Poster Presentation
Friday, July 13, 2007
9:30 AM - 10:15 AM
Friday, July 13, 2007
3:15 PM - 4:00 PM
Exploring Nurses' Experiences with the Implementation of a Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis Protocol
Jessica D. Emed, RN, BSc(N), MSc(A), Thrombosis Clinic, Sir Mortimer B. Davis-Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada and Lyndsay J. Hodgson, BSc, School of Nursing, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
| Learning Objective #1: Discuss the experience of protocol implementation for staff nurses. |
| Learning Objective #2: Recognize the importance of preventing venous thromboembolism in patients at risk. |
Introduction: There is increasing emphasis on the implementation of evidence-based protocols in healthcare, and frequently, evaluation of this process is based on quantitative data or focuses on the incidence of medical outcomes. Venous thromboembolism (VTE), including deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, is a potentially life-threatening condition that is highly preventable, and there is strong research evidence supporting the implementation of VTE prophylaxis protocols. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to better understand nurses’ experiences with the implementation of a multidisciplinary, evidence-based VTE prophylaxis protocol. Method: A qualitative descriptive design was used with semi-structured, individual interviews. Nurses from acute medical units who had worked for at least six months prior to implementation were eligible. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Content analysis was performed on an ongoing basis throughout data collection and was validated with the coauthor. Preliminary Results: Six nurses from three units were interviewed so far, with varying lengths of education (diploma, degree) and nursing experience (2-27 yrs). A number of main themes are suggested from the interviews: articulating the nursing role, using the protocol for patient advocacy, collaborating with other professionals, leadership and being a unit champion, and what constitutes a useful protocol. Barriers and facilitators to protocol implementation were identified and discussed, as well as recommendations for promoting the application of the protocol in nursing practice. Conclusion: In a context of protocol implementation, these study findings support the leadership of staff nurses in every step, from protocol development through implementation and evaluation. Further, qualitative data can provide valuable insights into the experience of protocol implementation, as well as more comprehensive information regarding barriers and facilitators to the implementation process.