NURS-FPX4020 Assessment 4

NURS-FPX4020 Assessment 4 Improvement Plan Tool Kit – Step-by-Step Guide

The first step before starting to write the NURS-FPX4020 Assessment 4 Improvement Plan Tool Kit, it is essential to understand the requirements of the assignment. The first step is to read the assignment prompt carefully to identify the topic, the length and format requirements. You should go through the rubric provided so that you can understand what is needed to score the maximum points for each part of the assignment. It is also important to identify the audience of the paper and its purpose so that it can help you determine the tone and style to use throughout. You can then create a timeline to help you complete each stage of the paper, such as conducting research, writing the paper, and revising it to avoid last-minute stress before the deadline. After identifying the formatting style to be applied to the paper, such as APA, you should review its use, such as writing citations and referencing the resources used. You should also review how to format the title page and the headings in the paper.

How to Research and Prepare for NURS-FPX4020 Assessment 4 Improvement Plan Tool Kit

The next step in preparing for your paper is to conduct research and identify the best sources to use to support your arguments. Identify the list of keywords from your topic using different combinations. The first step is to visit the university library and search through its database using the important keywords related to your topic. You can also find books, peer-reviewed articles, and credible sources for your topic from PubMed, JSTOR, ScienceDirect, SpringerLink, and Google Scholar. Ensure that you select the references that have been published in the last words and go through each to check for credibility.

Ensure that you obtain the references in the required format, for example, in APA, so that you can save time when creating the final reference list. You can also group the references according to their themes that align with the outline of the paper. Go through each reference for its content and summarize the key concepts, arguments and findings for each source. You can write down your reflections on how each reference connects to the topic you are researching about. After the above steps, you can develop a strong thesis that is clear, concise and arguable. Next you should create a detailed outline of the paper so that it can help you to create headings and subheadings to be used in the paper. Ensure that you plan what point will go into each paragraph.

How to Write the Introduction for NURS-FPX4020 Assessment 4 Improvement Plan Tool Kit

The introduction of the paper is the most crucial part as it helps to provide the context of your work, and will determine if the reader will be interested to read through to the end. You should start with a hook, which will help capture the reader’s attention. You should contextualize the topic by offering the reader a concise overview of the topic you are writing about so that they may understand its importance. You should state what you aim to achieve with the paper. The last part of the introduction should be your thesis statement, which provides the main argument of the paper.

How to Write the Body for NURS-FPX4020 Assessment 4 Improvement Plan Tool Kit

The body of the paper helps you to present your arguments and evidence to support your claims. You can use headings and subheadings developed in the paper’s outline to guide you on how to organize the body. Start each paragraph with a topic sentence to help the reader know what point you will be discussing in that paragraph. Support your claims using the evidence conducted from the research, ensure that you cite each source properly using in-text citations. You should analyze the evidence presented and explain its significance and how it connects to the thesis statement. You should maintain a logical flow between each paragraph by using transition words and a flow of ideas.

How to Write the In-text Citations for NURS-FPX4020 Assessment 4 Improvement Plan Tool Kit

In-text citations help the reader to give credit to the authors of the references they have used in their works. All ideas that have been borrowed from references, any statistics and direct quotes must be referenced properly. The name and date of publication of the paper should be included when writing an in-text citation. For example, in APA, after stating the information, you can put an in-text citation after the end of the sentence, such as (Smith, 2021). If you are quoting directly from a source, include the page number in the citation, for example (Smith, 2021, p. 15). Remember to also include a corresponding reference list at the end of your paper that provides full details of each source cited in your text. An example paragraph highlighting the use of in-text citations is as below:

The integration of technology in nursing practice has significantly transformed patient care and improved health outcomes. According to Smith (2021), the use of electronic health records (EHRs) has streamlined communication among healthcare providers, allowing for more coordinated and efficient care delivery. Furthermore, Johnson and Brown (2020) highlight that telehealth services have expanded access to care, particularly for patients in rural areas, thereby reducing barriers to treatment.

How to Write the Conclusion for NURS-FPX4020 Assessment 4 Improvement Plan Tool Kit

When writing the conclusion of the paper, start by restarting your thesis, which helps remind the reader what your paper is about. Summarize the key points of the paper, by restating them. Discuss the implications of your findings and your arguments. End with a call to action that leaves a lasting impact on the reader or recommendations.

