Proposing Evidence-Based Change

Introduction

Note: Complete the Proposing Evidence-Based Change assessments in the order in which they are presented.

Healthcare systems around the world provide useful models for analysis. Familiarity with different models and approaches to health care enables leaders to identify what works and what does not as the basis for proposing a change. As we continue to evaluate the complex and fragmented system in the United States, it is important for nurse leaders to become familiar with the programs and systems that provide evidence-based quality care that is affordable and focused on continual improvement.

This assessment provides an opportunity to examine a local or regional healthcare issue from a global perspective.

Preparation

Your organization, in collaboration with the key stakeholders from the community, is funding an initiative to investigate potential improvements in the local or regional healthcare system. As a nurse leader attuned to the effects of health care policy and finance on providing affordable, high-quality care, you have been asked to join the study’s task force.

Examining other countries’ healthcare systems can provide a solid, evidence-based foundation for evaluating outcomes and identifying benchmarks. Consequently, you have decided to analyse selected non-U.S. healthcare systems and compare them to each other and to the existing local or regional U.S. system to help inform decision-making as the task force considers proposed changes.

In this assessment, you propose changing one aspect of your local or regional healthcare system or program. Conduct a comparative analysis of different healthcare systems and summarize your proposed change and findings from your analysis in a report to executive leaders. To prepare for your assessment, you are encouraged to consider the non-U.S. healthcare systems you might like to examine. In addition, you may wish to:

Review the assessment requirements and scoring guide to ensure that you understand the work you will be asked to complete.
Review Guiding Questions: Proposing Evidence-Based Change [DOCX], which includes questions to consider and additional guidance on how to complete the assessment successfully.

Note: As you revise your writing, check out the resources on the Writing Center’s Writing Support page.

MSN PROGRAM JOURNEY

The following is a useful map to guide you as you continue your MSN program. This map gives you an overview of all the steps required to prepare for your practicum and to complete your degree. It also outlines the support that will be available to you along the way.

MSN Program Journey.

TEMPLATES

Use this template for your summary report.

Summary Report Template [DOCX].

Requirements

Complete this assessment in three steps:

Propose a change to one aspect of your local or regional healthcare system or program that would improve outcomes.
Conduct a comparative analysis of different healthcare systems, focusing on one aspect of the system you propose changing.
Summarize your proposed change and the results of your comparative analysis in a report to executive leaders.

The summary report requirements outlined below correspond to the grading criteria in the scoring guide for Proposing Evidence-Based Change, so be sure to address each point. Read the performance-level descriptions for each criterion to see how your work will be assessed. The Guiding Questions: Proposing Evidence-Based Change document provides additional considerations that may be helpful in completing your assessment. In addition, be sure to note the requirements below for document format and length and for citing supporting evidence.

Identify an aspect of a local or regional healthcare system or program that should be a focus for change.
Define desirable outcomes, including who will pay for care and factors limiting achieving those outcomes.
Analyze two non-U.S. healthcare systems or programs that offer insight into a proposed change for a healthcare system or program in the United States.
- Choose one of the following options for selecting the two systems or programs:

Option 1: Select two systems at opposite ends of the scale regarding desirable outcomes for the issue reflected in your proposed change.
Option 2: Select two systems that produce positive outcomes but take unique or innovative approaches to the problem.

- Compare the outcomes in each non-U.S. system with each other and with present outcomes in your local or regional health care system.
Explain why specific changes will lead to improved outcomes.
Determine the financial and health implications associated with the proposed changes.
- Address the implications of making the changes.
- Address the implications of not making the changes.
Write clearly and concisely in a logically coherent and appropriate form and style.
Support assertions, arguments, propositions, and conclusions with relevant and credible evidence.

Document Format and Length

Use the Summary Report Template. This APA Style Paper Tutorial [DOCX] can help you write and format your assessment. If you would like to use a different worksheet for your community health assessment, obtain prior approval from the faculty.
Your summary report should be 4–5 pages long, not including the title and reference pages.
Be sure to apply correct APA formatting to all source citations and references.

Supporting Evidence

Cite 3–5 credible sources from peer-reviewed journals or professional industry publications to support your comparative analysis.

Additional Requirements

Be sure to delete all directions from the template before submitting your summary report. In addition, proofread your report to minimize errors that could distract readers and make it more difficult for them to focus on the substance of your analysis.

Portfolio Prompt: You may save your summary report to your ePortfolio.

Competencies Measured

By successfully completing this assessment, you will demonstrate your proficiency in the following course competencies and assessment criteria:

Competency 1: Identify the challenges and opportunities facing health care.
- Identify an aspect of a local or regional healthcare system or program that should be a focus for change.
Competency 2: Compare the effects of different healthcare finance models and policy frameworks on resources and patient outcomes.
- Define desirable outcomes, including who will pay for care and factors limiting achieving those outcomes.
- Analyze two non-U.S. healthcare systems or programs that offer insight into a proposed change for a healthcare system or program in the United States.
Competency 3: Evaluate leaders’ positive and negative influences on healthcare processes and outcomes.
- Determine the financial and health implications of making—and not making—proposed changes to a healthcare system or program.
Competency 4: Develop proactive strategies to change the organisation’s culture by incorporating evidence-based practices.
- Explain why specific changes will lead to improved outcomes.
Competency 5: Communicate effectively with diverse audiences in an appropriate form and style consistent with applicable organizational, professional, and scholarly standards.
- Write clearly and concisely in a logically coherent and appropriate form and style.

Support assertions, arguments, propositions, and conclusions with relevant and credible evidence.