Develop an introduction section that includes the professional nurses’ role in identifying practice problems.
Select an article from the list provided to use as the basis for this assignment.
NOTE: this article and the identified practice problem will be the focus for a theoretical intervention, implementation, and evaluation process using the KTA Framework for Units 5, 6, & 7. In those units, you will apply the practice problem to your clinical setting.
Using the article you selected, identify and state the practice problem.
Provide a discussion that supports the existence and significance of the practice problem you identify within the article.
Locate three (3) additional journal articles that provide additional support for the same/similar practice problem.
Develop a summary of each article that adds support for the existence and significance of the practice problem in healthcare.
dentified Practice Problem: The practice problem is the lack of knowledge and adherence to medication administration protocols among nurses, which leads to medication errors.
Discussion of the Practice Problem
The selected article highlights a significant and persistent issue in healthcare: medication errors. It argues that while nurses are key in the medication administration process, deficiencies in their knowledge and practice contribute to a high rate of these errors. The article's quasi-experimental study directly supports this by showing a clear link between a lack of education and higher error rates. It demonstrates that nurses' understanding of proper procedures is often insufficient, leading to deviations from standard protocols. The significance of this problem cannot be overstated. Medication errors are a leading cause of patient harm, increased hospital stays, and higher healthcare costs. They can lead to severe adverse events, including disability and death, and they erode public trust in the healthcare system. The article provides a clear example of this problem's existence and its potential for a straightforward, educational intervention to improve patient safety.
Supporting Journal Articles
Article 1: "Medication Errors: Causes, Consequences, and Prevention Strategies"
This article reinforces the existence of medication errors as a major public health concern. It provides a comprehensive review of the causes, including inadequate nurse-to-patient ratios, poor communication among healthcare teams, and, crucially, a lack of up-to-date knowledge among nurses. The authors emphasize that nurses are often overworked and may not have the time or resources to stay current on medication information and best practices. The article's significance lies in its broad overview, showing that the problem is systemic and not isolated to one institution. It confirms that knowledge deficits, a core component of the practice problem, are a widespread contributing factor to medication errors.
Sample Answer
Professional Nurses' Role in Identifying Practice Problems
Professional nurses are at the forefront of healthcare, uniquely positioned to identify and address practice problems. Their role goes beyond direct patient care to include critical thinking, advocacy, and quality improvement. Nurses' constant presence at the bedside and within healthcare systems gives them firsthand knowledge of workflow inefficiencies, patient safety risks, and gaps in care. They can identify problems such as medication errors, inconsistent care protocols, or communication breakdowns that affect patient outcomes. This frontline perspective is essential for driving evidence-based change and ensuring high-quality, safe, and effective care.
Article Selection and Practice Problem
Selected Article: The effect of an in-service education program on nurses' knowledge and practice regarding prevention of medication errors: A quasi-experimental study.