All posts by : chebby

Program/policy evaluation is a valuable tool that can help strengthen the quality of programs/policies and improve outcomes for the populations they serve. Program/policy evaluation answers basic questions about program/policy effectiveness. It involves collecting and analyzing information about program/policy activities, characteristics, and outcomes. This information can be used to ultimately improve program services or policy initiatives.

Nurses can play a very important role assessing program/policy evaluation for the same reasons that they can be so important to program/policy design. Nurses bring expertise and patient advocacy that can add significant insight and impact. In this Assignment, you will practice applying this expertise and insight by selecting an existing healthcare program or policy evaluation and reflecting on the criteria used to measure the effectiveness of the program/policy.

To Prepare:

• Review the Healthcare Program/Policy Evaluation Analysis Template provided in the Resources.
• Select an existing healthcare program or policy evaluation or choose one of interest to you.
• Review community, state, or federal policy evaluation and reflect on the criteria used to measure the effectiveness of the program or policy described.

The Assignment: (2–3 pages)

Based on the program or policy evaluation you selected, complete the Healthcare Program/Policy Evaluation Analysis Template. Be sure to address the following:

• Describe the healthcare program or policy outcomes.
• How was the success of the program or policy measured?
• How many people were reached by the program or policy selected?
• How much of an impact was realized with the program or policy selected?
• At what point in program implementation was the program or policy evaluation conducted?
• What data was used to conduct the program or policy evaluation?
• What specific information on unintended consequences was identified?
• What stakeholders were identified in the evaluation of the program or policy? Who would benefit most from the results and reporting of the program or policy evaluation? Be specific and provide examples.
• Did the program or policy meet the original intent and objectives? Why or why not?
• Would you recommend implementing this program or policy in your place of work? Why or why not?
• Identify at least two ways that you, as a nurse advocate, could become involved in evaluating a program or policy after 1 year of implementation.

Choose a topic related to health that has meaning to your personal  health, interests, and well-being. This may be a disease, such as  diabetes, or a healthy fitness activity.

Conduct a database search comparing one of the following database directories with Google Scholar.

• CINAHL and Google Scholar
• PubMed and Google Scholar

Explain how you were able to narrow down the number of article hits  you had initially, and present within your post a summary of the  credible article you chose as your resource. How do you know your  article choice is credible? Which database do you prefer and why?

How will using a database search facilitate your:

• scholarly work;
• nursing work (evidence-based practice); and
• personal self-development?

only one parragraph needed. simple straight to the point . 

one reference. 

What are some signs and symptoms of rhinitis? Who is more at risk for developing rhinitis?

CASE # 2 

 Subjective Data 

CHIEF OF COMPLAIN:  “I am here for my annual physical exam and have been having vaginal discharge.”  

HISTORY OF PRESENT ILLNESS:  32-year-old pregnant lesbian – her pregnancy has been without complication thus far. She has been receiving prenatal care from an obstetrician. She received sperm from a local sperm bank. 

DRUG HX:  Current Meds: prenatal vitamins and takes Tylenol over the counter for aches and pains on occasion 

FAMILY HX:  She has a strong family history of diabetes. Gravida 1; Para 0; Abortions 0.
 

REVIEW OF SYSTEM:

GENERAL:  No fatigue, fever, or chills.
 

NECK:   No pain or injury
 

INTERGUMENTARY:  multiple piercings, and tattoos. Old scars related to “cutting”
 

MS/NEURO:  no syncopal episodes or dizziness, no change in memory or thinking patterns; no twitches or abnormal movements.
 

OBJECTIVE DATE:

PE:  B/P 128/76; Pulse 83; RR 16; Temp 99.0; Ht 5,6; wt 128; BMI 20.98
 

HEENT:  Atraumatic, normocephalic, PERRLA, EOMI, conjunctiva and sclera clear; nares patent, nasopharynx clear, good dentition. Piercing in her right nostril and lower lip.
 

LUNGS:  CTA AP&L

CARDIO:  S1S2 without rub or gallop
 

ABD:  benign, normoactive bowel sounds x 4
 

GU: external genitalia intact, no lesions or masses. White copious discharge with an amine odor; no cervical motion tenderness; adnexa intact.
 

EXT.  no cyanosis, clubbing, or edema
 

INTERMENT:  intact without lesions masses or rashes.

NEURO: No obvious deficits and CN grossly intact II-XII
 

Answer the following questions:

1. Discuss the specific socioeconomic, spiritual, lifestyle, and other cultural factors related to the health of the patient you selected.
2. Utilizing the five assessment domains, which ones would you utilize on your patients in conducting a comprehensive nutritional assessment.
3. Discuss the functional anatomy and physiology of a psychiatric mental health patient. Which key concepts must a nurse know in order to assess specific functions?
    

Everything is listed below

Describe one internal and one external method for the dissemination of your evidence-based change proposal. For example, an internal method may be the nursing facility board, and an external method may be a professional nursing organization. Discuss why it is important to report your change proposal to both of these groups. How will your communication strategies change for each group?

REPLY1

For a long time health care was all about health care professionals taking control of a patients care, lacking involvement of the patient, which only enabled the patient once they were discharged from care. The last decade or so patients have been hearing the continuous message from health care professionals about getting involved in their care (Vahdat et al., 2014). Patients with chronic conditions should especially be taking control of their own health care, which includes taking medications properly and being on top of scheduling and attending appointments. I think what has changed mostly in patients having control of their own health care, is that health care professionals provide education and information to patients that uses involvement of health care professional and patient. This empowers patients to take control and see positive outcomes with their health. Doctors are known to be the point of contact of all the information, which is why I think for many years patients just had the health care professional take full control of their care because they had full trust in their knowledge and experience. Patients having control of their own health care is important when it comes to decision making about their health care. If the patient has always relies on health care professionals, they won’t have the knowledge of what decisions must be made to better their care (Flavo, 2011).

