Introduction
The evidence-based project entails the implementation of bundled practices to prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia, which is a common occurrence in intensive care settings (Sedwick, Lance-Smith, Reeder, & Nardi, 2012).
Readiness Level
Survey results show that the readiness level is high because the organization views EBP as central to the realization of its mission and philosophy, allows the practice of EBP, and puts in place mechanisms for nurses, physicians, and other healthcare professionals to use EBP in the provision of quality of care. Other survey indicators that confirm the organization’s readiness level is high include the presence of EBP champions, the entrenchment of EBP across the organization, and the availability of a critical mass of nurses with strong EBP knowledge and skills. These indicators show that the prevailing culture is supportive of EBP, which in turn translates to the fact that nurses will show more confidence in implementing the proposed project (Kaplan, Zeller, Damitio, Culbert, & Bayley, 2014).
Barriers and Facilitators
The low score on the use of fiscal resources to support EBP presents a monetary barrier due to the fact that successful EBP implementation may require significant financial investments (Melnyk & Fineout-Ouerholt, 2015). This barrier is nested in a lack of support from senior management. Another barrier concerns the low use of computers and library resources to support EBP, with the justification being that ICU nurses lack adequate time and skills to engage in research due to their ever-busy schedule (Sedwick et al., 2012). Lastly, the organization demonstrates an inability or unwillingness to generate decisions from direct care providers. Project facilitators include responsive organizational culture, dedicated EBP champions, alignment of the organization’s philosophy with EBP, and commitment shown by nurses in implementing EBP. These indicators scored highly in the survey, with the justification being that the organization has embraced a culture of evidence-based practice (van Patter Gale & Schaffer, 2009).
Integrating Clinical Inquiry
Research demonstrates that rules for mouth care and hand washing, installing bedside alarms, training ICU nurses on effective use of subglottic suctioning, and utilizing an electronic compliance feedback system can prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia in intensive care settings (Sedwick et al., 2012). Nurses within the unit need to be taught about these best practices to improve patient care outcomes (Melnyk & Fineout-Ouerholt, 2015). Based on the weaknesses identified in the survey, it is important to come up with strategies that ensure nurses recognize the value of research-based knowledge by, for example, funding and facilitating them to undertake research studies and share findings with the organization. Additionally, successful integration of the identified best practices requires the management to train nurses on effective use of library resources, empower them on the use of computers to search for information, and include them in making decisions (van Patter Gale & Schaffer, 2009).
Conclusion
This paper has used the results of the survey to address the unit’s readiness level, possible project barriers, and facilitators, as well as how the best practices for the prevention of ventilator-associated pneumonia could be successfully integrated into the unit.
References
Kaplan, L., Zeller, E., Damitio, D., Culbert, S., & Bayley, K.B. (2014). Improving the culture of evidence-based practice at a magnet hospital. Journal of Nurses in Professional Development, 30, 274-280. Web.
Melnyk, B.M., & Fineout-Ouerholt, E. (2015). Evidence-based practice in nursing & healthcare: A guide to best practice (3rd ed.). Baltimore, MD: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Sedwick, M.B., Lance-Smith, M., Reeder, S.J., & Nardi, J. (2012). Using evidence-based practices to prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia. Critical Care Nurse, 34, 41-50. Web.
van Patter Gale, B., & Schaffer, M.A. (2009). Organizational readiness for evidence-based practice. Journal of Nursing Administration, 39, 91-97. Web.