How to Format the Reference List for NURS-FPX4020 Assessment 4 Improvement Plan Tool Kit

The reference helps provide the reader with the complete details of the sources you cited in the paper. The reference list should start with the title “References” on a new page. It should be aligned center and bolded. The references should be organized in an ascending order alphabetically and each should have a hanging indent. If a source has no author, it should be alphabetized by the title of the work, ignoring any initial articles such as “A,” “An,” or “The.” If you have multiple works by the same author, list them in chronological order, starting with the earliest publication.

Each reference entry should include specific elements depending on the type of source. For books, include the author’s last name, first initial, publication year in parentheses, the title of the book in italics, the edition (if applicable), and the publisher’s name. For journal articles, include the author’s last name, first initial, publication year in parentheses, the title of the article (not italicized), the title of the journal in italics, the volume number in italics, the issue number in parentheses (if applicable), and the page range of the article. For online sources, include the DOI (Digital Object Identifier) or the URL at the end of the reference. An example reference list is as follows:

References

Johnson, L. M., & Brown, R. T. (2020). The role of telehealth in improving patient outcomes. Journal of Nursing Care Quality, 35(2), 123-130. https://doi.org/10.1097/NCQ.0000000000000456

Smith, J. A. (2021). The impact of technology on nursing practice. Health Press.

An Example NURS-FPX4020 Assessment 4 Improvement Plan Tool Kit Follows:

Improvement Plan Toolkit: Pain Management

Inadequate management of pain can hinder patient adherence, reduce their quality of life, and decrease their satisfaction with the care they receive. Healthcare providers have an ethical obligation to guarantee effective pain management, as failing can damage their reputation and contribute to higher healthcare costs. Additionally, insufficient treatment of acute pain may lead to the emergence of chronic pain conditions, which are more challenging to treat and have long-lasting impacts on a patient’s well-being. Inadequate pain management is a patient safety issue. This tool kit presents useful resources that can provide valuable information to improve pain management by leveraging technology, enhancing staff training, improving pain assessment, and improving interdisciplinary and intradisciplinary communication.

Improving Pain Assessment

Kasahun, A. E., Sendekie, A. K., & Abebe, R. B. (2023). Assessment of pain management adequacy among hospitalized pediatric patients: institutional-based cross-sectional study. Frontiers in Pediatrics, 11. https://doi.org/10.3389/fped.2023.1195416

A study at Ethiopia’s University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital assessed pain management for 422 hospitalized pediatric patients. The research utilized structured interviews and medical record reviews, focusing on pain management adequacy using the pain management index (PMI) score. Findings revealed that 62.8% received prescribed pain medication, but 63.3% had inadequate analgesics. The study discovered that painkiller prescriptions often didn’t match the severity of the patient’s pain. Age and pain severity influenced medication adequacy, emphasizing the need for tailored pain management.

The study suggests implementing personalized pain assessment and evidence-based guidelines to improve patient safety. This underscores the importance of tailored pain management strategies for different patient groups. The research findings are valuable for healthcare providers seeking to enhance their pain management practices. Patient safety can be significantly improved by implementing evidence-based guidelines and personalized pain assessment techniques. The study emphasizes the necessity of individualized pain assessment and the selection of appropriate analgesics to ensure effective pain management.

Tsai, Y. I.-P., Browne, G., & Inder, K. J. (2023). Nurses’ perspectives of pain assessment and management in dementia care in hospital. Australasian Journal on Ageing, 42(2), 382–391. https://doi.org/10.1111/ajag.13146

Tsai et al. (2023) conducted a study focusing on pain assessment and management in dementia care, aiming to assess interventions to enhance these aspects for individuals with dementia. The systematic review and meta-analyses analyzed randomized controlled trials from 2009 to 2019. The study’s objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions for nurses, reviewing six interventions with a low-to-moderate bias risk. The results indicated that routine pain assessment tools did not significantly impact nurses’ analgesic management, while comprehensive pain models involving various professionals improved pain assessment and management. Additionally, physician involvement played a role in analgesic management. The study’s value lies in supporting the development of comprehensive pain models and emphasizing individualized approaches that go beyond pain tools for dementia care, ultimately contributing to quality and safety improvements in this area.

Wooldridge, S., & Branney, J. (2020). Congruence between nurses’ and patients’ assessment of postoperative pain: a literature review. British Journal of Nursing (Mark Allen Publishing), 29(4), 212–220. https://doi.org/10.12968/bjon.2020.29.4.212

Wooldridge and Branney (2020) conducted this literature review” to investigate the correlation between nurses’ pain assessments and patients’ self-reported pain. The review encompassed six observational studies and one quasi-experimental study. The findings highlighted that certain nurses underestimated patients’ pain, and there was a persistent lack of knowledge in pain management. Educational interventions were found to have limited effectiveness in addressing this issue. The study underscores the importance of evidence-based education in enhancing postoperative pain relief and minimizing suffering.

