NR 439 Week 7 Discussion

Student Name

Chamberlain University

NR-439: RN Evidence-Based Practice

Prof. Name

Date

Week 7: Applying and Sharing Evidence in Practice

After the completion of data analysis, researchers interpret the findings and draw meaningful conclusions that can influence patient outcomes. However, for research to impact patient care, it must be effectively communicated to healthcare providers and translated into practice. This step ensures that evidence-based knowledge becomes an integral part of clinical decision-making and enhances patient-centered care.

1. Review of Article Findings and Applicability to Practice

For this discussion, I selected the article titled “Quantitative Balance and Gait Measurements in Patients with Frontotemporal Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease: A Pilot Study” by Velayutham, Chandra, Bharath, and Shankar (2017). The study emphasizes that while age-related changes in balance and gait are expected in older adults, such impairments are significantly more severe among individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD). Importantly, the study revealed distinct patterns of motor dysfunction that differentiate AD from FTD, which can aid clinicians in making earlier and more accurate diagnoses. Early detection is essential in slowing disease progression and optimizing management strategies for these neurodegenerative disorders.

This research is directly applicable to clinical practice. The study utilized a strong design by comparing dementia patients with a healthy control group. Its focus on both single-task and dual-task gait performance provides a nuanced perspective on cognitive-motor interactions. Such insights are valuable for nurses and clinicians, as they highlight the importance of monitoring functional mobility in dementia patients. Applying this evidence to practice could involve integrating routine balance and gait assessments into patient evaluations. Doing so may promote timely interventions, reduce fall risks, and enhance the overall quality of life for patients living with AD or FTD.

Key Findings and Clinical Implications

2. Translating Research into Practice and Sharing with Peers

The most meaningful step in evidence-based practice is translating research outcomes into clinical interventions. In my clinical context, one of the primary issues revolves around RN STAT orders for analgesic medications and their effect on patient satisfaction. Pain management is a cornerstone of quality care, and delays in providing relief can negatively affect both patient comfort and satisfaction scores.

To evaluate this issue, I would use quantitative analysis by collecting data from patient satisfaction surveys and comparing outcomes between patients who received immediate RN-administered STAT analgesics and those who waited for physician approval. Houser (2018) defines quantitative analysis as the process of interpreting raw numerical data into meaningful conclusions, making it an essential tool for evaluating care outcomes.

Sharing research findings with peers is equally important. Knowledge dissemination can be achieved through multiple methods such as:

• Staff presentations during team meetings, highlighting research results and their impact on clinical practice.

• In-service training sessions to demonstrate how adopting evidence-based strategies can improve patient outcomes.

• Evidence summaries or posters displayed in staff areas for continuous reinforcement of best practices.

• Peer discussions or journal clubs to critically evaluate and reflect on new evidence together.

By implementing these strategies, the nursing team can collectively enhance patient care delivery. For instance, incorporating timely RN STAT orders for analgesics may not only improve patient comfort but also lead to higher patient satisfaction scores, strengthening the quality of care provided in the unit.

References

Chamberlain College of Nursing. (2017). Evidence-Based Practice: NR-439: Week 5: Lesson 5.

Houser, J. (2018). Nursing research: Reading, using, and creating evidence (4th ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.

NR 439 Week 7 Discussion

Velayutham, S. G., Chandra, S. R., Bharath, S., & Shankar, R. G. (2017). Quantitative balance and gait measurement in patients with frontotemporal dementia and Alzheimer’s disease: A pilot study. Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine, 39(2), 176–182. https://doi.org/10.4103/0253-7176.203132