DEVELOPING A CLINICAL QUESTION ASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS OVERVIEW The effective development of an evidence-based project utilizes a conceptual framework to guide the process. For purposes of this assignment, the Iowa Model of Evidence-Based Practice is the identified model. There is a link available within the course. An evidence-based practice project requires the development of a well-designed clinical question. This is supported by the use of the PICO format. Developing a Clinical Question Assignment The idea for a question will originate from a trigger (per the Iowa Model) which could come a metric in the practice setting such as a nurse sensitive indicator. In some CASES, a trigger could be revealed in the current literature where innovations and ideas are discussed. A PICO worksheet is provided as a part of the assignment instructions for use in the development of a question. A case scenario is provided to give a clinical perspective for the development of a question and subsequently the development of a proposal later in the course. INSTRUCTIONS As a nurse in a healthcare organization, it has become evident that patient outcome data have been consistently declining in some patient care settings.

Some of the outcomes under inspection include hospital acquired pressure injuries (HAPI) (4% increase in the last 6 months), patient falls, (3 % increase in the last 6 months) and catheter associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI) (4% increase in the last 6 months). You have been asked to investigate contributing factors to the declining outcomes and participate with a team approach to developing an evidence-based practice project. As you started this exploration, you came across this article Aiken Article, which served as a starting point for the assignment you have been given. The purpose of the Aiken article is to provide a perspective as to some of the variables that can contribute to patient morbidity and mortality. You have the opportunity to explore other influences as well within the literature. Depending on the problem focus you select based on the data provided, you will need to secure current articles to support you as you develop the clinical question. For example, you may want to retrieve peer review articles on patient falls or one of the other problem areas. It would be recommended that you address only one of the problem areas. Developing a Clinical Question Assignment  You have the freedom to make that decision as to which you believe is the top priority. To complete this assignment: 1. Access the link to the Aiken article found in the Learn section of this module. This article will provide some background information that links nurse-patient ratios to patient outcomes. The article is provided to get you started on the development of an evidence-based project (EBP). 2. Refer to the Iowa Model (available in the textbook) to serve as a guide in the development of the EBP project. Be sure to explain, in detail, how each step of the Iowa Model supports the project development. 3. Based on the information in the article, develop a PICO question to address the problem of a decline in patient outcomes. 4.  Developing a Clinical Question Assignment Use the Developing a Clinical Question Template to develop the PICO: Include the PICO worksheet as a part of the assignment. 5. Include additional articles as background information to provide information for the problem areas identified. (3–4 articles) 6. Discuss the influence of Scripture on the imperative for utilizing current evidence to deliver safe and quality patient care. Include a title page and a reference page as a part of the assignment using current APA Manual. Note: Your draft assignment will be checked for originality of your work before submitting your final assignment. Your assignment will be checked via the Turnitin plagiarism tool. Developing a Clinical Question Assignment