Leveraging Technology

Azizoddin, D. R., Adam, R., Kessler, D., Wright, A. A., Kematick, B., Sullivan, C., Zhang, H., Hassett, M. J., Cooley, M. E., Ehrlich, O., & Enzinger, A. C. (2021). Leveraging mobile health technology and research methodology to optimize patient education and self-management support for advanced cancer pain. Supportive Care in Cancer: Official Journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer, 29(10), 5741–5751. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-021-06146-4

The research conducted by Azizoddin et al. (2021) focused on utilizing mobile health technology to improve patient education and self-management support for advanced cancer pain. The study aimed to overcome the limitations of traditional psychoeducational interventions by developing a patient-facing smartphone application with tailored cancer pain education content. The methods employed by the multidisciplinary team included following Agile and mHealth Development and Evaluation Frameworks to create a comprehensive platform incorporating pharmacologic and behavioral self-management aspects. The results indicated that patients found the combination of pharmacologic and behavioral support to be engaging and helpful, with computable algorithms delivering tailored motivational messages based on daily symptom surveys. The study concluded that digital technology, specifically mHealth interventions, can play a significant role in enhancing cancer pain education and management, providing valuable insights for optimizing patient care in advanced cancer pain.

Ho, J., & Burger, D. (2020). Improving medication safety practice at a community hospital: A focus on bar code medication administration scanning and pain reassessment. BMJ Open Quality, 9(3), e000987. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjoq-2020-000987

In this resource, the research conducted by Ho and Burger (2020) aimed to boost patient safety by focusing on bedside barcode medication administration (BCMA) scanning and timely pain reassessments at a community hospital. The main goals were to improve BCMA scanning rates to at least 95% and enhance pain reassessments within 1 hour post-opioid administration to a minimum of 90%. To achieve these objectives, the study implemented strategies such as data transparency, weekly dashboards, education, and plan-do-study-act (PDSA) cycles based on feedback from stakeholders. These methods were crucial in driving the improvements observed in the study. The results of the research showed a significant increase in BCMA scanning rates by 14%, reaching the target of 95%.

Pain reassessments also saw a remarkable improvement of 50%, increasing from 41% to 91%. These positive changes were sustained for 17 months following the completion of the project. Furthermore, the study highlighted a decrease of 17% in adverse drug events related to administration errors, leading to estimated annual cost savings. Additionally, opioid-related adverse drug events decreased by 2.6%, resulting in a favorable financial impact. The findings underscore the importance of continuous engagement, performance monitoring through dashboards, and evidence-based practices in enhancing patient safety by achieving maximum pain management.

Slater, H., Stinson, J. N., Jordan, J. E., Chua, J., Low, B., Lalloo, C., Pham, Q., Cafazzo, J. A., & Briggs, A. M. (2020). Evaluation of digital technologies tailored to support young people’s self-management of musculoskeletal pain: Mixed methods study. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 22(6), e18315. https://doi.org/10.2196/18315

The research conducted by Slater et al. (2020) aimed to assess the suitability and necessity of modifying two existing digital technologies, namely the painHEALTH website and the iCanCope with Pain app, to aid young individuals in managing musculoskeletal pain. The study followed a 3-phase mixed methods approach to gather data and insights. In Phase 1, participants tested co-designed website prototypes against the control website painHEALTH while aligning user tasks with eHealth quality and engagement standards. Recommendations from this phase guided rapid iterations of the prototypes to enhance usability.

Moving on to Phase 2, participants utilized the iCanCope with Pain app for a week, providing engagement data through daily check-ins on various aspects such as pain levels, interference, sleep, mood, physical activity, and energy levels. Adaptations were then implemented based on individual responses and needs. Lastly, Phase 3 involved conducting semi-structured interviews to gain insights into participants’ experiences with the digital tools. The value of this resource is emphasized in that, it is possible to develop tailored support systems that can effectively assist young individuals in managing musculoskeletal pain by leveraging existing digital resources and incorporating user-informed modifications.

