Topic: Substance Abuse among Nurses
The paper will include the following sections:
1.Clinical Question(includes 4 requirements)
Describe the problem. What is the focus of your group’s work?
Explain the significance of the problem in terms of patient outcomes. What health outcomes result from your problem? Or what statistics document this is a problem? You may find support on websites for government or professional organizations.
PICOT question in support of the group topic.
State the purpose of your paper. What will your paper do or describe? This is similarto a problem statement. “The purpose of this paper is to…..
- 2.Level of Evidence (2 requirements)
- Identify the type of question being asked (therapy, prognosis, meaning, etc.).
- What is the best type of evidence to answer that question (e.g., RCT, cohort study, qualitative study, etc.)?
- 3.Search Strategy
- -List search terms and results.
-Databases used (start with the CU library). Link your search with the PICOT question described above
-Refinement decisions. As you did your search, what decisions did you make in refinement to get your required articles down to a reasonable number for review? Were any limits used? If so, what?
- -Identification of two (2) most relevant articles (primary sources published within the last 5 years).
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
Substance abuse among nurses is a significant problem that can have detrimental effects on patient outcomes. As a medical professor, the purpose of this assignment is to engage medical college students in exploring the clinical question related to substance abuse among nurses and to develop their research skills in evaluating evidence-based information. The students will learn to identify the level of evidence required to answer their question and will understand the importance of a thorough search strategy.
1. Clinical Question:
The clinical question for this assignment is as follows:
In nurses with substance abuse issues, does intervention through counseling and support groups lead to improved patient outcomes compared to no intervention?
The significance of this problem lies in the potential negative impact substance abuse among nurses can have on patient care. It is well-documented that impaired healthcare professionals can compromise patient safety and lead to adverse events. According to statistics from professional organizations, such as the American Nurses Association, substance abuse among nurses can lead to medication errors, decreased productivity, absenteeism, and compromised decision-making. These effects can ultimately result in poorer patient outcomes and compromised healthcare quality.
2. Level of Evidence:
The type of question being asked in this case is a therapeutic question. We are seeking to determine whether a specific intervention can lead to improved patient outcomes. The best type of evidence to answer this question would be randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compare the effects of counseling and support groups in nurses with substance abuse issues to those who receive no intervention.
3. Search Strategy:
For this assignment, the students are required to conduct a comprehensive search using relevant databases, with a focus on relevant articles published within the last 5 years. The search strategy should be aligned with the PICOT question stated above.
Databases to be used include the CU library resources, such as PubMed, CINAHL, and PsycINFO. To refine the search and ensure a reasonable number of articles for review, the students may include appropriate search terms, such as “nurses,” “substance abuse,” “intervention,” “counseling,” “support groups,” and “patient outcomes.”
To further narrow down the search results, the students may choose to include limits such as publication date, study design (RCTs), and language. The goal is to identify the two most relevant articles published within the last 5 years, which will serve as primary sources for the assignment.
By designing this assignment to explore the clinical question, evaluate the level of evidence required, and develop an effective search strategy, the medical college students will enhance their research skills and gain a deeper understanding of the significance of substance abuse among nurses and its impact on patient outcomes. They will also learn the importance of evidence-based practice in addressing this issue and promoting patient safety.