The biggest change I have seen with patients being able to have more control over their health care is patients now have full access to their own medical records which includes doctors notes, labs, and other results (Vahdat et al., 2014). Another reason why this change of patients having control of their health care has made an impact on medical costs according to a study in 2013. Patients who were encouraged to take control of their own health care were seen to have an overall of 5.3% lower medical costs, 12.5% fewer hospital admission and fewer elective surgeries (Vahdat et al., 2014). Of course, patient involvement is not new but it is becoming more of a necessity in the health care system. Overall, the best part about this change, is that empowers patients to stay healthy and have an easier access to their results and communication with their providers.

References

Falvo, D. (2011) Effective Patient Education: A guide to Increased Adherence. Retrieved from

REPLY2

The 21st Century Healthcare System has seen a shift from a paternalistic focus to a more collaborative approach with the health professional and the patient working together to plan the patient’s care. In the traditional health provider-patient relationship the physician is regarded as the authority figure with the knowledge and expertise having the sole responsibility for developing a treatment plan that was rarely challenged by the recipients. However, the healthcare system has evolved to give patients more autonomy to manage chronic conditions proactively and make informed decisions about treatment options. Research indicates that shared decision-making leads to better treatment outcomes, fewer elective surgeries, hospital admissions, and lower health costs. According to Falvo, (2011), the concept of patient-centered care has expanded to all areas of healthcare and is linked to increased patient satisfaction and increased quality of care as well as patient adherence to treatment. Patient-centered care is fostered by a partnership between the health professional and the patient that is built on mutual respect and incorporates the patient’s wishes and active participation.

Research done by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality indicates that when patients are engaged in their care it can lead to measurable improvements in safety and quality and has developed an evidence-based resource guide known as ‘A Guide to Patient and Family Engagement in Hospital Quality & Safety,’ that can be used to help nurses work in partnership with patients and their families. (Sherman, 2014). Health institutions stand to benefit from productive relationships with patients and families because the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has also shifted its reimbursement system to a value-based program linked to patient outcomes and patient satisfaction. The ability of patients and their families to effectively engage in their healthcare is contingent on factors such as their knowledge, attitudes, and health literacy. Many patients are hesitant about taking the responsibility of participating in health decision making because they feel overwhelmed by the prospect. There are some health professionals who are also resisting the change to the new model of patient-provider partnership. The nurse is in a unique position to create an environment conducive to this model of patient partnership. 

The old model of health teaching limited to brief instructions and a few handouts at discharge is inadequate and many patients have begun to demand answers and express their dissatisfaction. Since patients are now expected to assume more personal responsibility for their health decisions, effective patient teaching requires that the health professional thinks beyond merely providing information but focus on customizing recommendations to meet the patient’s specific needs.(Falvo,2011). When patients are given adequate knowledge and the rationale for treatment, they develop the confidence and sense of control that empowers them to make health decisions that result in improved treatment outcomes. Computer technology has greatly enhanced patients’ knowledge and ability to take charge of their health and become familiar with a vast array of therapeutic options, disease prevention, and disease management methods. As nurses, we must embrace health care reform that facilitates patient engagement and assist patients in their healthcare journey throughout the continuum of care.

References

Falvo, D. (2011). Effective patient education. A guide to increased adherence. https://viewer.gcu.edu/RQBKXW

Sherman, R. (2014). The patient engagement imperative. American Nurse Today. https://reasearchgate.net/publication/200036096_The_patient_engagement_imperative/link

https://viewer.gcu.edu/RQBKXW

Vahdat, S., Hamzehgardeshi, L., Hessam, S., & Hamzehgardeshi, Z. (2014). Patient involvement in health care decision making: a review. Iranian Red Crescent medical journal, 16(1), e12454. https://doi.org/10.5812/ircmj.12454

As you think about evidence, researching the literature is important in providing information to address the gaps and providing evidence for your workplace. When applying application of evidence to practice, 

Do you agree or disagree that the rigor and strength of evidence must be appraised before being applied to patients?

Please answer this question in at least 2 paragraphs and use 2 sources no later than 5 years. 

Based on the required topic study materials, write a reflection about worldview and respond to following:

1. In 250-300 words, explain the Christian perspective of the nature of spirituality and ethics in contrast to the perspective of postmodern relativism within health care.
2. In 250-300 words, explain what scientism is and describe two of the main arguments against it.
3. In 750-1,000 words, answer each of the worldview questions according to your own personal perspective and worldview:
   1. What is ultimate reality?
   2. What is the nature of the universe?
   3. What is a human being?
   4. What is knowledge?
   5. What is your basis of ethics?
   6. What is the purpose of your existence?

Remember to support your reflection with the topic study materials.

While APA style is not required for the body of this assignment, solid academic writing is expected, and documentation of sources should be presented using APA formatting guidelines, which can be found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center.

This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.

 Vaccine controversies have occurred since almost 80 years before the terms vaccine and vaccination were introduced, and continue to this day. Despite scientific consensus that recommended vaccines are safe and effective, unsubstantiated scares regarding their safety still occur, resulting in outbreaks and deaths from vaccine-preventable diseases. Please provide your input regarding this subject.