Improving Interdisciplinary Collaboration

Eneberg-Boldon, K., Schaack, B., & Joyce, K. (2020). Pain neuroscience education as the foundation of interdisciplinary pain treatment. Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinics of North America, 31(4), 541–551. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmr.2020.07.004

The narrative review with case studies presented various methods for managing persistent pain. According to the authors, the complexity of persistent pain requires a collaborative team-based approach, with pain neuroscience education as the central focus. Treatment methods should be tailored to each individual and based on the results of a comprehensive biopsychosocial evaluation. Clinicians can enhance their understanding of pain and improve functional outcomes by using a unified approach and consistent messaging across all pain management. This article is significant as it analyzes pain management from a team-based approach, emphasizing the importance of educating on these approaches in pain management.

Murphy, J. L., Palyo, S. A., Schmidt, Z. S., Hollrah, L. N., Banou, E., Van Keuren, C. P., & Strigo, I. A. (2021). The resurrection of interdisciplinary pain rehabilitation: Outcomes across a Veterans Affairs collaborative. Pain Medicine (Malden, Mass.), 22(2), 430–443. https://doi.org/10.1093/pm/pnaa417

The research conducted by Murphy et al. (2021) aimed to analyze the outcomes of patients participating in various interdisciplinary pain rehabilitation programs within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Despite variations in their structures and available resources, the study focused on evaluating patient outcomes in these programs and found that positive outcomes were common among participants. The methods employed in the study included using agreed-upon measures to assess pain intensity, interference, catastrophizing, and sleep among the 931 patients who enrolled in the programs, with a high completion rate of 84.1%. The results of the study indicated that all six programs demonstrated significant improvements in patient-reported outcomes, with effect sizes ranging from medium to large. This resource is valuable because the study emphasized the importance of flexibility in adopting interdisciplinary approaches to pain management, encouraging a team-based care approach for functional improvements in patients.

Toupin-April, K., Gaboury, I., Proulx, L., Huber, A. M., Duffy, C. M., Morgan, E. M., Li, L. C., Stringer, E., Connelly, M., Weiss, J. E., Gibbon, M., Sachs, H., Sivakumar, A., Sirois, A., Sirotich, E., Trehan, N., Abrahams, N., Cohen, J. S., Cavallo, S., … Stinson, J. N. (2023). “I’d like more options!”: Interviews to explore young people and family decision-making needs for pain management in juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Pediatric Rheumatology Online Journal, 21(1), 74. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12969-023-00849-0

Toupin-April et al. (2023) conducted a study on the decision-making needs for pain management in young people with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), parents/caregivers, and healthcare providers (HCPs). The key findings of the study revealed the need for accurate pain assessment methods and the integration of pain management discussions into pediatric rheumatology consultations. Participants also expressed the need for information about pain management options, particularly nonpharmacological approaches, and emphasized the importance of treatment effectiveness, safety, and ease of use, as well as evidence-based information for decision-making. Additionally, the study highlighted the essential consideration of young people and family values and preferences in shared decision-making (SDM), as well as the need for decision-support interventions and the training of HCPs in pain management and SDM. These findings emphasize the significance of tailored pain management discussions and evidence-based approaches in JIA care.

Implementing Staff Training

Dale, C. M., Cioffi, I., Novak, C. B., Gorospe, F., Murphy, L., Chugh, D., Watt-Watson, J., & Stevens, B. (2023). Continuing professional development needs in pain management for Canadian health care professionals: A cross-sectional survey. Revue Canadienne de La Douleur [Canadian Journal of Pain], 7(1), 2150156. https://doi.org/10.1080/24740527.2022.2150156

In this research study, Dale et al. (2023) delved into the specific needs, activities, and preferred methods related to pain management within the Canadian healthcare sector. The study revealed that a significant portion of the respondents were nurses (48%) who had received a university education (95%), and the majority had more than 11 years of experience post-licensure (70%). Regarding pain assessment competence, clinicians in academic environments demonstrated higher proficiency in acute pain assessment compared to their non-academic counterparts, while competence in chronic pain assessment did not show significant differences.

The top learning needs identified by the participants included neuropathic pain, musculoskeletal pain, and chronic pain, with the most recently completed and preferred learning modalities being informal and work-based, such as reading journal articles, engaging in online independent learning, and attending hospital rounds. The study’s recommendations emphasized the necessity for Canadian healthcare professionals to have increased access to interactive and multimodal Continuing Professional Development (CPD) opportunities for evidence-based pain management, underscoring the significance of continuous education in enhancing pain management skills.

