A nurse is assisting on a quality improvement committee to decrease the number of client falls occurring at night. After identifying the problem, which of the following is the next step the nurse should take? - Implement the practice change. - Evaluate the results of the change. - Complete a literature review. - Communicate the outcomes with others.
Answer (1)
After identifying the problem of client falls occurring at night, the next step the nurse should take is to complete a literature review.
A literature review involves researching existing studies, guidelines, and evidence on the topic of patient falls, especially those occurring at night. This step is crucial because it helps identify known risk factors, best practices, and previously successful interventions that could inform the committee's approach to reducing falls. By reviewing current evidence and recommendations, the committee can base their proposed changes on proven strategies rather than assumptions. This process often involves the following steps:
Research Current Standards: The nurse should start by searching for current guidelines and standards related to fall prevention in similar healthcare settings.
Analyze Previous Studies: Reviewing previous research that has studied fall prevention methods can provide insights into what has been effective or ineffective in other contexts.
Consider Best Practices: Identifying best practices from reputable sources, such as professional nursing associations or government health departments, can guide the committee in formulating their approach.
Identify Gaps: Determining where there is a lack of information or current research, which might indicate areas where innovation or further study is needed, is also an essential part of a literature review.
Once the literature review is completed, the committee can proceed to the next steps, such as implementing practice changes and later evaluating and communicating the results.
