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

Patient safety is a core principle in healthcare delivery, with the reduction of medication errors (MEs) being a significant focus, particularly in high-risk areas like critical care units. Among the most effective technological solutions introduced to address this issue is the Barcode Medication Administration (BCMA) system. BCMA has demonstrated substantial success in lowering medication-related errors, thereby improving clinical outcomes and safeguarding patient well-being. Despite ongoing efforts, medication administration errors (MAEs) continue to challenge healthcare professionals as they can result in adverse patient outcomes or, in severe cases, mortality.

To effectively address these concerns, it is essential to implement strategies rooted in Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) (Worafi, 2020). Relying on general interventions without evidence-based backing can be insufficient in high-stakes clinical environments. This paper outlines the essential processes for integrating EBP into nursing care, discusses the significance of scholarship and reliable information in supporting clinical decisions, and evaluates the ethical and regulatory aspects of adopting BCMA systems. Furthermore, it proposes a practical implementation framework that aligns this technology with legal and ethical requirements while improving patient safety standards.

EBP Criteria and Processes

Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) is a clinical decision-making approach that combines the best available scientific evidence, practitioner expertise, and patient preferences to enhance healthcare outcomes. The application of EBP in nursing involves a systematic process beginning with the development of a clinical inquiry, commonly structured using the PICOT framework: identifying the Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome, and Time. Following this, a comprehensive literature review is conducted to gather peer-reviewed studies pertinent to the question. Each study is then critically appraised to determine its validity, reliability, and relevance to clinical practice (Dang et al., 2021, p. 384).

Once quality evidence has been identified, it is incorporated into practice with consideration for individual patient values and available organizational resources. The final step involves evaluating clinical outcomes to determine the effectiveness of the intervention and identify opportunities for refinement. Essential criteria in EBP development include the strength and consistency of evidence, alignment with established clinical guidelines, applicability to the patient population, and feasibility within the organizational infrastructure. However, common barriers such as restricted access to quality evidence, staff reluctance to modify routines, and limited time for research appraisal frequently hinder EBP implementation. Addressing these obstacles requires proactive leadership, ongoing staff education, and cultivating an organizational culture that values continuous learning and evidence-informed care (Dang et al., 2021, p. 384).

Scholarship and Information in EBP

The integration of EBP into clinical nursing practice is supported by scholarship, which involves the systematic pursuit, dissemination, and application of knowledge to improve patient outcomes. By staying abreast of emerging research and current best practices, nurses are better positioned to deliver care that is both safe and effective. Scholarly inquiry bridges the gap between theoretical understanding and clinical application, ensuring that interventions are founded on verified evidence rather than habit or intuition (Cullen et al., 2022).

Nursing professionals must critically evaluate evidence for credibility, reliability, and applicability before integrating it into patient care. Sources should be drawn from peer-reviewed journals and reputable databases, ensuring thorough expert evaluation. Furthermore, evidence must be relevant to the specific clinical context and population to ensure its effectiveness. Additional considerations include the methodological rigor of the studies, such as appropriate research design, adequate sample size, and robust statistical analysis, to produce valid, reliable findings (Schmidt & Brown, 2024, p. 650).

The timeliness of evidence is also vital since healthcare practices continuously evolve, and outdated data may no longer represent best practices. Ideally, research should have been published within the past five years to capture recent advancements (Shaker et al., 2020). Following these criteria empowers nurses to make well-informed, evidence-based clinical decisions, improving patient outcomes while fostering innovation and quality improvement within healthcare settings (Schmidt & Brown, 2024, p. 650).

Table 1: Key Aspects of BCMA Implementation in EBP

Heading	Description
EBP Criteria and Processes	EBP merges clinical expertise, patient preferences, and scientific research to enhance patient care. The process involves formulating a clinical inquiry (PICOT), conducting a literature review, appraising evidence, and integrating findings into practice. Challenges include limited access to quality studies, staff reluctance, and time limitations (Dang et al., 2021, p. 384).
Scholarship and Information in EBP	Nursing scholarship supports evidence-based care by facilitating access to credible, up-to-date research. Key evaluation criteria include credibility, relevance to clinical context, validity of research design, and recency of findings (Cullen et al., 2022; Schmidt & Brown, 2024, p. 650).
Technology and Ethical/Regulatory Implications	BCMA systems promote patient safety by minimizing medication errors, aligning with ethical obligations like beneficence and non-maleficence. Implementation barriers include staff resistance and privacy concerns. Compliance with HIPAA and Joint Commission standards is necessary to safeguard patient data and uphold ethical care standards (Hughes, 2021; Abdelaziz et al., 2024).

Conclusion

Incorporating Barcode Medication Administration (BCMA) systems into critical care environments represents a pivotal strategy for reducing medication errors and promoting patient safety through evidence-based methodologies. While the technology offers a reliable mechanism for mitigating human error in medication administration, practical challenges such as workflow disruption and employee resistance must be proactively addressed to facilitate seamless implementation. Ethical considerations, including the principles of beneficence, non-maleficence, and respect for patient confidentiality, should guide the deployment of BCMA systems. Moreover, adherence to legal frameworks, including HIPAA regulations and accreditation standards like those set by the Joint Commission, is critical to ensuring safe, ethical, and effective use of technology in healthcare. A commitment to continuous professional development and fostering a culture of evidence-based practice will support healthcare organizations in delivering high-quality, patient-centered care.

References

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. In The Medical-Legal Aspects of Acute Care Medicine (pp. 393–415). Springer. 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. In Drug Safety in Developing Countries (pp. 59–71). Elsevier. https://doi.org/10.1016/b978-0-12-819837-7.00006-6