Write a formal APA paper that addresses the following:
• Identify an area of opportunity in the healthcare setting (examples: reduce
falls, improve handwashing, decrease healthcare-acquired infections).
• Create a project plan to impact the area of opportunity using evidence-based
research.
• Discuss how you would implement and evaluate the quality improvement
project.
• Discuss the stakeholders involved in this project.
How you would implement and evaluate the quality improvement project.
Full Answer Section
HAIs can be prevented through a variety of evidence-based interventions, including:- Handwashing: Handwashing is the most important way to prevent the spread of HAIs. All healthcare workers should wash their hands frequently with soap and water, especially before and after caring for patients.
- Aseptic technique: Aseptic technique is a set of procedures that are used to prevent the introduction of microorganisms into sterile areas. Healthcare workers should use aseptic technique when performing procedures such as inserting intravenous catheters and dressing wounds.
- Environmental cleaning and disinfection: Healthcare facilities should be cleaned and disinfected regularly to remove microorganisms and prevent their spread.
- Antibiotic stewardship: Antibiotic stewardship is the appropriate use of antibiotics to prevent and treat infections. Healthcare workers should only prescribe antibiotics when they are necessary and should use the narrowest spectrum antibiotic possible.
- Assess the current state of HAI prevention. This would involve reviewing the facility's HAI rates, handwashing compliance rates, and infection control policies and procedures.
- Identify areas for improvement. Once I have assessed the current state of HAI prevention, I would identify areas where the facility can improve. This may include improving handwashing compliance, updating infection control policies and procedures, or implementing new interventions such as ultraviolet (UV) light disinfection.
- Develop and implement a plan to address the identified areas of improvement. This plan should include specific goals, objectives, and timelines. It should also identify the resources and personnel that will be needed to implement the plan.
- Monitor and evaluate the plan. It is important to monitor and evaluate the plan on a regular basis to ensure that it is effective in reducing HAIs. This may involve tracking HAI rates, handwashing compliance rates, and other relevant metrics.
- Form a team. The team should include representatives from all relevant departments, such as infection control, nursing, and environmental services.
- Develop a training program. The training program should educate all healthcare workers about the importance of HAI prevention and the specific interventions that will be implemented.
- Implement the interventions. The team should work together to implement the interventions that have been identified.
- Monitor and evaluate the project. The team should monitor and evaluate the project on a regular basis to ensure that it is effective in reducing HAIs.
- Healthcare workers: Healthcare workers are essential to the success of any HAI prevention initiative. They need to be trained on the importance of HAI prevention and the specific interventions that are being implemented.
- Patients: Patients are the ultimate beneficiaries of HAI prevention initiatives. They have a right to know that they are being treated in a safe environment and that steps are being taken to prevent infections.
- Healthcare administrators: Healthcare administrators have a responsibility to provide their staff with the resources and support they need to implement effective HAI prevention initiatives.
- Public health officials: Public health officials are responsible for protecting the health of the community. They have a role to play in promoting and supporting HAI prevention initiatives.
Sample Answer
HAIs are infections that patients acquire while receiving healthcare treatment or procedures. They can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi, and they can lead to serious health complications, death, and prolonged hospital stays.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HAIs are a leading cause of death and disability in the United States. Each year, an estimated 1.7 million patients contract an HAI, and nearly 100,000 die as a result.