GitLab

NURS FPX 4900 Assessment 1: Identifying a Practice Issue for Evidence-Based Practice

Introduction

In modern healthcare, evidence-based practice (EBP) is essential for improving patient outcomes and ensuring quality care. NURS FPX 4900 Assessment 1 focuses on identifying a significant practice issue that requires intervention through research and EBP implementation. This assessment allows nursing students to develop a structured approach to problem-solving in clinical settings.

Identifying a Relevant Practice Issue

A critical step in this assessment is selecting a practice issue that impacts patient care, nursing workflow, or healthcare efficiency. Common practice issues include:

• Medication errors and safety concerns
• Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) prevention strategies
• Nurse burnout and staffing shortages
• Patient falls and injury prevention
• Pain management and opioid use

When choosing an issue, students should consider its relevance, impact on patient care, and potential for improvement through evidence-based interventions.

Reviewing Evidence-Based Research

To address the identified issue, students must gather credible research and data from:

• Peer-reviewed journal articles
• Clinical guidelines (CDC, WHO, ANA, etc.)
• Systematic reviews and meta-analyses
• Hospital policies and best practices

The goal is to establish a strong foundation for intervention by using reliable evidence that supports potential solutions.

Developing a PICOT Question

A PICOT (Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome, Time) question helps frame the research focus. An example related to fall prevention could be:

In hospitalized elderly patients (P), does the implementation of hourly rounding (I) compared to standard care (C) reduce fall rates (O) over six months (T)?

Formulating a PICOT question ensures that the problem and intervention are specific, measurable, and researchable within clinical settings.

Analyzing the Impact of the Practice Issue

Understanding how the issue affects patients, healthcare providers, and organizations is crucial. Key factors to consider include:

• Patient safety and quality of care
• Healthcare costs and resource utilization
• Nurse workload and job satisfaction
• Regulatory and policy implications

By analyzing these aspects, students can justify the necessity of change and the potential benefits of implementing an evidence-based intervention.

Conclusion

NURS FPX 4900 Assessment 1 sets the foundation for evidence-based practice by identifying a significant healthcare issue, researching supporting evidence, and framing a PICOT question. This structured approach prepares nursing students to apply research-driven interventions that enhance patient outcomes and contribute to the advancement of nursing practice.