongly disagree) to 7 (strongly agree).

RESULTS

The model guides users through project planning steps based on an identified trigger (eg, problem, opportunity, and challenge) to ultimately select a project method that aligns with the project scope and availability of a solution. Model evaluation found identification of the project method improved by 14%, scanning for a solution by 8%, avoiding missed steps by 36%, and building a team by 10%.

CONCLUSION

Findings suggest INQUIRE can enhance project planning and method (eg, QI, EBP, research, and innovation) selection. Organizations should evaluate project planning current state to identify the potential benefit of model incorporation.

Supporting the Safe Use of the Dorsogluteal Intramuscular Injection Site: An Evidence-Based Quality Improvement Project

INTRODUCTION

Administering intramuscular (IM) injections is common in the adult mental health patient care setting, using the deltoid, vastus lateralis, ventrogluteal, or dorsogluteal site. Mental health nurses frequently use the dorsogluteal site to administer short and long-acting IM injections as specified in the drug package insert or because of patient agitation. However, the site is often not recommended due to the potential risk of nerve injury.

AIMS

Aims of this evidence-based quality improvement project were to (1) determine the best evidence for supporting the safe use of the dorsogluteal site for short and long-acting IM injections and (2) implement this evidence through nurse education.

METHOD

This project had two phases: Determining best evidence through an integrative literature review and implementing the recommendations to use the dorsogluteal site when directed by the drug package insert, clinical need, nursing judgment, or patient preference. Implementation followed the Plan-Do-Study-Act quality improvement process and involved written resources and simulation.

RESULTS

Evidence supported the use of the dorsogluteal site in four instances and the importance of education. Nurses were highly satisfied with the education and opportunity to practice their skills with feedback during return demonstration. After studying nurses' follow-up survey results, a refresher simulation and medical center guideline were completed. There were no reports of IM injection patient injuries after 2 years and approximately 768 dorsogluteal and ventrogluteal IM injections in the academic medical center.

CONCLUSION

Pursuing recent and possibly overlooked evidence provided guidance in supporting the safe use of the dorsogluteal site for IM injections.

Impact of a quality improvement programme on the preparation and administration of medications via a nasoenteral feeding tube: 2014-2019 intervention study

AIMS

Evaluate the impact of a quality improvement programme on the reduction of feeding tube obstruction frequencies, analyse the predictive variables of this safety incident, and estimate the economic costs related to the quality improvement programme during the period from 2014 to 2019.

METHODS

Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles were performed to test the changes in drug preparation and administration processes via a nasoenteral feeding tube and to evaluate the outcome, process and balance measures. Statistical control charts were elaborated, and the bottom-up direct costing methodology was used to estimate the costs of the improvement programme. The impact of the programme on the monitoring measures was evaluated using logistic regression analysis.

INTERVENTIONS

The following changes were tested in the hospital participating in the study: acquisition of the Easy Crush equipment for tablet crushing, use of appropriate packaging to crush hard tablets, standardise procedures for scheduling administration times and/or substitution of the pharmaceutical form, educational activities for the nursing team and elaboration and availability of infographics for the nursing team, patients and/or family/caregivers.

RESULTS

There was a significant improvement in the frequency of tube obstructions, from 41.1% in 2014 to 57.9% in 2015-2017 and 9.6% in 2018-2019 (p=0.0010). After the execution of the improvement programme, it was estimated that the cost of dose preparation was reduced from R$1067.50 in 2014 to R$719.80 in 2015-2017 and R$433.10 in 2015-2019.

CONCLUSION

By re-establishing the processes of drug preparation and administration via a nasoenteral feeding tube, through the acquisition of appropriate equipment for crushing hard tablets, together with educational activities for the nursing team, we could observe a reduction in tube obstructions and the cost of processes.

Evidence-based practice models and frameworks in the healthcare setting: a scoping review

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this scoping review was to identify and review current evidence-based practice (EBP) models and frameworks. Specifically, how EBP models and frameworks used in healthcare settings align with the original model of (1) asking the question, (2) acquiring the best evidence, (3) appraising the evidence, (4) applying the findings to clinical practice and (5) evaluating the outcomes of change, along with patient values and preferences and clinical skills.

DESIGN

A Scoping review.

INCLUDED SOURCES AND ARTICLES

Published articles were identified through searches within electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus) from January 1990 to April 2022. The English language EBP models and frameworks included in the review all included the five main steps of EBP. Excluded were models and frameworks focused on one domain or strategy (eg, frameworks focused on applying findings).

RESULTS

Of the 20 097 articles found by our search, 19 models and frameworks met our inclusion criteria. The results showed a diverse collection of models and frameworks. Many models and frameworks were well developed and widely used, with supporting validation and updates. Some models and frameworks provided many tools and contextual instruction, while others provided only general process instruction. The models and frameworks reviewed demonstrated that the user must possess EBP expertise and knowledge for the step of assessing evidence. The models and frameworks varied greatly in the level of instruction to assess the evidence. Only seven models and frameworks integrated patient values and preferences into their processes.

