NURS FPX 8045 Assessment 3 Craft a PICOT question and a Search Research

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Capella university

NURS-FPX 8045 Doctoral Writing and Professional Practice

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Date

Differentiating QI/PI Projects from Research Studies

Quality Improvement (QI) and Performance Improvement (PI) projects, along with research studies, play critical roles in addressing challenges within healthcare environments. The primary objective of the QI/PI project at Lima Memorial Hospital (LMH) is to minimize re-hospitalization rates in patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) by enhancing discharge protocols. While both QI/PI projects and research studies aim to solve healthcare issues, they differ significantly in their goals and methodologies. QI/PI projects focus on enhancing existing processes within a specific setting by implementing practical changes and assessing their outcomes, leading to immediate improvements. These projects employ structured strategies and data evaluation to identify areas needing enhancement (Faiman, 2021).

At LMH, a QI/PI initiative might emphasize improving discharge protocols, given the evidence that effective discharge strategies reduce hospital readmissions and associated risks (Miravitlles et al., 2023). These projects emphasize practical, locally relevant solutions designed for immediate application to existing operations. They require an understanding of the underlying factors influencing current practices (Mohan, 2023). Conversely, research involves a systematic and structured investigation focused on gathering, analyzing, and interpreting data to answer a specific question. Research studies aim to generate broadly applicable knowledge that contributes to the larger body of evidence through comprehensive analysis and systematic observation (Hays & McKibben, 2021; Renjith et al., 2021).

Table: Comparing QI/PI Projects and Research Studies

Aspect	QI/PI Projects	Research Studies
Purpose	Enhance existing processes for immediate improvements.	Generate generalizable knowledge for broader application.
Methodology	Systematic evaluation of current practices and data.	Structured data collection, evaluation, and interpretation.
Focus	Local, practical solutions for specific organizational needs.	Extensive evidence to inform policy and practice at larger scales.

Application in Healthcare Improvement

Both QI/PI projects and research contribute significantly to healthcare improvement but differ in scope and application. For example, research on COPD patient readmissions would examine factors contributing to the problem using methods such as longitudinal studies or randomized controlled trials. Such studies analyze data to uncover trends and publish findings that influence policies and practices broadly. Meanwhile, a QI/PI initiative at LMH would address immediate patient safety concerns by optimizing discharge protocols. By doing so, it could reduce re-hospitalizations and improve patient outcomes. While research offers critical insights into systemic causes and broader medical issues, QI/PI projects provide actionable solutions tailored to current operational needs.

References

Faiman, B. (2021). Quality improvement projects and clinical research studies. Journal of the Advanced Practitioner in Oncology, 12(4), 360–361. https://doi.org/10.6004/jadpro.2021.12.4.1

Hays, D. G., & McKibben, W. B. (2021). Promoting rigorous research: Generalizability and qualitative research. Journal of Counseling & Development, 99(2), 178-188. https://doi.org/10.1002/jcad.12365

Miravitlles, M., Bhutani, M., Hurst, J. R., Franssen, F. M., van Boven, J. F., Khoo, E. M., & Scullion, J. E. (2023). Implementing an evidence-based COPD hospital discharge protocol: A narrative review and expert recommendations. Advances in Therapy, 40(10), 4236-4263. https://doi.org/10.1007%2Fs12325-023-02609-8