Two discussion Questions; 250 words each; 2 references APA 7 within 5 years
1. Explain the common characteristics of complex adaptive systems. How can the DNP-prepared nurse apply the concepts of a complex adaptive system to patient care?
2. Examine change theories in scholarly literature. Describe the application of a change theory from the perspective of a DNP-prepared nurse in relation to the proposed changes in your DNP Project.
DNP Project: Implementing a nurse-driven protocol to reduce device (catheter) utilization days in a long term acute care hospital
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Question 1:
Introduction:
Complex adaptive systems refer to complex structures that are capable of self-organizing, self-regulating, and adapting to their environment. In healthcare, complex adaptive systems are composed of patients, healthcare providers, healthcare organizations, and other external factors that influence healthcare delivery. As a DNP-prepared nurse, understanding the common characteristics of complex adaptive systems is essential in providing optimal patient care.
Answer:
Common Characteristics of Complex Adaptive Systems:
Complex adaptive systems exhibit the following characteristics:
1. Emergence: Complex adaptive systems have emergent properties, which means that the system’s behavior is not solely determined by the sum of its parts.
2. Nonlinear interactions: The interactions between the system’s components are nonlinear, meaning that small changes in one component can lead to significant changes in the entire system.
3. Self-organization: Complex adaptive systems can self-organize and adapt to their environment without external control.
4. Feedback loops: Feedback loops are present in complex adaptive systems, allowing for system regulation and adaptation.
Application to Patient Care:
DNP-prepared nurses can apply the concepts of complex adaptive systems to patient care by recognizing that patients are part of a larger healthcare system. Nurses should consider the feedback loops between patients and healthcare providers, as well as the nonlinear interactions between patient conditions and treatment effectiveness. Additionally, nurses should be aware of the emergent properties of complex adaptive systems, such as the risk of developing complications due to interactions between medications.
References:
McDaniel, R. R., Driebe, D. J., & Coye, M. J. (2018). Applying complex adaptive systems thinking to healthcare. The Learning Health System Series, 623-629.
Mettler, T., & Amelung, V. E. (2019). Understanding and managing complex adaptive health systems. Journal of Health Organization and Management, 33(3), 241-250.
Question 2:
Introduction:
Change theories are useful in facilitating organizational changes in healthcare. As a DNP-prepared nurse, understanding change theories is crucial for implementing successful changes in healthcare practices. This essay describes the application of a change theory in relation to the proposed changes in my DNP Project.
Answer:
Change Theory Application:
The Diffusion of Innovations theory is an appropriate change theory for the proposed changes in my DNP Project. The theory explains the process by which new ideas and practices are adopted and integrated into a group or organization. The theory comprises four stages: innovation, diffusion, adoption, and implementation.
The innovation stage involves identifying a new idea that can solve a problem, in this case putting in place a nurse-driven protocol to reduce device (catheter) utilization days in a long term acute care hospital. The diffusion stage involves the communication of the innovation to the stakeholders, such as other nurses, clinicians, and leaders, to persuade them to adopt the practice. The adoption stage involves the decision to adopt the new practice by stakeholders, and the implementation stage involves the full integration of the new practice into the organization.
As a DNP-prepared nurse, I will use the Diffusion of Innovations theory to implement the nurse-driven protocol to reduce device utilization days. To begin the process, I will identify the key stakeholders in the process and seek their input to identify a feasible solution. Next, I will use communication tools such as emails, meetings, and presentations to persuade the stakeholders to adopt the new practice. I will also collaborate with the stakeholders to develop a plan for implementing the new practice that takes into account potential barriers to adoption and implementation.
References:
Rogers, E. M. (2010). Diffusion of innovations. Simon and Schuster.
Stetler, C. B., Ritchie, J. A., Rycroft-Malone, J., & Schultz, A. A. (2014). Institutionalizing evidence-based practice: an organizational case study using a model of strategic change. Implementation Science, 9(1), 1-12.
