Doctor of Nursing Practice Program

• Committee Chair Name & Credentials:
  K. Melissa Smith Hayes, DNP, ANP-BC, CHFN
• Committee Member Name & Credentials:
  Sarah Folliard, DNP, APRN, AGACNP-BC

DNP Project Abstract

Evaluation of an Infographic Wall Map as a Teaching Tool in the Intensive Care Unit

Purpose
The purpose of this project was to investigate perceptions of the medical intensive care unit (MICU) staff at Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) on the utility of an infographic wall map as a supplemental education tool for educating visitors about ICU equipment and function.

Methods
The mixed-methods study was used to obtain perspectives of the staff. The survey developed included eleven items that collected demographic data, a Likert-scale that rated effectiveness, and open-ended questions to gathered staff’s opinions.

Results
Total response rate was 38 respondents (24%) with 34 having seen the wall map prior to survey. Descriptive statistics were applied to the quantitative data. The demographic composition by role was 32 nurses (84.2%), four (10.5%) APPs, and 2 (5.3%) physicians. The Likert-scale score on effectiveness showed 58% (n=20) of respondents gave a score of 3 or less corresponding with an answer of “unsure” or “minor effect,” respectively. Qualitative data underwent thematic analysis to identify the likes, dislikes, perceived educational aspects of the wall map, and future recommendations. The staff liked the aesthetics and the information delivery of the wall map. Dislikes included the location of the map in the MICU waiting area and felt the wall map was too complex for non-medical professionals. Identified educational aspects were the easy-to-read descriptions of ICU equipment and felt it served as an anxiety-reducing technique by preparing visitors prior to visitations. The only recommendation to improve educational effect was to place the wall map in each patient room to allow better visualization and real-time use by staff during visitation. 

Implications for Practice
Results did not reveal clear answers on the effectiveness of an infographic wall map as a supplemental education tool. Repeated sampling with improved staff role representation and evaluating visitor perceptions with similar evaluation strategies may reveal better outcomes.