Innab, A., Alammar, K., Alqahtani, N., Aldawood, F., Kerari, A., & Alenezi, A. (2022). The impact of a 12-hour educational program on nurses’ knowledge and attitudes regarding pain management: a quasi-experimental study. BMC Nursing, 21(1), 250. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-022-01028-4

The research conducted by Innab et al. (2022) sought to assess the impact of a structured education program for nurses in Saudi Arabia. The main focus was to enhance nurses’ knowledge and attitudes toward pain management. The study utilized a quasi-experimental design and involved 124 registered nurses. Data was collected through surveys on pain knowledge, attitudes, self-confidence, and satisfaction with learning. The results indicated that before the intervention, nurses exhibited moderate knowledge and attitudes.

However, following the 12-hour education program, there was a significant improvement in both knowledge and attitudes. Notably, the education was found to be effective across different levels of nursing education. Based on the findings, the study recommends the implementation of regular pain education programs and the expansion of educational courses and competency-based assessments. It was relevant to the safety issue because the research underscores the importance of continuous learning in enhancing pain management practices among nurses.

Parvizy, S., Tarvirdinasab, S., Raznahan, R., & Aliakbari, M. (2020). The effect of pain management training in a workshop on the knowledge, attitude, and self-efficacy of pediatric nurses. Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care, 9(6), 2880–2884. https://doi.org/10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_92_20

The authors conducted a quasi-experimental study to explore the impact of pain management training on pediatric nurses. The study aimed to improve pediatric nurses’ knowledge, attitude, and self-efficacy in pain management through specific interventions. The experimental group participated in a workshop that covered various aspects of pain management, while the control group did not receive this training. Pre- and post-test assessments were carried out to measure the effectiveness of the training. The results indicated a significant improvement in knowledge and attitude among the nurses who received the training. Moreover, self-efficacy scores also showed a notable increase in the experimental group. The study concluded that pain management training is essential for enhancing nursing care quality and patient satisfaction. It emphasized the significance of continuous education in ensuring effective pediatric pain management practices.

Conclusion

The research emphasizes the significance of evidence-based strategies, interdisciplinary healthcare, and customized education in the successful management of pain. After conducting an extensive review of the literature, this tool kit discovered that inadequate management of sudden pain has adverse effects on patient well-being and may elevate the likelihood of chronic pain development. Although opioids are the preferred treatment for moderate to severe sudden pain, their side effects can impede their clinical efficacy. The studies underscored the necessity for well-tolerated pain-relief treatments to mitigate the negative repercussions of poorly managed sudden pain. Using technology, multimodal therapy, in line with current practice recommendations, exhibits the potential to enhance the management of sudden pain. These sources could prove beneficial in implementing enhancements in quality and safety by emphasizing the importance of effective pain management and exploring alternative pain-relief regimens.

NURS-FPX4020 Assessment 4 References

Kasahun, A. E., Sendekie, A. K., & Abebe, R. B. (2023). Assessment of pain management adequacy among hospitalized pediatric patients: Institutional-based cross-sectional study. Frontiers in Pediatrics, 11. https://doi.org/10.3389/fped.2023.1195416

I hope you are finding your journey through BSN quite exciting. This marks the end of this NURS-FPX4020 Class. Your next class is NURS-FPX4030 Making Evidence-Based Decisions, which begins with the assignment: NURS-FPX4030 Assessment 1 Locating Credible Databases and Research. Reach out for further assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When approaching a 500-word essay, it’s essential to understand the nuances of this compact form of writing. These frequently asked questions will guide you through the process of crafting a concise and impactful essay.

How many pages is a 500-word essay typically?

A 500-word essay usually spans about one page if single-spaced or two pages when double-spaced, with standard margins and a 12-point font size.

Can you provide examples of a well-structured 500-word essay?

Certainly, to see the structure and flow of a well-written essay, you might want to take a look at a student’s writing guide that provides insights and examples.

Are there specific formatting guidelines for a 500-word essay?

Formatting guidelines typically involve using a legible font like Times New Roman or Arial, size 12, with double-spacing and one-inch margins on all sides. Check any specific requirements your instructor might have provided.

What are some effective strategies for writing a personal essay of 500 words?

For a personal essay, focus on a singular event or characteristic, ensuring your ideas are clear and you reflect on the significance of the subject matter. Use concise language and powerful imagery to maximize impact.

What topics are suitable for a concise 500-word essay?

Choose topics you can thoroughly address within the word limit, such as a personal anecdote, a critical analysis of a poem, or a focused argument on a singular point or issue.

How much time should you allocate to write a 500-word essay effectively?

Depending on your familiarity with the topic and writing proficiency, allocate anywhere from one to several hours for planning, drafting, and revising to ensure a well-presented essay.