Annette Barnes

DNA 16th Annual Research and Evidence-based Practice (EBP) Conference, Virtual

STTI Lambda Eta Annual Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) Spring Conference, Salisbury, Maryland

Abstract required with application submission (250-word limit; see guidelines below):<br>Purpose: Prone positioning of COVID-19 patients reduced mortality and expedited recovery, but the extended time periods tripled the risk for facial pressure injuries, with incidence over 50% for intubated patients. These injuries cause physical pain with emotional impact on families and contribute to increased length of stay, risk for infection, and cost of care.<br><br>Methodology: The IOWA evidence-based practice (EBP) model guided organizational discussion and literature review to identify a preventive care bundle. Using a multidisciplinary approach, a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) student introduced and lead practice change that included development and implementation of a “Prone Pack” care bundle; mandatory, online education for<br>nurses; hospital-wide skin audits and rounding; and enhanced documentation.<br><br>Results: Implementation of the “Prone Pack” was supported by a rural, community hospital’s Skin Committee, Patient Quality and Safey Team, and nursing leadership. A root cause analysis expanded actions to include revised wound care consultation process, mattress surface selection, and a nutritional protocol. Evaluation demonstrated increased staff adherence to skin protection measures, interdisciplinary collaboration with frequent medical device rotation, and improved reporting of facial pressure injuries. These positive findings along with staff re-education have promoted sustainability of the practice change.<br><br>Nursing Implications: Direct care nurses can readily identify clinical problems, and advanced practice nurses can assist organizational efforts to identify and implement effective EBP. Conclusions: Implementing EBP for a significant, clinical problem during challenging times assisted the DNP student to apply leadership competencies and facilitate change that positively impacted care delivery, patient outcomes, and continuous improvement in support of the organization’s mission.<br><br>

UMSON Institute for Educators Conference, Online/virtual