NR 715 Week 6 Translation Science Theories and Models Discussion

Translation Science Theories and Models

Discussion

Translation science theories and models are vital to advancing evidence-based practice in nursing and healthcare. These frameworks serve as essential connections between research findings and clinical applications by providing structured, systematic pathways for adopting, testing, and sustaining innovations. Without these models, evidence-based practices often remain confined to academic literature instead of being effectively implemented in healthcare environments. By exploring these frameworks, nurses and healthcare professionals can develop strategies to overcome barriers, streamline workflows, and ultimately enhance patient outcomes.

Purpose

The purpose of this discussion is to strengthen nursing professionals’ capacity to evaluate and apply translation science theories and models when addressing real-world clinical problems. This approach enables practitioners to critically appraise evidence, adapt it to their specific healthcare settings, and promote ongoing quality improvement. Furthermore, engaging in this process nurtures leadership skills and resilience, both of which are crucial for managing the complexity of modern healthcare systems.

Instructions

Reflecting on an existing practice issue offers an effective way to apply translation science frameworks. The following questions guide this reflection process.

1. Elaborate on your practice problem and select one translation science theory or model from the readings or lesson this week.

One of the most pressing issues in clinical practice is delayed patient readiness at the time of scheduled medical appointments. Often, patients arrive unprepared—such as with incomplete forms, missing documentation, or without following fasting instructions for specific tests. These issues cause workflow interruptions, extend waiting times, and decrease satisfaction for both patients and healthcare providers.

To address this issue, the Rapid Cycle Improvement (RCI) Model can be applied. This model highlights the importance of implementing and testing small, incremental changes in real-time, assessing their effectiveness promptly, and making necessary adjustments to ensure lasting improvements. Its iterative nature enables healthcare professionals to refine interventions before scaling them for broader application (Cowdell et al., 2019).

2. Provide a description of the components in the translation science theory or model you chose.

The Rapid Cycle Improvement (RCI) Model is grounded in the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycle, which facilitates continuous improvement through repeated testing and evaluation. The model’s main components are summarized below:

This iterative process allows healthcare professionals to implement evidence-based interventions efficiently, minimizing disruption while promoting adaptability and feasibility within routine clinical workflows.

3. Assess the common barriers to evidence translation in addressing this problem.

Several barriers impede the successful translation of evidence into practice when addressing delayed patient readiness:

To overcome these challenges, healthcare leaders should emphasize proactive leadership support, interprofessional collaboration, and continuous professional education. Cultivating a culture that embraces innovation, shared accountability, and evidence-based practice can facilitate the successful translation of research into improved patient care.

Program Competencies

This discussion supports several program competencies and outcomes:

Course Outcomes

Through this discussion, learners are expected to:

• Critically appraise global healthcare issues and link them to DNP competencies to improve nursing interventions (PCs 1, 3, 5, 7, 8; POs 1, 3, 9).

• Apply ethical principles when integrating translation science theories and quality improvement methods into healthcare practice (PCs 1, 2, 3, 4, 8; POs 3, 4, 5, 6, 7).

References

American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). (2006). The essentials of doctoral education for advanced nursing practice. https://www.aacnnursing.org/Education-Resources/AACN-Essentials

Bekemeier, B., Delaney, K., Wenzl, S., Roberts, M., & Hersh, D. (2020). The diamond project: A quality improvement model for adopting shared service delivery in the Washington vaccines for children program. Frontiers in Public Health, 8. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2020.00272

Cowdell, J. C., Smoot, T. B., Murray, L. P., Stancampiano, F. F., & Hedges, M. S. (2019). A rapid cycle improvement approach to increase patient readiness at their scheduled appointment time. Quality Management in Health Care, 28(1), 45–50. https://doi.org/10.1097/QMH.0000000000000194

Franklin, B. (2019, November 4). Avedis Donabedian and the birth of healthcare quality assurance. Healthcare Market Review. https://healthcaremarketreview.com/avedis-donabedian-and-the-birth-of-healthcare-quality-assurance/#_ENREF_11

Greenway, K., Butt, G., & Walthall, H. (2019). Review: What is a theory-practice gap? An exploration of the concept. Nurse Education in Practice, 34, 1–6. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nepr.2018.10.005

NR 715 Week 6 Translation Science Theories and Models Discussion

Hickman, L., DiGiacomo, M., Phillips, J., Rao, A., Newton, P., Jackson, D., & Ferguson, C. (2018). Improving evidence-based practice in postgraduate nursing programs: A systematic review: Bridging the evidence practice gap (BRIDGE project). Nurse Education Today, 63, 69–75. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nedt.2018.01.015

Leach, M., & Tucker, B. (2018). Current understandings of the research-practice gap in nursing: A mixed-methods study. Collegian, 25(2), 171–179. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.colegn.2017.04.008

White, K., Dudley-Brown, S., & Terhaar, M. (2021). Translation of evidence into nursing and health care (3rd ed.). Springer Publishing Company.

Zaccagnini, M. E., & Pechacek, J. (2021). The Doctor of Nursing Practice essentials: A new model for advanced practice (4th ed.). Jones & Bartlett Publishers.