CONCLUSION

Many EBP models and frameworks currently exist that provide diverse instructions on the best way to use EBP. However, the inclusion of patient values and preferences needs to be better integrated into EBP models and frameworks. Also, the issues of EBP expertise and knowledge to assess evidence must be considered when choosing a model or framework.

Using Lean Six Sigma to Increase the Effectiveness of an Evidence-Based Quality Improvement Program

BACKGROUND

Evidence-based quality improvement (EBQI) is an established methodology for identifying nursing practice changes that improve health care quality and safety. However, EBQI itself does not provide a framework for navigating the barriers to practice change.

LOCAL PROBLEM

An EBQI program in an orthopedic specialty hospital fostered many successful quality improvement projects. However, program participants frequently encountered barriers to project implementation.

METHODS

Lean Six Sigma (LSS) principles, tools, and strategies were incorporated into the EBQI program to help participants overcome organizational barriers to successful implementation.

INTERVENTIONS

LSS interventions included stakeholder alignment, process analysis, change management, project management, structured check-ins, mentoring, and organizational recognition.

RESULTS

The addition of LSS principles gave EBQI project leaders new tools for gaining executive support, securing resources, and overcoming organizational inertia to facilitate effective practice change.

CONCLUSIONS

Lean Six Sigma can increase the effectiveness of an EBQI program.

Role of Dutch internal policy advisors in a hospital quality improvement programme and their influence on nurses' role development: a qualitative study

OBJECTIVE

Nurses are vital in providing and improving quality of care. To enhance the quality improvement (QI) competencies of nurses, hospitals in the Netherlands run developmental programmes generally led by internal policy advisors (IPAs). In this study, we identify the roles IPAs play during these programmes to enhance the development of nurses' QI competencies and studied how these roles influenced nurses and management.

DESIGN

An exploratory ethnographical study comprising observations, informal conversations, semistructured interviews, focus groups and a strategy evaluation meeting.

SETTING

A teaching hospital in an urban region in the Netherlands.

PARTICIPANTS

IPAs (n=7) in collaboration with four teams of nurses (n=131), team managers (n=4), senior managers (n=4) and the hospital director (n=1).

RESULTS

We identified five distinct advisory roles that IPAs perform in the hospital programme: gatekeeper, connector, converter, reflector and implementer. In describing these roles, we provide insights into how IPAs help nurses to develop QI competencies. The IPA's professional background was a driving force for nurses' QI role development. However, QI development was threatened if IPAs lost sight of different stakeholders' interests and consequently lost their credibility. QI role development among nurses was also threatened if the IPA took on all responsibility instead of delegating it timely to managers and nurses.

CONCLUSIONS

We have shown how IPAs' professional background and advisory knowledge connect organisational, managerial and professional aims and interests to enhance professionalisation of nurses.

Implementing and Sustaining Bedside Shift Report for Quality Patient-Centered Care

BACKGROUND

Two evidence-based practice projects and an innovative model provided best evidence and a framework for the implementation and sustainment of a bedside shift report (BSR) quality improvement project.

PROBLEM

Without a standardized BSR process, there was a lack of Veteran involvement in care planning decisions and nurse dissatisfaction related to missed communication of pertinent patient information.

APPROACH

Facilitators and barriers were identified and addressed during planning. Key elements of BSR were incorporated. After approval by shared governance, unit-based champions and leaders supported the change. Implementation began every 2 weeks on a different unit.

OUTCOMES

Implementation was completed in 4 months for 11 units. After 15 months, there was consistent BSR on 82% of the units and improved patient satisfaction with nurses taking time to listen.

CONCLUSIONS

Best evidence, unit-based champions, leadership support, project coordinators, and persistence are critical to implementing and sustaining practice change.

A qualitative model for evaluating and improving nursing governance in medium- and long-term intermediate care

AIM

To evaluate nursing governance in intermediate care in Catalonia Spain and propose improvements.

BACKGROUND

Drawing on two existing models, the Magnet model and the corporate governance model, we propose that good nursing governance requires nursing leaders to apply the following dimensions: transformational leadership, transformational culture, commitment and sustainability, authority, scientific evidence, transparency and communication, and teamwork.

METHOD

A qualitative, exploratory study conducted in two phases. First, we asked nursing leaders in intermediate care to describe their opinions and experiences in each of the dimensions. Next, we observed governance practices at two intermediate care centres and conducted interviews with their nursing leaders. Content analysis was used.

RESULTS

Our participants' behaviour corresponded closely to the model in the dimensions of transformational culture and commitment and sustainability but failed to meet the model in the dimensions of scientific evidence and transparency and communication.

CONCLUSIONS

Participants had a leadership style focused on transforming their surroundings. According to the model, the leaders in our sample should draw more on scientific evidence and improve their internal communication about outcomes.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT

Establishing committees of nurses to address areas in which governance does not adhere to the model would create sustainable benefits for patients and nurses in intermediate care.