WGU D031 Evidence-Based Innovation Plan Template Complete Latest
Update Viable for Exam (2026/2027) Practice
Evidence-Based Innovation Proposal
Author Name CJ
College of Health Professions, Western Governors University
D031: Advancing Evidence-Based Innovation in Nursing Practice
Instructor Name Becky F,ther
Date 04/27/2025
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,ASM2: Evidence-Based Innovation Proposal Evidence-Based Innovation Plan Template
Innovation Proposal
Disruptive innovations in healthcare are one factor that can drive progress, especially in
addressing patient safety, workflow efficiency, and care quality. Disruptive innovations can feel
disruptive and jarring to those who struggle with significant changes, but once fully integrated, the
results are vastly beneficial. This paper begins by reviewing two real-world examples of disruptive
innovations—barcode drug dispensing and continuous glucose monitoring—that have improved
healthcare outcomes. It then addresses the function of the MSN-prepared nurse innovator, especially
in relation to the "Nurse as Detective" that was taught in the WGU Nursing Conceptual Model. The
proposal commences by looking at both the benefits and challenges of using big data in healthcare
and then discusses how the ANA Code of Ethics guides the uses of big data. Big data has many
practical applications in the health care field, and this paper looks at one such example. This paper
then comes to the primary purpose: a proposal to implement UV-C disinfection robots at St. Mark’s
Hospital as a strategic and evidence-based solution to reduce healthcare-associated infections (HAIs).
Evidence from peer-reviewed sources is examined to highlight key themes supporting this innovation.
The paper concludes with a reflection on how the innovation process deepened my understanding of
the advanced professional nurse’s role in driving system-level change.
Scholarly Examples of Disruptive Innovations that Improved Healthcare
The field of healthcare has always been one of continuous development through change. As
healthcare and nursing have evolved, healthcare professionals have developed processes to document
and monitor new advances, then scientifically observe results leading to practices that are based in
evidence. At times these innovations have been more than a logical step forward but even disruptive.
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Barcode medication administration (BCMA) technology used in hospitals is an example of disruptive
innovation that enhances healthcare outcomes. Every nurse learned in nursing school that confirming
the six R's of medications is crucial for patient safety. The right person, time, route, dose, medicine,
and the right to refuse are the six R's of medication administration. Prior to the BCMA, nurses needed
to do this manually for every medication given to each patient. Before giving the patient the medicine,
the BCMA system requires that nurses scan a patient's wristband—which has a barcode and patient
name and other identification—and verify that the wristband matches the patient by asking their
name—then scan the medication. The intent is to ensure that the right individual gets the right
medicine at the right dose and at the right time. This process serves as a double check while bringing
the order information up in the computer as the medications are scanned. A review by Hutton, Ding,
and Wellman (2021) asserts that barcode systems significantly lowered pharmaceutical errors—
especially those related to a mistaken dosage, drug, or patient. It is a way of using technology to verify
information, using the computer/EMR to improve patient outcomes and safety.
This innovation is disruptive since it changes the way medications are administered and the
way information about medications is verified significantly from practices prior. I can imagine that this
innovation completely changed the way a nurse structures their day and time management.
Implementing a BCMA system would require hospitals to make a considerable investment not only in
the technology but also in training staff, changing what would become an outdated system into a more
modern and reliable one. Patient safety will continue to become stronger as more institutions adopt
this innovation, especially during high-stress shifts or emergencies.
For type 2 diabetics, continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) is another example of a disruptive
innovation in healthcare. With a small sensor implanted on the body, CGM tracks blood sugar levels
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both throughout the day and at night, unlike conventional monitoring of blood glucose with
fingersticks. Those who used CGM for 12 months had better blood sugar control, used less insulin, and
lost more weight than those who used traditional blood glucose monitoring, according to a recent
study (Lind et al., 2024). Users using CGM also mentioned feeling better and more satisfied with their
care. Because it changes the way blood sugar levels are collected and tracked by offering real-time
data that helps patients and doctors manage diabetes more successfully and make better decisions,
CGM is seen as disruptive. It helps patients prevent significant blood sugar changes by switching
diabetes treatment from reactive to proactive. The same study found that patients' mental health and
confidence in managing their disease increased, both of which are important to long-term results.
CGM might become the standard for insulin-treated diabetes as technology develops, potentially
reducing complications such as heart disease, kidney failure, and nerve damage. In the management
of chronic diseases, the capacity to make real-time choices depending on live data represents a major
advancement.
Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and barcode medication administration (BCMA) are two
disruptive innovations that have significantly improved healthcare outcomes. These technologies
challenge old practices, require system-wide changes, and show how innovation can lead to safer,
more effective, and individualized treatment.
How the Nurse Innovator Demonstrates a Role in Conceptual Model
The WGU Nursing Program Conceptual Model outlines the differences between the BSN and
MSN in the role of innovators. The BSN-prepared nurse innovator primarily focuses on recognizing and
responding to changes in patient conditions and then using clinical knowledge and critical thinking to
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