This issue of the “Inquiry and Innovation” column will spotlight the rapid critical appraisal of evidence step of the evidence-based practice (EBP) process. Melnyk and Fineout-Overholt describe seven steps in the EBP process. After the PICO question directs the search for evidence through literature and reputable websites (both discussed in previous columns), the content must be appraised for validity, reliability, clinical importance, and applicability to the practice under review.
The Patient Safety Room of Horrors is an innovative simulation-based learning activity developed to enhance orientation for Patient Support Team members. Learners worked in teams to identify 22 embedded safety hazards across categories such as patient identification, infection prevention, pressure injury, and fall prevention. Feedback from over 1,200 participants demonstrated increased engagement, teamwork, knowledge, and confidence. This approach offers nursing professional development practitioners a scalable, interactive method to reinforce patient safety principles during orientation.
NPDPs leverage AI to optimize practice efficiency. NPDPs lack the resources and tools to quickly standardize and align orientation competencies for scalability across hospitals and health systems. Partnering with the advanced technology team, a large language model was developed. Postimplementation metrics demonstrated substantial efficiency gains. The workgroup achieved a 76% reduction in manual standardization efforts. NPDPs leverage a large language model to streamline processes, reduce manual work, and enhance operational efficiency.
