Name
Chamberlain University
NR-702: DNP Project & Practicum I
Prof. Name
Date
The objective of this week’s discussion is to explore a translational science model that can serve as the foundation for applying research findings in clinical practice. The emphasis is on identifying how theoretical frameworks facilitate the effective implementation of evidence-based interventions, while also ensuring that these practices remain sustainable in healthcare settings over time.
Based on the assigned readings, respond concisely (150 words or fewer) to the following discussion questions. Each response should reflect critical analysis of the selected framework and its application to your practice problem.
Question: State your practice question in PICOT format.
Answer: For emergency room nurses (Population), does the implementation of the World Health Organization (WHO) multimodal hand hygiene improvement strategy (Intervention), compared to current hand hygiene practices (Comparison), improve perceived knowledge and awareness of hand hygiene practices (Outcome) within an 8–10 week timeframe (Time)?
Question: Analyze the process of research translation into practice through a summary of the translational science or theoretical model you selected to support your project implementation. Include the major phases or constructs of the model in your explanation.
Answer:
The Knowledge-to-Action (KTA) framework is a highly regarded translational science model designed to close the gap between knowledge creation and its application in clinical practice (Graham et al., 2006). It is composed of two interconnected domains:
Knowledge Creation: This involves generating research evidence, synthesizing findings, and developing user-friendly tools, guidelines, or resources that can be integrated into practice. The goal is to produce knowledge products that are practical and adaptable to real-world needs.
Action Cycle: This component focuses on applying the evidence in healthcare settings. It includes assessing barriers, adapting interventions to local contexts, implementing change, monitoring outcomes, and ensuring sustainability through evaluation and reinforcement strategies.
For my project, the KTA framework supports the WHO multimodal hand hygiene strategy by offering a structured pathway for integrating evidence into emergency room practice. This integration ensures that improvements in hand hygiene are not only evidence-based but also maintained through long-term behavior change.
| KTA Framework Component | WHO Multimodal Strategy Application |
|---|---|
| Barrier Assessment | Identifying institutional challenges and behavioral barriers to hand hygiene compliance. |
| Knowledge Dissemination | Providing structured education sessions and training on effective hand hygiene practices. |
| Monitoring Knowledge Use | Utilizing surveys and observational audits to track compliance and identify areas of improvement. |
| Evaluation | Analyzing collected data to measure knowledge gains and practice adherence. |
| Sustaining Knowledge/Practice | Embedding hand hygiene into the organizational safety culture to encourage long-term adoption. |
This structured alignment enhances the feasibility and sustainability of hand hygiene practices while promoting a culture of accountability and patient safety (WHO, 2009; WHO, 2021).
Question: What structured communication framework are you implementing in your project?
Answer:
I noticed that you plan to use TeamSTEPPS as your structured communication approach. This evidence-based program is designed to enhance collaboration and communication among healthcare professionals. It integrates tools such as SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation) for structured communication and I PASS THE BATON for standardized hand-offs, both of which minimize errors during patient care transitions (Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality [AHRQ], 2020).
Potential Barriers: A major challenge could be staff reluctance to adopt structured communication tools consistently. Inadequate training opportunities may also limit effective use.
Facilitators: Assigning unit “champions” to model effective communication, conducting regular rounds, and reinforcing positive behavior can encourage compliance and ensure sustainability.
By addressing barriers proactively and leveraging facilitators, your implementation of TeamSTEPPS can strengthen teamwork, improve information transfer, and enhance overall patient safety outcomes (Wende et al., 2022).
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. (2020). Pocket guide: TeamSTEPPS. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. https://www.ahrq.gov/teamstepps/instructor/essentials/pocketguide.html
Graham, I., Logan, J., Harrison, M. B., Straus, S. E., Tetroe, J., Caswell, W., & Robinson, N. (2006). Lost in knowledge translation: Time for a map? The Journal of Continuing Education in the Health Professions, 26(1), 13–24. https://doi.org/10.1002/chp.47
Wende, M. E., Wilcox, S., Rhodes, Z., Kinnard, D., Turner-McGrievy, G., McKeever, B. W., & Kaczynski, A. T. (2022). Developing criteria for research translation decision-making in community settings: A systematic review and thematic analysis informed by the Knowledge to Action framework and community input. Implementation Science Communication, 3(76). https://doi.org/10.1186/s43058-022-00316-z
World Health Organization. (2009). A guide to the implementation of the WHO multimodal hand hygiene improvement strategy. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/a-guide-to-theimplementation-of-the-who-multimodal-hand-hygiene-improvement-strategy
World Health Organization. (2021). WHO multimodal improvement strategy summary. https://cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/integrated-health-services-(ihs)/infectionprevention-and-control/core-components/ipc-cc-mis.pdf?sfvrsn=5e06c3d5_10&download=true
