Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) & Nursing Research

unit 1

What is Quality Improvement (QI)?

QI evaluates and improves one specific local process by asking, "Did our specific change actually work here?" Its purpose is to improve care within a particular unit or organization and is not meant to produce generalizable knowledge

What is the main difference between Quality Improvement and Nursing Research?

Nursing Research creates new, generalizable knowledge, while QI evaluates whether a local practice change improved outcomes in one setting

How is Quality Improvement different from Evidence-Based Practice (EBP)?

EBP asks, "What does the best evidence say we should do?" QI asks, "Did our change actually work here?

Are QI findings meant to be generalized to other hospitals?

No. QI findings apply only to the specific unit or process being evaluated.

Does a Quality Improvement project usually require IRB approval?

No. Because QI is not generating new, generalizable knowledge, it usually undergoes a lighter review and does not require IRB approval.

What type of data is commonly used in Quality Improvement?

existing unit data, such as fall rates or infection rates, rather than collecting data for a new research study.

Why is Quality Improvement important in healthcare?

It helps healthcare teams evaluate changes, improve patient care processes, and determine whether interventions are actually improving outcomes on their unit.

Give an example of a patient safety issue mentioned in the lecture.

Patient falls.

What evidence-based intervention is used to improve patient safety by preventing falls?

Evidence-based fall prevention bundles, developed using research and evaluation.

Which patient safety intervention helps reduce healthcare-associated infections (HAIs)?

Research-based hand hygiene protocols, which have reduced healthcare associated infections significantly on some units.

What evidence-based intervention helps reduce central-line bloodstream infections?

Daily chlorhexidine (CHG) bathing for patients with central lines.

Why did hospitals make daily CHG bathing a mandatory policy?

Because randomized controlled trials and a Cochrane review showed it significantly reduced central-line bloodstream infections

How does early ambulation improve patient safety?

Walking within 8 hours after abdominal surgery reduces pneumonia, blood clots, and length of hospital stay.

Why do hospitals create standardized safety protocols?

To ensure everyone follows the same evidence-based practices, reducing variation and improving patient outcomes.

According to the lecture, what are two benefits of EBP that improve patient safety

• Improves patient outcomes

• Reduces variation in care

• Keeps practice current

• Eliminates unsafe or outdated practices