The following service improvement (SI) proposal is to conduct a pilot study to introduce and offer eye masks and ear plugs to service users that are being cared for on a surgical high dependency unit. This SI will aim to improve the service user’s quality of sleep and consequently, increase their speed of recovery and reduce their time in hospital. Lippitt et al. (1958) Phase of Change Theory will be implemented and utilised to form a structured approach to the stages involved to successfully achieve the desired outcomes of the proposed service improvement. The proposal will aim to critically evaluate the existing evidence and research that justifies the need for the service improvement. The proposal will critically appraise the value of the service user and the multi-disciplinary team (MDT) and their roles within the assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of the intended service improvement.
Justification of SI …show more content…
Notes written by Florence Nightingale between 1820 to 1910 reflected an advanced knowledge and demonstration of an important link between noise and the onset of serious conditions such as delirium (Appendix 1.) (Nightingale, 1969). Nightingale (1969) stated that “Unnecessary noise, or noise that creates an expectation in the mind, is that which hurts a patient”. Unfortunately, the problem associated with noise and disrupted sleep is still present today. Pilkington (2013) stresses the importance of sufficient sleep in maintaining optimum levels of mental and physical health. Likewise, research by Cook (2008) suggests that lack of sleep in hospitals is potentially damaging to general health and