Research Article

The Power of Synergy: An Academic/Clinical Partnership for Transformational Change

Table 4

Practice development projects.

Purpose of projectsTopicsImplementation status

Development of evidence-based resources to inform practice ()Urology theatre procedures, cardiac pacing, Cardio-pulmonary resuscitation education, neurovascular observations and oral hygiene for critically ill patients.Three fully implemented recommendations for the other two being incorporated into wider reviews.

Evidence-based changes in practice () Placement of nasogastric tube in children, withdrawal of use of promethazine in chemotherapy unit, humidification during artificial ventilation, falls prevention in surgical unit, falls risk assessment, use of Heliox for acute asthma (ICU), nurse-led assessment of foot problems in diabetic patients, assessment of venous leg ulcers, assessment of unilateral headache (walk-in nurse clinic), assessment and treatment of uncomplicated urinary tract infection (walk-in nurse clinic), oxygen administration in children, prevention of venous thromboembolism, recording ECG, education of inhaler techniques, procedure for CAPD, post-operative nausea and vomiting, nurse-led clinic for diabetic patients in general practice.All have been implemented and continue to be used as normal practice.

Audit and feedback with follow-up actions using practice development methods ()Hand hygiene, use of BiPAP, refrigerated storage of medicines, constipation in older person health.Three initiatives implemented and ongoing improvement continues. The recommendation for one project is yet to be implemented.

Information/education resources for patients () Education for patients booked for elective cardioversion and a resource to support home management of gastro-enteritis following discharge from Emergency Department. Both fully implemented.