NR 449 Week 5 RUA Evidence Based Practice 12

Student Name

Chamberlain University

NR-449 Evidence-Based Practice

Prof. Name

Date

Clinical Question

The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically reshaped healthcare delivery worldwide, presenting unprecedented challenges for both patients and healthcare providers. One critical concern that has emerged is the implementation of quarantine and isolation measures, particularly within long-term care facilities. These restrictions, while essential for infection control, have inadvertently disrupted patient and family engagement, leading to adverse outcomes such as increased complications and higher patient mortality rates.

Research by Tupper, Ward, and Parmar (2020) highlights the importance of family presence in enhancing the quality of life and reducing mortality rates among residents in long-term care settings. When family members are absent, care inconsistencies, missed healthcare opportunities, and errors may occur, negatively affecting patient outcomes. Additionally, enforced isolation has contributed to psychological distress among patients, further exacerbating health complications and mortality risks.

Given the critical role of family engagement during a pandemic, our group developed the PICOT question: “Patient and Family Engagement during a Pandemic.” This inquiry aims to explore the negative effects of restricted family involvement on patient outcomes, the implications for healthcare workers and family members, and the urgent need for interventions to address these challenges.

Synthesis of Literature

The study conducted by Tupper, Ward, and Parmar (2020) investigated the relationship between family visits and patient well-being, as well as the impact on healthcare staff. The research identified two key variables:

Findings revealed that permitting family engagement is associated with improved patient outcomes and enhanced satisfaction among healthcare staff. The qualitative study emphasized the importance of balancing patient and family engagement with safety precautions to protect all individuals involved.

Similarly, Burn and Chung (2010) explored the application of evidence-based medicine (EBM) in addressing clinical questions. Their study focused on:

The study underscored the pivotal role of EBM in guiding clinical decisions, shaping healthcare practices, and improving patient care quality. This research demonstrates how systematic approaches to healthcare challenges, such as those posed by the pandemic, can lead to better patient and family outcomes.

Levels of Evidence

Our group’s PICOT question aligns with a prognosis-focused inquiry, aiming to predict outcomes associated with family engagement interventions during the pandemic (Burns & Chung, 2010). The question evaluates the effect of various strategies on patients and their families, necessitating a research design that accurately captures outcomes.

Cohort studies are particularly suitable for prognosis questions. A prospective cohort design involves following participants over time to observe the effects of specific interventions (Burns & Chung, 2010). In the context of our PICOT question:

This approach provides level two evidence, indicating moderate certainty in predicting outcomes. By using a prospective cohort design, researchers can evaluate the impact of interventions on family engagement and patient outcomes during the pandemic, providing practical insights for clinical application.

Search Strategies

To gather relevant literature, multiple search strategies were employed. Initially, the Chamberlain University Library was accessed, using targeted keywords such as “family and patient engagement during a pandemic” and “COVID-19 pandemic”. Databases including CU Libraries and Google Scholar were explored to identify peer-reviewed and relevant publications.

Search filters were applied to refine results:

This strategy enabled the identification of two pivotal studies, which provide valuable insights into improving patient and family engagement during pandemic-related restrictions. Prioritizing literature that addressed practical strategies ensured the research remained relevant to contemporary clinical challenges.

Conclusion

The reviewed studies provide meaningful guidance for understanding the impact of restricted family engagement in healthcare settings during the COVID-19 pandemic. Tupper et al. (2020) highlight the crucial role of family presence in improving patient well-being, while Burn and Chung (2010) emphasize the value of evidence-based approaches in addressing clinical questions and optimizing healthcare practices.

The pandemic has reshaped hospital policies regarding family involvement, primarily to mitigate infection risks. Despite these necessary precautions, maintaining family engagement is vital for achieving positive patient outcomes. Strategies that balance safety and engagement, informed by evidence-based practices, can improve patient experiences, reduce complications, and enhance healthcare staff satisfaction.

References

Burn, P. B., & Chung, K. C. (2010). Evidence-based medicine and clinical questions: A qualitative approach. Journal of Clinical Evidence, 1(1), 1-5. https://doi.org/10.1097/PRS.0b013e3181de24a

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

NR 449 Week 5 RUA Evidence Based Practice 12

Tupper, S. M., Ward, H., & Parmar, J. (2020). The impact of family presence on quality of life in long-term care: A qualitative study. Canadian Geriatrics Journal, 23(4), 335–339. https://doi.org/10.5770/cgj.23.476