Reference no: EM133819168

Assignment: Application of Change Theory - Paper

Topic: fall prevention

Description

Each student will apply the principles of the selected change theory to implement a minimum of three (3) innovations designed to address a specific patient safety issue. Hire Writer Now!
Each student will prepare a 4 - 6-page, double spaced paper, using APA 7th edition format that covers the following:
A minimum of three (3) scholarly references must be used.
The paper's Title page and Reference page are not included in the paper page limit and must follow APA 7th edition format.

Be sure to include the following:
Introduction to the chosen patient safety issue
Identification of Change Theory selected and discussion of why this theory was chosen
Key elements of selected change theory that will be used to develop an innovative approach to resolving the patient safety issue
Present specific change steps that will be followed to address the chosen patient safety issue in accordance with the Change Theory selected
Conclusion - how will you evaluate/determine whether the change steps selected were effective in addressing the quality Indicator/patient safety issue? (Hint: think about the role of benchmarks/empirical outcomes and how you can demonstrate performance based on established benchmarks.)

(use cedar Sinai protocols in the paper) (that is the hospital I am working at)

Write based on this:

Question 1. Introduction to the Chosen Patient Safety Issue
• What Are Falls?
• Define falls in healthcare settings and describe their significance as a patient safety issue.
• Explain the consequences of falls, such as injuries, longer hospital stays, higher costs, and reduced patient satisfaction.
• Scope of the Problem:
• Provide data on fall rates in healthcare settings (e.g., inpatient units, long-term care).
• Highlight falls as a Nurse-Sensitive Indicator tied to quality of care.
• Rationale for Choosing Falls:
• Explain why addressing falls is critical in improving patient safety and outcomes.
• Mention regulatory importance (e.g., Joint Commission standards, CMS penalties for preventable falls).

Question 2. Identification of Change Theory Selected and Why It Was Chosen
• Select a Change Theory:
• Lewin's Change Theory: Effective for addressing behavior and systemic issues in a phased approach.
• Kotter's 8-Step Change Model: Ideal for involving leadership and staff in a structured process.
• Roger's Diffusion of Innovation Theory: Useful for introducing new tools or technologies like fall risk assessment tools or alarms.
• Rationale for Your Choice:
• Highlight how the theory aligns with the complexity of fall prevention (e.g., staff education, protocol changes, technology adoption).
• Mention the theory's proven success in similar safety interventions (cite scholarly references).

Question 3. Key Elements of the Selected Change Theory
• Break Down the Theory:
• If using Lewin's Change Theory:
1. Unfreezing:
• Identify the problem (high fall rates) and create urgency (share data, stories).
• Engage leadership and staff to acknowledge the need for change.
2. Changing:
• Introduce evidence-based interventions (e.g., hourly rounding, bed alarms, non-slip socks).
• Train staff on fall prevention protocols and technologies.
3. Refreezing:
• Establish new habits (e.g., fall risk assessments at every shift).
• Sustain improvements through audits, feedback, and recognition.
• Connect Elements to Falls Prevention:
• Explain how each stage will address barriers and promote lasting changes.

Question 4. Present Specific Change Steps
• Intervention Plan:
• Detail three key actions to reduce falls:
1. Implementing a fall risk assessment tool (e.g., Morse Fall Scale).
2. Regular staff education on fall prevention strategies.
3. Environmental modifications (e.g., better lighting, clutter-free rooms- bed alarms- family member education).
• Include specifics such as timelines, staff roles, and technology adoption.
• Actionable Goals:
• Set measurable targets (e.g., reduce falls by 30% in six months).
• Addressing Barriers:
• Discuss potential challenges (e.g., staff resistance, family members, patient refuse of setting bed alarms) and strategies to overcome them (e.g., providing data, incentives).

Question 5. Conclusion: Evaluation of Effectiveness
• Measuring Outcomes:
• Use metrics such as:
• Reduction in fall rates per 1,000 patient days.
• Compliance rates with new protocols (e.g., 90% of staff completing fall risk assessments).
• Patient satisfaction scores.
• Evaluation Tools:
• Fall incident reports observational audits, and patient feedback surveys.
• Sustainability Plan:
• Highlight the importance of ongoing monitoring, quarterly reviews, and leadership engagement to sustain results.