NURS FPX 8030 Assessment 3: Critical Appraisal of Evidence-Based Literature

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Critical Appraisal of Evidence-Based Literature

Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) have continually remained focal points within healthcare units due to the burden that they pose on the safety of patients, health sector financial resources, and measures of success (Alamer et al., 2022). Some of the most common hospital-acquired infections at the Johns Hopkins Hospital are; Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections (CLABSIs) and Surgical Site Infections (SSIs). New information shows a 12% increase in SSIs and a 9% increase in CLABSIs mainly among surgical and ICU patients (Ahmed et al., 2021).NURS FPX 8030 Assessment 3: Critical Appraisal of Evidence-Based Literature Such infections not only increase patients’ length of stay in hospitals but also increase mortality rates and custom health care loads. This review comprehensively synthesizes current publications on CLABSIs and SSIs and derives best practices to reduce them.

Summary of Patient Safety Issue

HAIs are considered the greatest source of patient morbidity and mortality, and Johns Hopkins Hospital has seen increasing rates of CLABSI and SSI. Such infections lead to longer hospital stays, higher healthcare costs, and loss of public confidence. Addressing these infections aligns with the PICO(T) framework:

  • P (Population): Surgical or ICU patients.
  • I (Intervention): Implementation of hand hygiene protocols and catheter care practices.
  • C (Comparison): Standard care protocols.
  • O (Outcome): Reduction in CLABSIs and SSIs.
  • T (Timeframe): Six months.

This review evaluates evidence-based interventions that enhance infection prevention efforts, ultimately safeguarding patient health and optimizing healthcare resources.

Critical Appraisal Tool Used to Evaluate Articles

The Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) tool is used to determine the reliability, validity, and relevance of the selected studies. With CASP, methodological research designs and study findings are critically reviewed to identify the range and scope of the selected studies in addressing CLABSI and SSI prevention adequately (Beville et al., 2021). Through the application of CASP criteria for the evaluation of potential biases, confounding factors, and the limitations associated with the generalizations of results, the identified literature meets the criteria for developing sound clinical recommendations.

The Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) is applied to assess the reliability, validity, and relevance of the chosen sources. In CASP, methodological research designs and detailed findings are appraised to determine the extent of the selected studies in providing adequate answers to CLABSI and SSI prevention (Beville et al., 2021). According to CASP criteria, the identified literature meets the criteria for making clinically sound recommendations when looking for bias, potential confounding factors, and the limitations associated with the generalization of results.

 

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