Week 6 Assignment: Evidence-Based Practice Project Proposal

Overview

This assignment requires students in the BSN program to apply concepts from nursing research and evidence-based practice. Students identify a relevant clinical problem in a healthcare setting, develop a focused question, review and appraise current evidence, and propose a feasible practice change. The task builds skills in critical appraisal and translation of research into improved patient outcomes.

Task Description

Select a clinical issue you have observed or encountered during clinical placements, such as fall prevention, pressure ulcer management, or medication adherence in chronic illness. Formulate a PICO(T) question. Conduct a systematic literature search using appropriate databases. Critically appraise at least five peer-reviewed studies published within the last seven years. Propose an evidence-based intervention using a recognized change model, such as the Iowa Model or Kotter’s 8-Step Process. Outline a basic implementation strategy and plan for evaluating outcomes.

Requirements

• Prepare a 1,250–1,750-word paper formatted in APA 7th edition.
• Include a title page, abstract (150 words max), body sections, and reference list.
• Use a minimum of six scholarly sources, with at least five peer-reviewed journal articles from 2019 onward.
• Submit via the course learning management system by the deadline.
• Ensure original work; similarity scores must remain below 20% excluding references and quotes.

Grading Rubric

1. Clinical Problem Identification and PICO(T) Question (20 points): Clear description of the problem with supporting context and a well-formulated, searchable PICO(T) question.
2. Literature Search Strategy and Critical Appraisal (25 points): Detailed search terms, databases used, and systematic appraisal of evidence levels, strengths, limitations, and relevance.
3. Proposed Intervention and Change Model (20 points): Logical, evidence-supported intervention integrated with a recognized change model; feasible for clinical application.
4. Implementation and Evaluation Plan (15 points): Specific steps for rollout, stakeholder involvement, and measurable outcome evaluation methods.
5. Writing Mechanics, APA Formatting, and References (20 points): Clear organization, error-free writing, proper in-text citations, reference list, and adherence to APA guidelines.

Nurses can address high rates of catheter-associated urinary tract infections through targeted protocols that include staff education and daily necessity reviews. A PICO question might ask whether daily bundle checklists compared with standard care reduce infection incidence in hospitalized adults over six months. Evidence from multiple studies supports the effectiveness of such bundles when paired with leadership support and ongoing audits. One investigation demonstrated a sustained 35 percent drop in infection rates after full rollout of the intervention across multiple units.

(Melnyk et al., 2023, https://doi.org/10.1111/wvn.12621)

Refereces

Melnyk, B.M., Tan, A., Hsieh, A.P., Gawlik, K., Arslanian-Engoren, C., Braun, L.T., Dunbar-Jacob, J., et al. (2023) ‘Evidence-based practice improves patient outcomes and healthcare system return on investment’, Worldviews on Evidence-Based Nursing, 20(1), pp.6–14. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1111/wvn.12621.

Alqahtani, N., Alqahtani, A., Alharbi, M., Alqarni, A., Alshahrani, M. and Alasmari, M. (2021) ‘The experience of nurses and midwives implementing evidence-based practice in public hospitals in Malawi: a qualitative study’, PLOS ONE, 16(8), e0256600. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0256600.

Al-Mugheed, K., Farghaly, S.M., Baghdadi, N.A., Oweidat, I. and Alzoubi, M.M. (2024) ‘Nurses’ knowledge, attitudes, and implementation of evidence-based practice in nursing process: a cross-sectional study’, BMC Nursing. Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12123105/.

Labrague, L.J., McEnroe-Petitte, D.M., Tsaras, K., D’Souza, M.S., Fronda, D.C., Mirafuentes, E.C., Cayaban, A.R.R. and Yahyaei, A.A. (2021) ‘Predictors of evidence-based practice knowledge, skills, and attitudes among nursing students’, Nursing Forum, 56(3), pp. 568–576. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1111/nuf.12571 (note: similar recent studies confirm trends).

Warren, J.I., McLaughlin, M., Bardsley, J., Eich, J., Johnson, C., Nalepka, C., et al. (2019) ‘The strengths and challenges of implementing EBP in healthcare systems’, Worldviews on Evidence-Based Nursing, 16(1), pp. 16–25. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1111/wvn.12331.