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EDUCATION
Implementing Evidence-Based Education Initiatives: Advancing Nursing Practice

By Lenis Sosa, DNP, RN, CCRC

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The Center for Nursing Research, Education, and Practice (CNREP) at Houston Methodist is dedicated to fostering ongoing professional development rooted in research and exemplified by the highest standards of nursing practice. With a vision to propel the nursing profession forward globally through science, education, and practice, CNREP strives to lead innovative healthcare solutions for complex patient issues.
To align with this mission and vision, CNREP implements rigorous educational projects, deploying professional development leaders and professional practice leaders to units for observational assessments. These assessments ensure seamless translation of educational content into evidence-based practice, adhering to hospital policies and procedures to prioritize patient safety and care excellence.
Focused on identifying educational needs grounded in key nursing indicators for safe and high-quality care, CNREP has pinpointed various areas for improvement over the years. One such initiative targeted early recognition of patients' changing conditions, emphasizing nurses' pivotal role in preventing clinical deterioration and standardizing physical assessments. This led to the creation of the Methodist Proficient Assessment Competency (MPAC), a standardized process for physical assessments across the hospital. Through didactic training, video demonstrations, return demonstrations and clinical simulations, CNREP ensured the sustained adoption of MPAC among nurses, resulting in improved clinical outcomes.
Despite successes, an unintended consequence of focusing on physical assessments was increased central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) and catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI). In response, CNREP developed the Infection Control on Nursing (ICON) curriculum, which aligned with the MPAC process to effectively reduce infection rates hospital-wide.
Subsequently, an increase in pressure injuries in medical-surgical units prompted the implementation of the Preventing and Recognizing Skin InjurieS Using Robust Education (PRESSURE) initiative. CNREP addressed and mitigated hospital-acquired pressure injury (HAPI) rates through a similar methodology. These initiatives have become standard practice within the department and are integrated into new employee orientation and quarterly education sessions. This commitment to ongoing education, tailored to current needs, underscores CNREP's dedication to staff growth and delivering excellent, safe, quality patient care. Education requires constant revision of content and development based on evidence, patient safety, and quality.
CNREP's steadfast commitment to bedside practice observations, identifies and bridges practice gaps, ensuring that patient-centered care remains paramount, and the work remains valuable and inclusive.