Discuss how your research inquiry relates to evidence-based practice. What practice improvement outcomes do you expect your inquiry to accomplish? How do you intend to evaluate your capstone project?
- Length: A minimum of 280 words, not including references
HAPU
Title: Pressure Ulcer Prevention and Evidence-Based Practice
Research Inquiry: The research inquiry focuses on developing a comprehensive pressure ulcer prevention program in healthcare settings, utilizing evidence-based practice (EBP) principles. Pressure ulcers, also known as bedsores or HAPUs (Hospital-Acquired Pressure Ulcers), are a prevalent healthcare concern that significantly impacts patient outcomes and healthcare costs. The aim is to identify the most effective interventions and strategies supported by robust evidence and implement them to reduce the incidence of HAPUs.
Evidence-Based Practice: Evidence-based practice emphasizes the integration of the best available evidence, clinical expertise, and patient preferences to inform healthcare decision-making. In the context of pressure ulcer prevention, an evidence-based approach involves systematically reviewing existing literature, clinical guidelines, and relevant research studies to identify interventions that have demonstrated efficacy in preventing HAPUs.
Practice Improvement Outcomes: The inquiry’s main objective is to improve patient care and outcomes by reducing the occurrence of HAPUs. By incorporating evidence-based interventions into a prevention program, healthcare facilities can enhance patient safety, minimize patient suffering, and reduce the length of hospital stays. Additionally, implementing a standardized pressure ulcer prevention protocol can potentially lead to cost savings by reducing the need for extended wound care and treatments associated with HAPUs.
Evaluation of the Capstone Project: The capstone project’s effectiveness will be evaluated through a mixed-methods approach. Firstly, quantitative data will be collected to measure the incidence rate of HAPUs before and after the implementation of the pressure ulcer prevention program. The reduction in HAPU rates will indicate the program’s impact on patient outcomes. Secondly, qualitative data will be gathered from healthcare providers, patients, and caregivers to gauge their perceptions and experiences with the prevention program. This feedback will help assess the program’s feasibility, acceptance, and adherence.
Additionally, the capstone project’s success will be measured against predefined benchmarks and compared to existing best practices in the field of pressure ulcer prevention. By combining both quantitative and qualitative assessments, the research inquiry can provide a comprehensive evaluation of the program’s effectiveness and its alignment with evidence-based practice principles.