Evaluation is one of the most essential aspects in EBP projects that helps in determining the effectiveness of the intervention. In addition, evaluation of the EBP project helps to identify the relevant modifications that can be made to enhance the effectiveness of the intervention so as to foster optimal patient outcomes (Moch et al., 2015). As such, this emphasizes the need to develop a comprehensive evaluation plan so as to assess whether the objectives of the project are achieved and the impact of the intervention in regard to behavioral changes as well as the outcomes of the target population.
Methods used in collecting outcome data
In regard to this, various methods shall be used in collection of the outcomes data. Among the key methods to be used include; observation, scales, questionnaires as well as interviews. As such, these are the most suitable methods since they provide meaningful, useful and credible information in relation to the outcomes and also offer specific information pertaining the outcomes. For instance, the use of face-to-face interviews shall allow clarifications of ambiguous responses and promote the search for follow-up information. In addition, most of these methods are less expensive and can be carried out among large populations. For example, questionnaires are less expensive methods for data collection and can be carried out on large populations.
With regard to the measurement of the outcomes, observations shall be utilized in evaluating the impact of the intervention with respect to behavioral modifications such as the adoption self-management behaviors among the pediatric asthma patients. In addition, structured questionnaires shall be used in evaluating the impact of the intervention in promoting the adoption of self-efficacy behaviors, minimizing incidences of asthma attacks and exposure to the various triggers for asthma. With regard to this, structured questionnaires and interviews shall be used in collecting the relevant data pertaining to incidences of asthma attacks and use of asthma medications so as to evaluate the effectiveness of this intervention in relation to promoting the adoption of self-management behaviors and minimizing incidences of asthma attacks. Furthermore, the Likert-scale shall be used in evaluating changes in self-efficacy as well as self-management behaviors among the pediatric asthma patients. On the other hand, structured questionnaires shall be utilized in evaluating the nurses’ satisfaction in regard to project.
Upholding a high level of validity and hence reliability is pretty essential in fostering the applicability of this evidence. In this regard, it would be prudent to incorporate strategies that help in determining the overall validity of the project (Polit & Beck, 2013). This relates to the assessment of the instruments used in data collection, analysis as well as the overall study design. The characteristics of this EBP’s components would go a long way in telling whether the outcomes are valid and hence reliable or if they can be applied over a large sample size. Equally, the validity of the outcomes would be tested by comparing whether the findings are in agreement with similar studies. A high level of agreement or consistency with the existing literature on the same research topic would be a sign of validity.
Strategies to improve the outcomes
After evaluating and measuring the outcomes, it is likely that some of the outcomes may provide negative results. As such, it is necessary to come with various strategies in order to ensure that the project achieves the desired outcomes. Firstly, the relevant changes shall be made of the mode of delivering the intervention so as to foster effective delivery of the intervention thereby resulting to positive outcomes. Secondly, identification of the project’s weaknesses through the use of the evaluation findings shall help to in customizing the intervention according to the unique needs of the population. For instance, identifying the learning needs and capabilities of the students shall help to tailor the intervention according to the capabilities of different groups. Moreover, incorporation of parents in the program shall help in achieving the desired outcomes since lack of parent involvement is the key limitation for the project. The involvement of parents shall also promote the sustainability of this intervention and ensure that pediatric asthma patient adopt the self-management behaviors in the school and community environment.
Implications for practice and future research
The outcomes of the EBP project will have considerable implications on clinical practice as well as future research. In the light of this, the EBP project shall promote the provision of patient-centered care especially by nurses since the project shall help them to understand the health needs of the pediatric patients with asthma and customize their interventions according to these needs. In addition, the project shall enhance the delivery of quality care to this group since the outcome findings shall enable healthcare professionals since the project provides useful information that can be used to develop effective strategies and interventions for asthma management. Furthermore, the project shall help in developing relevant policies to minimize the exposure of asthma patients to the various asthma triggers such as cigarette smoke and promote the development of asthma education programs (Rasberry et al., 2014). More importantly, the EBP project provides a basis for future research on the topic whereby this shall help to uncover additional evidence in regard to asthma management as well as prevention and subsequently prevent incidences of the disease among the pediatric population and minimize progression of the illness among pediatric asthma patients.
References
Moch, S. D., Quinn-Lee, L., Gallegos, C., & Sortedahl, C. K. (2015). Navigating evidence-based practice projects: The faculty role. Nursing Education Perspectives, 36(2), 128-130.
Polit, D. F., & Beck, C. T. (2013). Essentials of nursing research: Appraising evidence for nursing practice. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Rasberry, C. N., Cheung, K., Buckley, R., Dunville, R., Daniels, B., Cook, D., & Dean, B. (2014). Indicators of asthma control among students in a rural, school-based asthma management program. Journal of Asthma, 51(8), 876-885.
