NR 449 Evidence Based Practice Healthcare Associated Infection

Student Name

Chamberlain University

NR-449 Evidence-Based Practice

Prof. Name

Date

Clinical Question

Healthcare is a dynamic field constantly facing a multitude of clinical inquiries across different specialties. The type of information collected is guided by the focus of interest and whether qualitative or quantitative insights are sought. This paper concentrates on Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs), which are infections acquired by patients during their stay in a healthcare facility, not present at the time of admission. HAIs often result from lapses in following established healthcare protocols and pose serious challenges for both patients and healthcare systems. The purpose of this discussion is to explore risk factors associated with HAIs and outline preventive strategies that healthcare personnel can implement.

The PICOT question driving this analysis is: “What preventive measures can healthcare personnel implement to reduce the occurrence of HAIs?” Research indicates that HAIs can have a significant impact on hospitalized patients, with incidence rates in Intensive Care Units (ICUs) reaching up to 51% (Tropical Biomedicine, 2017). Additionally, studies emphasize the role of performance management in improving HAI reporting (Brewster, Tarrant, & Dixon-Woods, 2016). This paper examines the mechanisms by which HAIs are contracted and highlights effective strategies for prevention.

Levels of Evidence

To address this inquiry comprehensively, it is essential to incorporate both qualitative and quantitative evidence.

Qualitative Evidence

Qualitative studies offer insights that help deepen understanding of the effectiveness of various interventions (Houser, 2018). These studies identify the needs of specific populations, such as immunocompromised patients, recent surgical patients, and neonates. Moreover, qualitative research provides valuable information regarding the implementation process, challenges with treatment adherence, and real-world outcomes of interventions.

For instance, one qualitative study investigated how perceptions and experiences related to performance management affect HAI rates. Findings revealed that healthcare facilities with well-defined accountability structures experienced reduced infection rates (Brewster, Tarrant, & Dixon-Woods, 2016). However, the study also highlighted limitations, including the risk of tunnel vision and neglect of other critical issues when employing performance management. In addition, certain management strategies may create a culture of fear, discouraging accurate reporting due to concerns about reprimands or financial consequences.

Quantitative Evidence

In contrast, quantitative studies provide numerical data and statistical analyses that quantify outcomes, assess variable relationships, and measure changes over time (Houser, 2018). For the research question regarding HAIs, quantitative evidence can evaluate the effectiveness of specific interventions aimed at lowering infection rates and improving patient outcomes. By integrating both qualitative and quantitative findings, healthcare personnel can develop a well-rounded understanding of the most effective preventive measures against HAIs.

Search Strategy

To identify relevant literature on HAI prevention, two primary search engines were utilized: CINAHL Complete, accessible through the academic library, and Google Scholar. Search terms included “Healthcare-Associated Infections prevention,” “quantitative or qualitative,” and “hospital-acquired infections.” Synonymous terms were also used to broaden search results.

The search process was iterative, refining keywords to pinpoint articles most relevant to the topic. Limitations were applied to focus on peer-reviewed publications within the last five years, ensuring the information reflected current clinical practices. Two articles were ultimately selected for their relevance and comprehensive coverage of both qualitative and quantitative aspects of HAI prevention.

NR 449 Evidence-Based Practice: Healthcare-Associated Infection

The first article, “Qualitative study of views and experiences of performance management for healthcare-associated infections,” appeared in the Journal of Hospital Infection. The second, “Nosocomial Infections: Epidemiology, prevention, control, and Surveillance,” was published in the Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine. Both articles are recent and provide valuable insights into HAI prevention strategies.

Selected Articles Table

References

Brewster, L., Tarrant, C., & Dixon-Woods, M. (2016). Journal of Hospital Infection, 94(1), 41–47. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhin.2016.01.021

Houser, J. (2018). Nursing research: Reading, using, and creating evidence. Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apjtb.2017.01.019

Tropical Biomedicine. (2017). Nosocomial infections: Epidemiology, prevention, control, and surveillance. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine.