NSG 3370
The Role of the Nurse in Quality and Patient Safety Paper
Guidelines
The Role of the Nurse in Quality and Patient Safety Paper should focus on the utilization of Evidence-Based Practice to improve quality and safety of patients. It should be supported by the 2023 National Patient Safety Goals and literature. The paper should be objective, and not opinion based.
Choose one clinical problem from the list below that could use improvement. Describe the clinical problem and provide support from the literature. Do not write about personal experiences of you or personnel (coworkers, supervisors, etc.) in your practice or of ongoing project in your facility.
Bedside report issues
A literature search should be performed. Locate at least 3 articles of studies published in peer-reviewed, scholarly journals and published within the last 5 years. DO NOT use unpublished Master’s theses or unpublished doctoral dissertations, as these sources are not published in a journal but available from a repository. The published journal articles should be studies related to the topic, which should be used as resources to support the clinical problem, the National Patient Safety Goal and the Process Improvement Tool. Use the journal articles to write and give support to the paper. A chapter from text may also be used as an additional resource to support the information but IS NOT included in the review of the literature. However, the specific chapter author must be cited and referenced according to APA guidelines.
Choose a specific 2023 National Patient Safety Goal that applies to the clinical problem. Identify the specific NPSG by number as given by the Joint Commission (see document below). Describe and relate how the specific NPSG applies to the clinical problem.
Choose a Process Improvement Tool listed below that would be appropriate for implementation. Describe the tool, and how the tool could/should be implemented. You will find more information on each Tool in Chapter 22.
flowcharts
Pareto chart
cause and effect diagrams
run charts
Follow APA 7th Edition Guidelines for formatting.
Parts of the Paper
The Introduction is the first section of the paper and starts on the first page after the title page. Describe the purpose of the paper. Describe the chosen clinical problem and cite supporting information about the clinical problem in general terms.
Describe the Clinical Problem seen in clinical nursing practice that you chose for the list. Explain the deficits, lack of quality or risk to patient safety related to the clinical problem. Use references to support the problem. Cite descriptions and supporting information. Do not write about personal experiences as described previously.
Relate/link the problem to a 2023 National Patient Safety Goal . Describe the specific NPSG with number and relate the goal to the clinical problem. Cite the sources and supporting evidence.
Propose a recommended Process Improvement Tool . Choose 1 of the tools listed below and describe/discuss with rationale for using the tool.
flowcharts
Pareto chart
cause and effect diagrams
run charts
Use Chapter 22 in Cherry and Jacob 7th edition textbook to Help in choosing an appropriate tool. Modify the chosen tool to apply to the clinical problem. Describe the tool and cite the tool and supporting evidence. Describe how the tool can be applied to the clinical problem and meet the chosen NPSG to improve patient safety and quality of care.
Write a Review of Literature for supporting evidence for the problem, NPSG, and tool. This review should include at least three (3) current scholarly EBP articles published within the last 5 years (at least one should be primary research, i.e. a study; more is preferable) from peer-reviewed journals. DO NOT use a Master’s theses or doctoral dissertation found in a repository. See the previous information under #3. An organization (The Joint Commision, CDC, etc.) may not be included in the review but can be used in citations for support. Provide a brief summary of information (at least 2 paragraphs) about the each of the 3 chosen scholarly sources chosen for the review of literature and that would provide EBP evidence for the solution to this problem or need for change. Use the APA manual and the document “Writing a Literature Review” to Help you. Cite the information throughout the review.
The Conclusion for the paper follows the literature review. Summarize the topic and give recommendations for the problem and for implementation of the tool and accomplishment of the appropriate NPSG. Cite the information to support the information.
The Reference page should be a separate page and should contain all references used within the paper. Format the references correctly – see the APA manual.
Submit the paper through the link in the Module in Canvas The link in the Module is already linked to Turnitin. Do not go to turnitin.com as the paper will not appear as a submission in Canvas and the gradebook for the course and cannot be graded. Turnitin is an anti-plagiarism site and will show similarities and whether the paper contains information taken directly from published sources.
_________________________-
The Role of the Nurse in Quality and Patient Safety: Implementing Bedside Reporting to Improve Communication
Introduction
Effective communication among healthcare providers is essential for ensuring patient safety and quality care. One key aspect of communication is the handoff between nurses at shift changes. This exchange of patient information allows nurses to remain up-to-date on each patient’s condition and plan of care. However, traditional methods of reporting away from the bedside have been shown to lack accuracy and completeness (Evans et al., 2012). Bedside reporting offers an evidence-based approach to enhance the handoff process through increased patient involvement.
Clinical Problem
A common issue seen in clinical practice is ineffective communication during shift-to-shift nursing report. Conducting report away from the patient’s bedside prevents their participation in the exchange of information (Maxson et al., 2012). Without the ability to clarify or add details, patients may feel less informed about their care. This disconnect can compromise safety if any misunderstandings arise between nurses or if patients have new information to share.
National Patient Safety Goal
This clinical problem directly relates to the Joint Commission’s National Patient Safety Goal NPSG.02.02.01, which aims to “improve the effectiveness of communication among caregivers” (The Joint Commission, 2023). By bringing report to the bedside, nurses fulfill this goal through keeping patients actively engaged in the handoff process. This allows for more accurate information exchange and confirmation of the plan of care between all parties.
Process Improvement Tool
Implementing a new workflow like bedside reporting requires analyzing current processes for areas of improvement. A flowchart would be an appropriate tool to map out how bedside reporting could be optimally incorporated while addressing potential barriers. Flowcharts provide a visual representation of sequential steps that clearly show inputs and outputs in a process (Cherry & Jacob, 2022). For this clinical problem, a flowchart could be modified based on stakeholder feedback to determine the most efficient timing and logistics for bedside reporting participation.
Literature Review
Several research studies have explored the impact of bedside reporting. Evans et al. (2012) conducted a quasi-experimental study comparing pre and post implementation outcomes at a hospital. Results found bedside reporting significantly improved patient safety and nursing job satisfaction scores. Additionally, call light usage decreased, indicating increased patient understanding. A survey by Manias et al. (2016) polled 441 healthcare professionals, most of whom felt bedside reporting enhanced patient involvement but took more time. Finally, focus groups in Maxson et al.’s (2012) qualitative study revealed bedside reporting led to improved communication accuracy, accountability and patient comprehension over traditional methods.
Conclusion
In conclusion, bedside reporting presents an evidence-based solution aligned with quality improvement aims. Implementing the practice through a planned process involving a flowchart tool could address current issues while fulfilling the goals of effective communication. Optimizing the handoff enhances continuity of care and patient-centered practices, which supports positive patient outcomes. Further research on overcoming time barrier perceptions could aid successful integration of bedside reporting into daily nursing workflows.
Evans, D., Grunawalt, J., McClish, D., Wood, W., & Friese, C. R. (2012). Bedside shift-to-shift nursing report: Implementation and outcomes. MEDSURG Nursing, 21(5), 281–292.
Manias, E., Geddes, F., Watson, B., Jones, D., & Della, P. (2016). Perspectives of clinical handover processes: A multi-site survey across different health professionals. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 25(1-2), 80–91.https://doi.org/10.1111/jocn.13190
Maxson, P. M., Derby, K. M., Wrobleski, D. M., & Foss, D. M. (2012). Bedside nurse-to-nurse handoff promotes patient safety. Medsurg Nursing, 21(3), 140–145.
Cherry, B., & Jacob, S. R. (2022). Contemporary nursing: Issues, trends, & management (8th ed.). Elsevier.
