Originating Evidence-Based Practice
When Emory Healthcare Clinical Nurse Specialists Mary Still (shown right in the photo) and Tracey Wilds (shown left) recently visited Barcelona, they didn’t go for sightseeing; they went as messengers to the European Society of Intensive Care Medicine. During the organization’s annual congress, they shared valuable research with the droves of attendees. The response was overwhelming — resulting in continued communication with attendees, a visit from a group of German clinicians to Emory Healthcare and Mary’s and Tracey’s attendance at additional U.S. conferences.
But, the story commences before they headed overseas. What attracted such attention? How have Mary and Tracey advanced patient care globally?
Non-Glamorous Challenge … Precedent-Setting Results
For Mary’s and Tracey’s patients — oftentimes gastroenterology — and liver-related — bowel access and fecal control are imperative to care for tests, medication delivery and fecal evacuation control. Sometimes, this becomes challenging, especially for patients who have recently had surgery or need enhanced medication absorption. This challenge needed a solution, particularly for staff and patient safety as related to disease transmission risk with non-contained fecal matter.
“Yes, this is not glamorous,” comments Tracey. “But it is extremely important in terms of infection control and patient care.” The two embarked on a study of the Zassi™ Bowel Management System, seeking to determine if it provides a safe and effective way to deliver medication, control drainage and irrigate. “If successful, this would provide more dignity to our patients and help nurses with issues they face daily,” says Mary.
When they started considering this system for more than traditional drainage, Mary and Tracey realized that there wasn’t literature related to their patients. “When we found that there was no literature, we knew we needed to be the ones to do it,” explains Tracey.
Mary and Tracey conducted a retrospective study of 111 patients and the system’s expanded use. Results were precedent setting, as the multifaceted use was successful. Although there are other systems available for containment and drainage, the added benefit of using a system like this one for medication administration expanded its use. Additionally, streamlined containment increases patient and staff safety.
“During our presentations, we realized that people hadn’t considered this for protecting nurses and nearby patients,” says Mary. “This is particularly important for hospitals with wards. Hindering the spread of diseases can’t be seen as anything but positive. This international event became a way to share with clinical team members a means to enhance patient care and facilitate nurse protection. With the word out to the public, use has grown and there is now competition in the medical marketplace for these types of systems.”
A Career Where Establishing Evidence is a Top Priority
Career growth and opportunities for all clinicians abound at Emory Healthcare. In particular, as members of the nursing staff advance to leadership roles, these individuals discover a new element to their professional lives. According to Tracey, “As master’s-prepared nurses, we view it as our responsibility to see the big picture and present authentic avenues for research.”
Mary continues, “It is our place to identify ways to make patient care safer — a positive for the patients, their families and our staff. We practice evidence-based care, and when that evidence doesn’t exist, we go out there and establish it. I can’t think of anything more satisfying than enhancing staff confidence and making our patients more comfortable.”
