NURS FPX 5005 Assessment 3 Clinical Question: “Which Interventions, Along with Patient Care Technologies, Control Fever Based on EBP in the ICU?”

Chiwaula et al. (2021) introduced the Iowa Model of Evidence-Based Practice in the ICU of Kamuzu Central Hospital (KCH). Fever management is a significant concern in the ICU, given the vulnerability of patients in this setting. Discrepancies in fever management protocols necessitate the use of temperature monitoring devices with connected sensors (patient care technology) in the ICU. This approach has empowered frontline nurses to systematically manage the ICU, ensuring efficient, competent, and optimal patient care.

The model’s purpose is to establish guidelines for routine practice. Data analysis employed STATA 12.0 software, utilizing statistical tools such as paired t-tests, and spearman correlation to correlate temperature changes with clinical interventions. Additionally, Liu et al. (2020) assessed the use of AI technology in the wearable wireless device iThermonitor WT705, which facilitated continuous temperature monitoring for surgical ward patients. The device proved effective in capturing more instances of fever compared to intermittent observations, with the potential for further improvement through advanced algorithm development.

Knowledge Gap in Study

A significant knowledge gap in the study conducted by Chiwaula et al. (2021) pertains to patient consent. Due to the unconscious state of many ICU patients, obtaining their consent was unfeasible. This represents a critical area of uncertainty, as EBP relies on patient input and participation.

EBP holds the potential to serve as a valuable guide for patients with specific conditions. However, it is crucial to recognize that patient circumstances and symptoms can vary significantly. Implementing EBP guidelines requires careful consideration to ensure that they align with individual patient needs and characteristics (Chiwaula et al., 2021).

Evaluation of Ethical and Regulatory Concerns for EBP

Ethical concerns related to patient-doctor confidentiality and ethical codes necessitate full disclosure to patients regarding the study’s objectives and the potential health implications. Informed consent must be obtained when conducting investigations involving patients (Chiwaula et al., 2021). Ethical considerations for evidence-based practice emphasize adherence to the ethical principles articulated in the Belmont principles, which encompass respect for autonomy, beneficence, and justice (Tu & Gao, 2021). Regulatory considerations mandate compliance with all recommendations set forth by the FDA in the use of evidence-based technology. These ethical and regulatory considerations significantly influenced the implementation of the wearable wireless technology device iThermonitor WT705 for continuous temperature monitoring in hospital intensive care units.

NURS FPX 5005 Assessment 3 Evidence-based Practice in Nursing

Patient safety and privacy are paramount concerns, particularly when implementing interventions, such as fever management in the ICU (Chiwaula et al., 2021). EBP often necessitates structural changes within healthcare organizations, technological upgrades, and associated financial considerations, which may pose policy challenges (Chipps et al., 2020).

Conclusion

Evidence-Based Practice holds the potential to address emerging challenges in healthcare, provided that nurses are afforded opportunities and support for scholarly research efforts. Nurses engaged in Evidence-Based Practice must uphold rigorous standards when evaluating literature and ensuring methodological quality. Moreover, maintaining patient confidentiality and anonymity is imperative when conducting EBP studies.

References

Alatawi, M., Aljuhani, E., Alsufiany, F., Aleid, K., Rawah, R., Aljanabi, S., & Banakhar, M. (2020). Barriers of implementing evidence-based practice in nursing profession: A literature review. American Journal of Nursing Science, 9(1), 35. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajns.20200901.16

Chipps, E., Tucker, S., Labardee, R., Thomas, B., Weber, M., Gallagher-Ford, L

., & Melnyk, B. M. (2020). The impact of the electronic health record on moving new evidence-based nursing practices forward. Worldviews on Evidence-Based Nursing, 17(2). https://doi.org/10.1111/wvn.12435