EBP Research topic

[Wulfie]

I am going to be lighting up this section this semester...lol.

I have an enormous research project to do this semester and it will be focused on Evidence Based Practice. I was hoping some of the more experienced RN's that peruse this section could give me a heads up on some of the things that have changed in the last couple of years so as to know a few good topics that I can do some in depth research on.

Right now I'm thinking of things like prophylactic antibiotics before surgery, perhaps something dealing with the new style needle safety devices to prevent needle sticks, or even necessary vs. unnecessary lab procedures. I do not currently work in a hospital so I am not very familiar with the changes that occur.

Please, if you have a few minutes, let me know some of the things you have seen changes in due in part to Evidence Based Practice.

Thanks for your time.

[ghillbert, MSN, NP]

- The guidelines for pre & post antibiotic administration (time to incision, stopping within 24hrs after surgery) have changed (see info regarding reducing surgical site infections or SSI)

- I just did an EBP clinical protocol regarding chlorhexidine mouthwash to prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia. Lots of interesting info. This has definitely changed practices in ICUs.

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

My organization has had dramatic results with a couple of EBP guidelines. Our best results were with IV phenergan - adoption of very strict rules that basically prevent any peripheral infusions. Another success - fall reduction brought about by hourly rounding & q shift risk assessment.