| Friday, July 15, 2005: 2:30 PM-4:00 PM | |||
| Evidence-Based Innovations in Caring for Chronically Ill Populations | |||
| Learning Objective #1: Discuss the influence a formal evidence-based nursing research committee had on changing nursing practice in caring for chronically ill populations | |||
| Learning Objective #2: Describe improvements in clinical outcomes and process measure indicators for selected chronically ill populations | |||
| An evidence-based nursing practice committee was initiated at the Naval Medical Center, San Diego, California with the goal of mentoring nurses in the use of research and other evidence to guide nursing practice. Five doctorally prepared nurses serve as consultants to both master’s and bachelor’s level nurses that are members of the committee. The Iowa Model of Evidence-Based Practice to Promote Quality Care and the Diffusion of Innovations in Healthcare Model guide the committee’s work. Both Stetler’s criteria and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) guidelines were used for grading evidence. Three workgroups were established to address problem focused triggers in caring for chronically ill populations; those ailing from chronic heart failure, afflicted with diabetes mellitus, and suffering at the end of life. Guided by a consultant and led by a committee member, the workgroups reviewed and graded the literature. Research and other evidence supported a change in practice and ultimately the development of a nurse run Heart Failure Group Visit Clinic, a Nurse Case Management Program for diabetics, and a Palliative Care Program for chronically ill patients at end of life. Outcome measures were identified and data collection is ongoing. Initial data analysis shows cost savings to the institution, and patient and family satisfaction with the nurse run Heart Failure Group Visit Clinic and the Palliative Care Program. In addition, findings show that nurse contact through case management of diabetic patients significantly improved A1c levels, rates of foot, dental and retinal screening, and attendance at self-management and nutrition classes. In conclusion, the evidence-based nursing projects have streamlined patient care, reduced costs for the institution, and enhanced patient and family satisfaction. The evidence-based nursing practice committee has provided a forum for mentorship of nurses, and the tools to integrate research and other evidence to guide nursing practice. | |||
| Organizer: | Denise M. Boren, PhD, RN, CNS | ||
| Presenters: | Linnea Marie Axman, DrPH, MSN, C-FNP Cynthia J. Gantt, RN, FNP, PhD Abigail E. Marter, RNC, BSN Trisha J. Ofstad, RN, BSN Carma J. Erickson-Hurt, APRN-BC | ||
| Heart Failure Group Visit Clinic Trisha J. Ofstad, RN, BSN, Denise M. Boren, PhD, RN, CNS | |||
| Nurse Case Management of Diabetic Clinic Patients Abigail E. Marter, RNC, BSN, Cynthia J. Gantt, RN, FNP, PhD | |||
| Palliative Care of Chronically Ill Patients Carma J. Erickson-Hurt, APRN-BC, Linnea Marie Axman, DrPH, MSN, C-FNP | |||