The given paper delves into the problem of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) and the methods that can be used to address this very problem effectively. This aspect is one of the most topical issues of the modern healthcare sector as significant deterioration of outcomes because of HAIs can be observed. That is why a particular proposal to touch upon this issue and improve results by using additional alcohol-containing antiseptics, hair removal, and nasal ointment is suggested.
Change Model Overview
Today, the increased importance of the EBP approach preconditions the use of the ACE Star Model. The given tool can be considered a detailed guideline that describes all stages of knowledge transformation needed to enhance a particular aspect in the sphere of nursing. The ACE Star model consists of five elements which are discovery, evidence summary, transition, integration, and evaluation (Melnyk, Gallagher-Ford, & Fineout-Overholt, 2016). Following these stages, specialists can conduct an in-depth investigation of a problem and select or create the most effective measure to attain better outcomes through the effective change process.
Define the Scope of the EBP
HAIs remain a significant challenge for caregivers. Under the statistics, these infections are one of the leading causes for the emergence of undesired complications among patients (CDC, 2016). Moreover, it costs about $96 billion for U.S. healthcare annually (CDC, 2016). It means that funds devoted to the elimination of negative outcomes become lost. In such a way, there is a critical need for the creation of an effective intervention to reduce the number of HAIs in hospital settings to improve care delivery and attain better satisfaction levels among patients.
Stakeholders
The scope of the project and the planned interventions demand the inclusion of the following stakeholders:
- A nurse educator
- A specialist responsible for the implementation of guidelines
- A supervisor
- An accounting manager
In general, the given two specialists are critical for the future success of the transformation and reconsideration of existing approaches to the problem.
Determine Responsibility of Team Members
A nurse educator selected for the given project should explain new guidelines suggested as a potent tool to attain better outcomes. These include hair removal, alcohol antiseptics, and nasal ointments. A specialist responsible for the monitoring of the adherence to these guidelines should also be engaged. Finally, a supervisor responsible for the whole project and evaluation of data along with an accounting specialist should be invited to determine costs and results.
Evidence
Conduction of the given study was followed by the utilization of two central sources of evidence. The first one is scientific literature devoted to the issue under the investigation. It contains recommendations regarding the new methods and positive statistics related to their implementation. Second, the existing guidelines can also provide information that can be used to transform existing knowledge and minimize negative outcomes in health facilities.
Summarize the Evidence
The analyzed literature supports the offered idea that strict adherence to the existing guidelines regarding hygiene can help to reduce HAIs’ incidence in various health units. For instance, Webster and Osborne (2015) state that pre-operative showering and bathing with chlorhexidine can reduce the risk of surgical site infections.
However, the efficiency of this method is evidenced by a limited number of sources which means that other hygienic tools such as alcohol-containing substances can be used. Allegranzi et al. (2016) also discuss and evaluate various methods of minimizing the risk of surgical site infections (SSIs) and come to the conclusion that hair removal and nasal ointment can be appropriate tools to attain better results. In such a way, the researchers support the idea of the positive role of hygienic tools and existing guidelines.
Develop Recommendations for Change Based on Evidence
Resting on the information mentioned above, it can be recommended to introduce additional hygienic measures such as hair removal, use of antiseptic solutions containing alcohol, and nasal ointment as effective tools to achieve the goal of reducing the number of HAIs in the modern healthcare sector.
Translation
Action Plan
- Creation of the finance plan
- Training for health workers to explain the importance of guidelines
- Organization of antiseptics and ointments’ distribution
- Monitoring of the unit’s functioning
- Collection of data regarding HAIs’ incidence
- Evaluation
- Recommendations (creation of reports containing statistics about the achieved changes)
The expected timeframe is 3 months as the information collected during this period will be enough to conclude about the efficiency of the intervention.
Process, Outcomes Evaluation, and Reporting
A significant decrease in the number of new HAIs is expected. Results can be evaluated by comparing data related to the issue at different periods. The printed and online versions of the report about the results of the project should be created to inform central stakeholders.
Identify Next Steps
On a larger scale, all health units in the state can be recommended to use the same methods and guidelines as their efficiency is proven during the project. Cooperation with agencies monitoring the situation with HAIs can improve the intervention’s outcomes and guarantee its further evolution.
Disseminate Findings
As it has already been stated, online and text reports can be created to communicate findings to stakeholders and other actors interested in the suggested intervention, its outcomes, and possibilities for future implementation.
Conclusion
In such a way, the ACE model helps to evaluate the problem of HAIs, collect evidence to create the effective intervention, its transition into action, implementation, and evaluation. The achievement of positive results can be explained by numerous benefits generated due to the utilization of the selected method. The positive impact of the recommended approach will help to maintain it at the national level as it is a key aspect to improve the health of the nation.
References
Allegranzi, B., Bischoff, P., de Jonge, S., Kubilay, N., Zayed, B., Gomes, S.,… WHO Guidelines Development Group. (2016). New WHO recommendations on preoperative measures for surgical site infection prevention: An evidence-based global perspective. The Lancet, 16(12), 276-287.
CDC. (2016). 2016 National and state healthcare-associated infections progress report. Web.
Melnyk, B., Gallagher-Ford, L., & Fineout-Overholt, E. (2016). Implementing the evidence-based practice (EBP) competencies in healthcare: A practical guide for improving quality, safety, and outcomes. New York, NY: Sigma Theta Tau International.
Webster, J., & Osborne, S. (2015). Preoperative bathing or showering with skin antiseptics to prevent surgical site infection. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 20(2), 1-39.