Why is it important to identify practice guidelines? Some of you may be questioning the relevance of exploring this topic. Simply put, clinical practice guidelines are evidence-based practice. Practices that are derived from research findings are more likely to result in desired (i.e. positive) patient outcomes across a variety of settings and geographical locations. This is the beginning of quality improvement in practice. For instance, the treatment of a patient with SVT, Heart Failure, and COPD should be the same whether we work in California, New York, or in southwest Louisiana! The care that is provided should be based on evidence for best practice.
Reflect
Practice Guidelines can be a template for the care we provide. For instance, The Joint Commission (TJC) has practice guidelines for Heart Failure. These practice guidelines often become “standing orders” in cardiac care units and emergency departments. If you have worked in these areas, I am sure you have seen them. Implementation of these guidelines with every patient produces positive patient outcomes, which in turn result in decreased hospital stays, admissions, and re-admissions. Patient welfare is always a top priority for health care providers, but we also have a fiscal responsibility to the organizations we work for. Great patient outcomes mean reimbursement in sufficient amounts for the organization to operate! It’s as simple as that.
Identify clinical practice guidelines or research that support the medical and nursing plan of care for the patient in the case study. In Module 2, you made a conclusion about actual and potential problems in the case based on the data clusters you created. Now you need to ensure the priority problems are being addressed in the medical plan of care. For example, you could review the American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines for the treatment of cardiac arrest or SVT, as well as the Joint Commission Core Measures for the treatment of CHF.
Evaluate medical therapy by providing a rationale for the medical orders in the case scenario for this module.
Identify medical orders you would question as incorrect and give a rationale
Identify missing orders for which you would need to follow up with the health care provider, and give your rationale as to why
