Throughout the past semester, an insightful and transformational journey occurred to me since I improved my theoretical understanding of the DNP role and the importance of nursing research in constructing evidence-based practice. Moreover, I was encouraged to explore the theories of nursing and the importance of transformational and implementation science that allows for continuous improvement of the nursing profession. Furthermore, this semester, I outline the steps toward my DNP project by identifying the problem I want to investigate and the approaches I am likely to use. This reflection posting is designed to explore the outcomes of my completion of this semester, emphasizing the transformation of my perception of the DNP role and the advancement of my DNP project.
During this semester, my perception of the role of DNP has significantly changed. It became more thought-through and informed by the knowledge I have acquired through readings, research, and reflection. At the onset of the semester, my primary concern was the anticipated role as a generalist one. I prioritized elusive tasks and goals, such as improving evidence-based care or facilitating nurses’ daily experiences in a hospital setting for the benefit of patients. While these sentiments remain relevant, the course of learning during this semester allowed me to build a more informed and in-depth perspective on the role of a DNP. I understand now that my role is to make particular planning, researching, and implementation steps to engage stakeholders in changing evidence-based practice toward successful problem-solving.
The phenomenon under investigation within the context of the planned DNP project is post-surgery recovery. In particular, surgery recovery is one of the pivotal elements in the quality of health since its improvement leads to reduced hospitalization and is beneficial for both hospitals and patients (Zhang et al., 2019). The evidence-based practice most appropriate for the project is computer-assisted surgery. Research literature demonstrates that augmented reality of computer-assisted technology yields positive patient outcomes and contributes to the improvement of care results (Fida et al., 2018; Viglialoro et al., 2021). Overall, evidence-based practice is a pivotal element of the DNP project since it allows for building technologically advanced solutions based on verifiable and reliable research data (Melnyk et al., 2009). The translational model that best applies to the proposed project is Roger’s Diffusion of Innovations Model. This model is based on a structural perspective of evidence dissemination that provides tools for all the involved stakeholders (Dearing & Cox, 2018). Since the planned project concerns multiple participants within the organization, it is essential to be guided by a model.
The literature that I found for my DNP project is comprised of scholarly studies investigating the benefits and challenges of advancing computer-assisted surgery. For example, the study by Viglialoro et al. (2021) presents a systematic review of the available literature on simulation in healthcare. It provides a general overview of the implementation of assisting technology in surgery to contextualize the selected phenomena. Similarly, Fida et al. (2018) investigated augmented reality in open surgery to identify the benefits and potential drawbacks of its use. While the literature applies to the phenomenon and provides the context for the investigated problem, it is not completely sufficient for proper project implementation. Therefore, I will need to allocate more time and effort for literature research in the future to ensure that the literature I use appropriately depicts the body of evidence currently available from the academic circles and that my project finds its adequate place within the findings already existing in nursing science.
Finally, the overall DNP project is planned to implement change in the nursing practice. In particular, the transition to more enhanced computer-assisted surgery is anticipated to improve the quality and speed of patient recovery. Therefore, since change is a priority within the context of transformational and implementation science, I plan to incorporate an applicable change model into my project (Brownson et al., 2017). In particular, Lewin’s force field analysis will be used as a change model to implement a balanced change in the organization and behavior of the involved stakeholders (White, 2019). The selected change model’s steps will help structure the project and ensure quality assurance for success.
In summation, throughout the past semester, I deliberately studied the fundamentals of nursing theories and evidence-based practice. I was capable of developing an in-depth understanding of the role of DNP, which is validated by the difference in my perception of this role at the beginning of the semester and now. Moreover, I developed a PICOT question for my DNP project, research and select appropriate translational models, evidence-based practice, scholarly literature, and change models. The knowledge I have acquired will be a valuable basis for my future development as a DNP in general and in my work on the project, in particular.
References
Brownson, R. C., Colditz, G. A., & Proctor, E. K. (Eds.). (2017). Dissemination and implementation research in health: Translating science to practice. Oxford University Press.
Dearing, J. W., & Cox, J. G. (2018). Diffusion of innovations theory, principles, and practice. Health Affairs, 37(2), 183-190.
Fida, B., Cutolo, F., di Franco, G., Ferrari, M., & Ferrari, V. (2018). Augmented reality in open surgery. Updates in Surgery, 70(3), 389-400.
Melnyk, B. M., Fineout-Overholt, E., Stillwell, S. B., & Williamson, K. M. (2009). Evidence-based practice: Step by step: Igniting a spirit of inquiry. The American Journal of Nursing, 109(11), 49-52.
Viglialoro, R. M., Condino, S., Turini, G., Carbone, M., Ferrari, V., & Gesi, M. (2021). Augmented reality, mixed reality, and hybrid approach in healthcare simulation: A systematic review. Applied Sciences, 11(5), 1-20.
White, K. M. (2019). Translation of evidence into nursing and healthcare. Springer Publishing.
Zhang, Y., Xin, Y., Sun, P., Cheng, D., Xu, M., Chen, J., Wang, J., & Jiang, J. (2019). Factors associated with failure of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) in colorectal and gastric surgery. Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology, 54(9).