Sample Essay on Decision for Procedure Change in Adult Medicine Clinic Nursing Practice

Share an example from your nursing practice setting (clinic adult medicine) of how a decision was made to change a procedure or practice.

• What steps were used in the decision-making process?
• What evidence was considered for decision-making?
• Throughout the decision-making process, what research did you reference and present in order to support the proposed change?
• Was the change effective?  Provide rationale.

Introduction

Decision for procedure change in nursing practice plays a vital role in improving patient outcomes and strengthening healthcare systems. Nurses frequently identify gaps in care and take initiative to improve existing procedures. Therefore, they must rely on structured decision making processes that integrate clinical expertise, research evidence, and patient needs. This approach ensures that healthcare practices remain effective and aligned with current standards. Moreover, evidence based changes enhance both patient safety and quality of care (Melnyk and Fineout Overholt, 2019).

In addition, modern clinical environments demand continuous evaluation and adaptation. As patient populations grow more complex, outdated procedures can negatively affect outcomes. For this reason, nurses must actively participate in identifying inefficiencies and proposing improvements. This essay examines a real example from an adult medicine clinic where a procedure change improved hypertension management. It also explains the decision making steps, supporting evidence, and overall effectiveness of the change.

Description of the Clinical Scenario

In an adult medicine clinic, nurses identified a recurring issue in the management of uncontrolled hypertension. Many patients failed to attend follow up visits after receiving elevated blood pressure readings. As a result, their conditions remained unmanaged, increasing the risk of serious complications. The existing procedure required patients to schedule their own follow up appointments. However, this passive approach created gaps in care.

Furthermore, nurses observed that high risk patients often delayed or missed appointments entirely. Consequently, the clinic struggled to maintain continuity of care. Patients also expressed confusion about scheduling and follow up expectations. These challenges highlighted the need for a more proactive system. Therefore, the nursing team proposed a procedure change that focused on structured follow up and patient engagement (American Heart Association, 2020).

Steps in the Decision Making Process

First, the nursing team identified the problem through direct observation and data collection. They reviewed patient records and tracked missed follow up appointments. As a result, they confirmed a clear pattern of delayed care among patients with hypertension. This step established the need for change.

Next, the team evaluated the existing procedure to identify its weaknesses. They found that the system lacked accountability and relied too heavily on patient initiative. Therefore, they formed a multidisciplinary team that included nurses, physicians, and administrators. This collaboration ensured a comprehensive evaluation of possible solutions.

Then, the team developed a new procedure based on evidence based practices. They proposed immediate scheduling of follow up appointments before patients left the clinic. In addition, they introduced nurse led follow up calls for high risk patients. Finally, they presented the proposal to leadership and launched a pilot program. Throughout the process, they continuously monitored outcomes and made adjustments as needed (Melnyk and Fineout Overholt, 2019).

Evidence Considered for Decision Making

The team relied on multiple sources of evidence to guide the decision for procedure change in nursing practice. First, they reviewed clinical guidelines that emphasized the importance of timely follow up in hypertension management. These guidelines clearly showed that consistent monitoring improves blood pressure control.

Additionally, the team analyzed internal clinic data. This data revealed that missed appointments directly contributed to poor patient outcomes. Furthermore, patient feedback highlighted barriers such as confusion and scheduling difficulties. Therefore, both quantitative and qualitative evidence supported the need for change (American Heart Association, 2020).

Research Used to Support the Proposed Change

The nursing team also reviewed peer reviewed research to strengthen their proposal. Studies showed that nurse led interventions significantly improve patient outcomes in chronic disease management. For example, follow up calls and patient education increase adherence to treatment plans. As a result, patients achieve better control of their conditions.

Moreover, research supported structured follow up systems as a key strategy for improving continuity of care. These systems reduce missed appointments and enhance patient engagement. Therefore, the team used this evidence to justify their proposed changes. By presenting strong research findings, they gained support from leadership and stakeholders (Melnyk and Fineout Overholt, 2019).

Implementation of the Procedure Change

The clinic implemented the new procedure in a structured and organized manner. First, leaders trained nursing staff on the updated workflow. Nurses learned how to schedule follow up appointments immediately after patient visits. In addition, they received guidance on conducting follow up calls effectively.

Next, the clinic updated its documentation system to track patient progress. This system allowed staff to monitor follow up compliance and identify gaps quickly. Furthermore, the team introduced patient education materials to reinforce the importance of follow up care. Regular team meetings ensured that staff addressed challenges and improved the process continuously.

Evaluation of Effectiveness

The clinic evaluated the effectiveness of the procedure change using measurable outcomes. First, follow up appointment attendance increased significantly. Patients were more likely to return because staff scheduled appointments before they left the clinic.

In addition, blood pressure control improved among patients who received follow up calls. Nurses identified issues early and adjusted care plans promptly. Patient satisfaction also increased because individuals felt supported and informed. These results demonstrate that the new procedure produced meaningful improvements in care delivery (American Heart Association, 2020).

Rationale for Effectiveness

Several factors explain why the procedure change proved effective. First, the proactive approach removed barriers to follow up care. Patients no longer needed to schedule appointments independently. Instead, the clinic ensured continuity of care from the start.

Second, nurse led interventions provided additional support and accountability. Follow up calls reinforced treatment plans and encouraged adherence. Furthermore, early intervention prevented complications and improved outcomes. These factors align with evidence based treatment strategies, which emphasize patient engagement and timely care.

Reflection on Clinical Practice

This experience highlights the importance of active decision making in nursing practice. Nurses must identify problems, evaluate evidence, and advocate for change. In this case, the team improved patient outcomes by addressing a clear gap in care.

Moreover, collaboration played a key role in the success of the initiative. The team worked together to design and implement a practical solution. This approach ensured that the change remained sustainable and effective. Therefore, this experience reinforces the value of teamwork and evidence based practice (Melnyk and Fineout Overholt, 2019).

Conclusion

Decision for procedure change in nursing practice remains essential for improving healthcare quality. This case demonstrates how a structured and evidence based approach can lead to significant improvements in patient outcomes. The proactive follow up model increased appointment attendance, improved blood pressure control, and enhanced patient satisfaction.

Ultimately, nurses must continue to evaluate and improve clinical practices. By using research, collaboration, and critical thinking, they can drive meaningful change in healthcare settings. This approach ensures that patient care remains effective, safe, and responsive to evolving needs.

References

American Heart Association. (2020). Guideline for the prevention detection evaluation and management of high blood pressure. American Heart Association.

Melnyk, B., and Fineout Overholt, E. (2019). Evidence based practice in nursing and healthcare a guide to best practice. Wolters Kluwer.