Integration of Research and Evidence-Informed Practice in a Long-Term Care Placement

QUESTION

I am doing my clinical placement in Long term care home as RN student  with ADOC who is IPAC lead too. There is no direct care provided this semester but more of leadership and administrative placement.  we are doing all kind of audits. I am placed in LTC in Brampton Ontario Canada. Please answer following questions.

• Explain how you have utilized research utilized in your placement (is it being conducted, critiqued and  analyzed, and/or used to guide care)? Provide an example.

• How have you integrated Evidence informed practice into your practicum experiences?

ANSWER

Integration of Research and Evidence-Informed Practice in a Long-Term Care Placement

Introduction

During my clinical placement at a Long-Term Care (LTC) home in Brampton, Ontario, Canada, I have had the opportunity to engage with research and evidence-informed practice in a leadership and administrative role. Although direct care is not provided during this semester, my focus has been on utilizing research, conducting audits, and integrating evidence-informed practice to enhance the quality of care and promote positive outcomes within the LTC setting.

Utilization of Research

Research plays a vital role in guiding decision-making and improving care practices within the LTC home. As an ADOC (Assistant Director of Care) and IPAC (Infection Prevention and Control) lead, I have actively utilized research to inform and shape various aspects of the organization’s operations. For instance, when implementing infection control measures, I have closely examined current research literature and guidelines from reputable sources such as the Public Health Agency of Canada and local health authorities. By critically evaluating and analyzing the research findings, I can adapt and implement evidence-based strategies to prevent and manage infections effectively.

Critique and Analysis of Research

In my role, I have also been involved in critiquing and analyzing research studies to evaluate their applicability to the LTC setting. Through critical appraisal, I assess the quality and validity of research articles, ensuring that the findings are reliable and relevant to our residents’ unique needs. This process involves examining the study design, sample size, methodology, statistical analysis, and overall implications. By engaging in this critique and analysis, I can determine the suitability of research findings and make informed decisions on implementing evidence-based practices.

Guiding Care

Research findings are utilized to guide care practices within the LTC home. For example, based on the research indicating the benefits of person-centered care for individuals with dementia, we have implemented strategies to enhance residents’ autonomy, dignity, and overall well-being. By incorporating evidence-based practices, such as individualized care plans, meaningful activities, and social engagement, we strive to improve residents’ quality of life and promote person-centered care.

Integration of Evidence-Informed Practice

Evidence-informed practice goes beyond research utilization; it involves integrating research evidence, clinical expertise, and resident preferences into decision-making processes. Throughout my practicum experiences, I have actively integrated evidence-informed practice by following a systematic approach. This includes identifying clinical issues or areas for improvement, conducting a thorough review of the available evidence, engaging with experts and interdisciplinary teams, and considering residents’ unique preferences and values.

For instance, during audits, I have utilized evidence-informed practice by comparing our current practices and policies to evidence-based guidelines and best practices. This process helps identify areas of non-compliance or opportunities for improvement. By integrating research evidence, we can develop action plans and implement changes that align with best practices, resulting in enhanced resident care and improved outcomes.

Conclusion

In my leadership and administrative role at the LTC home, I have actively utilized research to guide decision-making, critiqued and analyzed research to ensure its relevance and reliability, and integrated evidence-informed practice into various aspects of the organization’s operations. By embracing evidence-based strategies and incorporating research findings, we strive to provide high-quality care, promote resident well-being, and continuously improve the care delivery in the LTC setting. Through this integration, we can foster a culture of continuous learning and innovation, ultimately benefiting the residents we serve.