Decision-Making Models in Nursing

Nursing is a profession that requires critical thinking and effective decision-making skills. Nurses often find themselves in situations where they must make important choices that impact patient care and outcomes. To aid nurses in their decision-making processes, various decision-making models have been developed. This article explores two prominent decision-making models in nursing: the APRN Decision Making Model and the DECIDE Model.

APRN Decision Making Model

The APRN Decision Making Model serves as a guide for Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) in determining the appropriateness of a specific procedure, task, or activity within their scope of practice and consistent with standards of practice. APRNs play a crucial role in healthcare delivery, and their decision-making abilities directly impact patient safety and quality of care.

This model emphasizes the importance of considering factors such as legal and regulatory requirements, ethical considerations, evidence-based practice guidelines, and individual patient needs and preferences. APRNs are encouraged to engage in a systematic decision-making process that involves assessing the situation, gathering relevant information, analyzing the options, and selecting the most appropriate course of action.

The APRN Decision Making Model promotes accountability, professionalism, and adherence to best practices in healthcare. By following this model, APRNs can ensure that their decisions align with their professional responsibilities and contribute to optimal patient outcomes.

DECIDE Model

The DECIDE Model is a widely recognized decision-making model that can be applied by healthcare managers, including nurses, to make informed and effective decisions. This model consists of six steps that guide the decision-making process:

1. Define the problem: Clearly identify and define the issue or problem that requires a decision.
2. Establish the criteria: Determine the criteria or factors that need to be considered in evaluating potential alternatives.
3. Consider all the alternatives: Generate and explore various alternatives or options that could potentially address the defined problem.
4. Identify the best alternative: Evaluate and compare the alternatives based on the established criteria to identify the most suitable option.
5. Develop and implement a plan of action: Create a detailed plan of action for implementing the chosen alternative.
6. Evaluate and monitor the solution: Continuously assess and monitor the implemented solution to determine its effectiveness and make adjustments if necessary.

By following the DECIDE Model, nurses and healthcare managers can approach decision-making in a structured and systematic manner. This model promotes thorough analysis, critical thinking, and consideration of multiple perspectives, leading to more informed and effective decisions.

In conclusion, decision-making models are valuable tools for nurses in navigating complex situations and making informed choices that impact patient care and outcomes. The APRN Decision Making Model provides guidance to APRNs in determining the appropriateness of procedures and activities within their scope of practice. The DECIDE Model offers a structured approach to decision-making, enabling healthcare managers, including nurses, to make well-informed choices. By utilizing these models, nurses can enhance their decision-making skills and contribute to the delivery of safe and high-quality patient care.

Sources:

• APRN Decision Making Model. Ohio Board of Nursing. Retrieved from: https://nursing.ohio.gov/resources-for-practice-and-prescribing/resources/03-aprn-decision-making-model
• Banning, M. (2008). A review of clinical decision making: models and current research. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 17(2), 187-195. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2702.2006.01791.x
• Guo, K. L. (2008). DECIDE: A Decision-Making Model for More Effective Decision Making by Health Care Managers. The Health Care Manager, 27(2), 118-127. Retrieved from: https://www.nursingcenter.com/static?pageid=800371

FAQs

1. What is the APRN Decision Making Model?

   The APRN Decision Making Model is a guide for Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) to determine whether a specific procedure, task, or activity is within their scope of practice and consistent with standards of practice.

2. What are the key steps in the DECIDE Model?

   The DECIDE Model consists of six steps: Define the problem, Establish the criteria, Consider all the alternatives, Identify the best alternative, Develop and implement a plan of action, and Evaluate and monitor the solution.

3. How does the APRN Decision Making Model promote patient safety?

   The APRN Decision Making Model emphasizes factors such as legal and regulatory requirements, ethical considerations, evidence-based practice guidelines, and individual patient needs and preferences. By considering these factors, APRNs can make decisions that align with professional responsibilities and contribute to optimal patient outcomes.

4. What are the benefits of using the DECIDE Model in healthcare management?

   The DECIDE Model provides a structured and systematic approach to decision-making. It promotes thorough analysis, critical thinking, and consideration of multiple perspectives, leading to more informed and effective decisions in healthcare management.

5. Can nurses use both the APRN Decision Making Model and the DECIDE Model?

   Yes, nurses can utilize both the APRN Decision Making Model and the DECIDE Model. The APRN Decision Making Model helps guide APRNs in determining the appropriateness of procedures and activities within their scope of practice, while the DECIDE Model provides a broader decision-making framework applicable to various healthcare management scenarios.