Effecting a change in policy and practice on a bone marrow transplant unit (BMTU) using Rosswurm and Larrabee's evidence-based practice model
Date
2012-07-19
Authors
Bonsall, Dione
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Abstract
Nurses caring for blood and bone marrow transplant recipients need to understand the effects that respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection can have on patients, family members, and health care providers. The current treatment, using aerosolized ribavirin (AR), creates an occupational health hazard for both health care professionals and family members because of the lack of available information and lack of clarity in policy and procedure surrounding the use of the drug on the bone marrow transplant unit (BMTU). Although nurses are knowledgeable about the transmission, virulence, and treatment of RSV, they need to be able to practice safe, competent nursing care and provide education for patients and family members regarding the use of AR. It is a professional responsibility of nurses to participate in practice change and ensure a safe working environment. One resource that nurses can use to guide practice is from policy.
The purpose of this project is to provide a descriptive analysis of the current practices surrounding the administration of AR on the BMTU and to provide evidence to support the need for a change in practice based on the guidelines developed by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). The outcome of this project was to develop a policy to guide professional nursing practice and ensure a safe working environment.
The framework and model that I used to assist in the process of changing practice was developed by Rosswurm and Larrabee (1999) entitled “A Model for Change to Evidence-Based Practice” which offers an exceptional systematic process to integrate evidence into practice at the individual nurse level.
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Keywords
policy, practice, change, bone marrow, transplant, Rosswurm, Larrabee, evidence-based, practice model