Evidence-Based Innovation Proposal
College of Health Professions, Western Governors University
D371: Advancing Evidence-Based Innovation in Nursing Practice
Professor Feather
05/29/2025
Evidence-Based Innovation in Nursing Practice
Disruptive innovation is the driver of change, transforming healthcare provision and results via
evidence-based approaches. It introduces cost-saving, accessible, and inexpensive means of enhancing
efficacy, challenging conventional care systems. Further, evidence-based practice allows these
solutions to be in line with research current at the time as well as current clinical standards. Further,
nearly 80% of current healthcare leaders in America focus on innovation with a perspective on
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Academic Product Management [VD - Based on review completed 03/17/25.]
, WSM2: Evidence-Based Innovation Proposal Evidence-Based Innovation Plan Template
improving treatment for chronic diseases and health inequity. Thus, more educated nurses, including
those with MSN degrees, are best suited to spearhead change through clinical expertise, data, and
research. Utilization of technology, big data, and ethical practice also empowers nurses as agents of
innovation aligned with patient needs. Thus, with evidence-based approaches, nurses can drive care
change that improves healthcare quality and enables enhanced patient outcomes within various care
settings and populations.
Disruptive Innovations in Healthcare: Telehealth and Point-of-Care Testing
Two of the most notable disruptive health innovations are telehealth services and point-of-care rapid
testing. Telehealth consists of healthcare provision through digital platforms from a distance, and it
came into focus with the sudden outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Virtual consultations grew by
more than 154% between the years 2019 and 2020, particularly for those in areas with a lack of
accessibility (Koonin et al., 2020). Further, telehealth facilitated the management of chronic diseases,
with hospital readmissions down by 35% and medication compliance improved. Concurrently, point-
of-care rapid diagnostic testing, or performing diagnostic tests at or close to sites of patient treatment,
enhanced emergency services with a 40% decrease in waiting times and a decrease in unnecessary
antibiotics by 28% (Bouzid et al., 2020). These innovations challenged traditional in-person care
models by offering timely, efficient, and accessible services. They demonstrate how technology
reshapes healthcare delivery for better outcomes.
Role Selected – Nurse as Scientist
The MSN-trained nurse as scientist uses systematic inquiry and data analysis to plan, implement, and
evaluate evidence-based patient care interventions. This job demands a critically appraisal of research,
statistical methods, and quality improvement project conduct. For instance, one MSN-trained nurse
implemented an effective hand-washing program based on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC) recommendations, which decreased hospital-acquired infections by 37% within one year.
Moreover, these nurses apply logic models and outcome measurements in testing interventions. In the
Western Governors University (WGU) model, the nurse scientist applies research competencies with
clinical application to enhance safety and efficiency. Additionally, evidence-based results show that
these nurses often inform policy, revise clinical policy guidelines, and facilitate ongoing staff
Western Governors University 2 | Page
Accessibility Review Completed and Approved for Distribution and Use. [AEC0006874]
Academic Product Management [VD - Based on review completed 03/17/25.]