Objectives
The purpose of this clinical project is for the student to:
1. Apply the nursing process to Quality Improvement by selecting a clinical problem and discussing how a model of improvement can be applied to the patient problem.
2. Demonstrate awareness of safety and quality projects focused on minimizing harm through system effectiveness.
3. Discuss how communication occurs within an organization.
Directions
1. Identify a situation in your clinical experience where you identified a problem in which you feel change is indicated. This change could theoretically involve or require the formation of a new policy and/ or procedure, or, the enforcement of current policy and/or procedure. Describe the situation and the actual and potential outcomes.
2. Discuss this situation/problem with your clinical instructor and obtain prior approval to proceed with your project. (professor approved the subject of the paper as the “assignment topic” above: Handwashing percentages need to be improved in the hospital setting to prevent nosocomial infections leading to sepsis.)
3. Implement an analysis to identify the potential cause of the issue.
4. Use the Plan-Do-Study-Act method to describe how to effectively implement the change needed to prevent the situation from re-occurring.
Requirements and Grading
Evaluation of your project will be completed utilizing the following criteria.
1. Describe the situation/outcomes and the quality indicators you will be addressing. You may use one or more of the Patient Quality Indicators described by the ANA or QSEN:
o Mix of RNs, LPNs, and Unlicensed Staff Caring for Patients in Acute Care Settings
o Total Nursing Care Hours Provided per Patient Day
o Pressure Ulcers
o Patient Falls
o Patient Satisfaction with Pain Management
o Patient Satisfaction with Educational Information
o Patient Satisfaction with Overall Care
o Patient Satisfaction with Nursing Care
o Nosocomial Infection Rate
o Nurse Staff Satisfaction
2. Perform a literature search to provide evidence-based practice data to support the proposed change needed.
3. Describe how you would use the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) described in your text to implement this change if you were going to implement your plan.
4. Develop a detailed plan that will allow you to implement this change with minimal resistance. Include how this change should affect client outcomes.
5. Describe the flow of communication that you feel would be necessary to successfully implement this change.
