NURS FPX 5005 Assessment 3 Evidence-based Practice in Nursing

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Capella university

NURS-FPX 5005 Introduction to Nursing Research, Ethics, and Technology

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Introduction

Ensuring patient safety and minimizing medication errors (MEs) are fundamental priorities in healthcare. One of the most effective technological advancements in this regard is the Barcode Medication Administration (BCMA) system, which has been instrumental in reducing MEs and improving patient outcomes, particularly in high-risk environments such as critical care units. Medication administration errors (MAEs) remain a significant concern for healthcare professionals as they can result in adverse events (AEs) or, in severe cases, patient mortality.

However, general solutions alone are insufficient without the incorporation of Evidence-Based Practices (EBPs) (Worafi, 2020). This paper explores the criteria and processes involved in implementing EBP, the role of scholarship and information in nursing practice, and the ethical and regulatory implications of adopting BCMA systems. Additionally, it outlines a structured implementation plan to ensure that BCMA technology aligns with legal and ethical standards while enhancing patient safety in clinical settings.

EBP Criteria and Processes

Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) is an approach that integrates clinical expertise, patient preferences, and the best available research evidence to optimize patient outcomes. Nursing decisions must always be grounded in scientific evidence. The EBP process begins with formulating a clinical question, often using the PICOT format: Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome, and Time. Once the question is established, a literature search is conducted to retrieve peer-reviewed research relevant to the topic. The next step involves critically appraising the evidence to assess its validity, reliability, and applicability (Dang et al., 2021, p. 384).

Following appraisal, the evidence is integrated into clinical practice while considering patient preferences and organizational resources. The final phase involves evaluating outcomes to determine the intervention’s effectiveness and identifying areas for improvement. Several criteria are essential when developing EBP, including the strength of evidence, alignment with clinical guidelines, relevance to patient needs, and feasibility within the healthcare setting. However, barriers such as limited access to high-quality research, staff resistance to change, and time constraints in clinical environments often pose challenges to EBP implementation. Overcoming these challenges requires strong leadership, continuous education, and fostering a culture that supports evidence-based practices (Dang et al., 2021, p. 384).

Scholarship and Information in EBP

The foundation of EBP in nursing relies on scholarship and access to credible information. Nursing scholarship involves the pursuit, dissemination, and application of knowledge, enabling nurses to stay informed about the latest research, best practices, and strategies for improving patient outcomes. EBP is strengthened through scholarly inquiry, which bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and clinical practice, ensuring that nursing interventions are grounded in scientific evidence rather than tradition or intuition (Cullen et al., 2022).

Scholarly research allows nurses to critically appraise studies and determine the suitability of interventions for their clinical settings. This not only fosters innovation in nursing practice but also ensures high-quality care and patient safety (Cullen et al., 2022). Several factors must be considered when evaluating the quality and applicability of evidence. First, credibility and reliability must be assessed, ensuring that sources originate from peer-reviewed journals or authoritative databases and that the research has undergone rigorous scrutiny by experts.

Additionally, relevance is crucial, meaning that the evidence must be applicable to the specific clinical setting and patient population. Validity and rigor are also integral components, as research must follow sound methodologies, including appropriate study design, sample size, and statistical analysis, to produce valid and reproducible findings (Schmidt & Brown, 2024, p. 650). Timeliness is another essential factor, as healthcare is a rapidly evolving field, and older practices may no longer be applicable. Ideally, research should be published within the last five years to reflect current best practices and advancements (Shaker et al., 2020).

Adhering to these criteria ensures that nursing decisions are based on high-quality evidence, ultimately enhancing patient care. Strong scholarship enables nurses to make informed decisions, address emerging healthcare needs, and continuously improve patient outcomes through evidence-based approaches (Schmidt & Brown, 2024, p. 650).

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Table: Key Aspects of BCMA Implementation in EBP

Heading	Description
EBP Criteria and Processes	EBP integrates clinical expertise, patient preferences, and research to improve patient care. The process involves formulating a PICOT question, conducting a literature review, appraising evidence, and applying findings in practice. Key challenges include access to quality research, staff resistance, and time constraints (Dang et al., 2021, p. 384).
Scholarship and Information in EBP	Nursing scholarship supports EBP by ensuring access to credible research and fostering innovation. Criteria for high-quality evidence include credibility, relevance, validity, and timeliness (Cullen et al., 2022; Schmidt & Brown, 2024, p. 650).
Technology and Ethical/Regulatory Implications	BCMA enhances patient safety by reducing medication errors, aligning with ethical principles of beneficence and non-maleficence. Challenges include staff resistance and data privacy concerns. Compliance with HIPAA and Joint Commission standards is essential for implementation (Hughes, 2021; Abdelaziz et al., 2024).

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Conclusion

The implementation of BCMA systems in critical care units is a crucial step toward reducing medication errors and enhancing patient safety through evidence-based practices. While BCMA provides an effective solution for minimizing human errors, challenges such as staff resistance and workflow disruptions must be addressed to ensure successful integration. By adhering to ethical principles, regulatory requirements, and continuous quality improvement measures, healthcare organizations can effectively implement BCMA technology, leading to safer and more efficient patient care.

References

(The references provided in the original text remain unchanged and are included below for completeness.)

Abdelaziz, S., Amigoni, A., Kurttila, M., Laaksonen, R., Silvari, V., & Franklin, B. D. (2024). Medication safety strategies in European adult, pediatric, and neonatal intensive care units: A cross-sectional survey. European Journal of Hospital Pharmacy. https://doi.org/10.1136/ejhpharm-2023-004018

Cullen, L., Hanrahan, K., Farrington, M., Tucker, S., Edmonds, S., & Tau, T. (2022). Evidence-based practice in action: Comprehensive strategies, tools, and tips from University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics. Sigma Theta Tau International.

NURS FPX 5005 Assessment 3 Evidence-based Practice in Nursing

Dang, D., Dearholt, S., Bissett, K., Ascenzi, J., & Whalen, M. (2021). Johns Hopkins evidence-based practice for nurses and healthcare professionals: Model & guidelines (4th ed.). Sigma Theta Tau International.

Hughes, T. (2021). Ethical conflicts and legal liability in professional nursing. The Medical-Legal Aspects of Acute Care Medicine, 393–415. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-68570-6_18

Mohanna, Z., Kusljic, S., & Jarden, R. (2021). Investigation of interventions to reduce nurses’ medication errors in adult intensive care units: A systematic review. Australian Critical Care, 35(4), 466–479. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aucc.2021.05.012

Schmidt, N. A., & Brown, J. M. (2024). Evidence-based practice for nurses: Appraisal and application of research (6th ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.

Shaker, M. S., Wallace, D. V., Golden, D. B. K., et al. (2020). Anaphylaxis—a 2020 practice parameter update, systematic review, and GRADE analysis. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 145(4), 1082–1123. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaci.2020.01.017

NURS FPX 5005 Assessment 3 Evidence-based Practice in Nursing

Worafi, Y. M. A. (2020). Medication errors. Drug Safety in Developing Countries, 59–71. https://doi.org/10.1016/b978-0-12-819837-7.00006-6