BENCHMARKING PROJECT
NURS 417 – Nursing Informatics
(Please see paper linked below)
Purpose of Assignment:
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The purpose of this assignment is to utilize informatics technology skills to identify a hospital and compare the outcomes measures of that hospital with 2 other hospitals and to develop a plan for improvement in 1 area where a hospital is below the state and / or national average.
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Student Approach to Assignment:
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For the purposes of this project, I personally evaluated three hospitals of my choosing with one being my local care facility known as Sentara Halifax Regional Hospital (SHRH) located in South Boston, Virginia. The remaining two contenders are Southern Virginia Health’s (SOVAH) Danville Regional Medical Center, located in Danville, Virginia and Duke Regional Hospital, located in Durham, North Carolina. All three hospitals were less than 2 hours away, two being within thirty minutes of where I live. I learned that each hospital has its strengths and weaknesses; it is important to note these weaknesses as it reflects on patients’ willingness to go to those healthcare facilities that are rated below average.
Reason for Inclusion of this Assignment in the Portfolio:
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This assignment should be included in my portfolio because it showcases the effects benchmarking has on nursing. This assignment highlights the thorough research and comparison of three local hospitals; I utilized this comparison data to develop an evidence-based improvement plan in one area where a hospital is below average. It is crucial that nurses are able to review research data and implement therapeutic interventions to help improve that area of concern; this assignment represents me as a student and nurse, as it involves critical thinking that will ultimately improve nursing care practice and patient safety.
Critical Thinking
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Engages in creative problem solving Discuss how you met the criteria using specific examples from your assignment
After reviewing the ratings of each hospital, it was noted that Duke Regional Hospital scored below average under the section titled “SIR for Clostridium Difficile.” For this assignment, I applied critical thinking and research by acknowledging that Clostridium Difficile is highly contagious and therefore proper hand hygiene is needed. Meticulous hand hygiene before and after exposure to infected patients would help reduce the spread of the spores that accompany C-Diff. If nurses see others entering a room without donning gloves or gowns, s/he should speak up and ensure that they are being used. Upon leaving an infected room, handwashing with soap and water should take place. Alcohol rubs will not kill the germs and will cause further dissemination of the contagious bacteria, which can infect other patients (especially if their immune system is already weakened).
Teaching
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o Uses informatics to enhance one’s own knowledge base to support teaching
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By rating and comparing three hospitals of my choosing, I was able to learn about the strengths and weakness of each. For an area that scored less than average, I used nursing research and critical thinking to develop an action plan to improve that downfall. The research conducted on C.diff precautions helped to increase my knowledge on that disease process. This additional information is used to support teaching at my workplace. I use this information to inform patients and families about the required protective equipment that should be worn when in contact with individuals whom have C-diff. Also, I stress the importance of proper hand hygiene.
Research
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Applies research-based knowledge from the arts, humanities and sciences to complement nursing practice
Nursing practice is complemented via implementing infection control measures. These interventions were based on research and data. Proper hand hygiene and use of personal protective equipment should be used as needed by nurses and visiting family members (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, N.d.).
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (N.d.). Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): Clostridium difficile [PDF file]. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/HAI/pdfs/cdiff/Cdiff_tagged.pdf.
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Evaluates research that focuses on the efficacy and effectiveness of nursing interventions
The effectiveness of nursing interventions was evaluated in each hospital. For example, Duke Regional Hospital did not uphold effective infection prevention interventions because they scored below average for that section of the review. After reviewing the rate of C.diff in this hospital, I conducted additional research on infection control measures; this information was used to develop a plan to improve that area of concern. Research insists that it is highly effective to wash hands regularly and use proper protective gear when in contact with a patient whom has C.diff.
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Professionalism
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o Understands the effect of legal and regulatory processes on nursing practice and health care delivery
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Leapfrog allows any individual to access a hospital's ratings. This public access plays a factor in a patient's eagerness to be admitted to that hospital. Hospitals are legally mandated to maintain and uphold a certain level of care. If a hospital's rating quality of care drops below average, there certain ramifications that occur.. Also, standards of practice are enforced nationwide to ensure patient safety and care. Data that is obtained through benchmarking helps highlight whether or not hospitals are upholding their standards of practice.
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