Finkelman, Leadership and Management for Nurses: Core Competencies for Quality Care, 3e
Chapter 16 – Evidence-Based Practice Questions
This activity contains 4 questions.
Evidence for Effective Leadership and Management
Citation: Institute for Healthcare Improvement. (2009). Using evidence-based
environmental design to enhance safety and quality. Retrieved from
http://www.ihi.org/resources/Pages/IHIWhitePapers/UsingEvidenceBasedEnvironmental
DesignWhitePaper.aspx
Jha, A., Orav, J., Zheng, J., & Epstein, A. (2008). Patients’ perception of hospital care in
the United States. New England Journal of Medicine, 359, 1928.
Joint Commission. (2008). Guiding principles for the development of the hospital of the
future. Retrieved from http://www.jointcommission.org/assets/1/18/Hosptal_Future.pdf
Overview: There is a connection between physical design and quality care (Institute for
Healthcare Improvement, 2008). This connection needs to be understood by nurse
managers. Nurse leaders in HCOs should be involved in environmental design decisions
from new building, renovation, and day-to-day needs of the physical environment. The
Application: In 2008 the Joint Commission recognized the need for more consideration
of decision making in HCO environmental design in its report Guiding Principles for the
Development of the Hospital of the Future. To be cost effective and meet needs of the
changes in healthcare delivery, it is important to use evidence, when possible, to make
these critical decisions. It is noted that there is no perfect formula of interventions needed
to develop the best physical environment, and there should be a comprehensive review of
needs and a plan. Some examples of interventions identified by the Institute for
Healthcare Improvement that emphasize multiple patient needs in the healthcare
environment include the following:
• Install alcohol-based gel dispensers at each patient bedside and at all points of
care.
• Install noise mitigation materials.
• Use music and art as positive distractions.
• Include clear directions throughout the facility.
• Improve task lighting in pharmacy, medicine rooms, and procedure areas.
• Build private rooms.