Evidenced-BasedImprovementModelforWritingCritically.docVIP

PAGE  PAGE 4 Evidenced-Based Improvement Model for Writing Critically Thinking Mary K. Kirkpatrick, EdD, RN School of Nursing Improvement means to make health care or other professions better through the use of BEST evidence. Improvement is a universal, trans-disciplinary concept that can be applied to a person’s personal life, work, career, environment, education, health care, etc. BEST evidence in health care refers to guidelines, reviews (quantitative qualitative), meta-analyses, consensus/position statements, and opinion of experts in the discipline. Use of BEST evidence in health care education and practice is supported by the major health care professional organizations (Institute of Medicine, National League for Nurses-NLN, Sigma Theta Tau International, American Association of College Nurses). Following a brief introduction of the improvement model and theoretical basis for the improvement learning process, this paper will illuminate a process that can be used trans-disciplinary or across many disciplines to promote writing, thinking and lifelong learning. Learner profile The learners in this activity are nursing students who have completed both research and statistic courses. They are in their senior year of a geriatric nursing course. Nursing students are expected to use evidenced based education and practice. Nursing expects learners to use the APA format for referencing and communicating appropriately in oral and written form. Improvement Model The improvement model is a four step process of plan, do, study, and act, known as the PDSA Model and commonly used in business (Langley, Nolan, K. M., Norman, C. L. et al., 1996). It has only recently been modified (evidenced-based improvement-EBI) and applied in the health care arena in improving geriatric, palliative and chronic illness care, as well as symptom management and caring, healing environments in nursing and medicine. For purposes of this course, only the plan, do and study steps ar