Self Care Orem's Nursing Theory in Practice

Assessing the Problem: Leadership, Collaboration, Communication, Change Management, and Policy Considerations

Introduction

The patient health problem I will explore during my practicum is the challenges faced by individuals with quadriplegia and co-morbidities who are medically fragile. These individuals often rely heavily on others for assistance with daily activities and may require the use of heavy medical equipment, making travel and mobility difficult. This can also place a strain on their families, who may need to provide ongoing care and support.

This problem is relevant to my practice as a baccalaureate-prepared nurse as many of my clients are total quads with co-morbidities and are medically fragile. I have seen firsthand the challenges they face in terms of mobility and reliance on others, as well as the strain this can place on their families. One of the key challenges faced by quadriplegic patients is their complete reliance on others for their daily needs. This can be physically and emotionally draining for both the patient and their caregivers, leading to strain on the family.

Related Nursing Actions

According to peer-reviewed literature and professional sources, nursing actions related to this patient population should focus on promoting independence and self-management, as well as providing education and support to both the patient and their caregivers. It is important for nurses to assess the patient\'s needs and goals, and to work with the patient and their caregivers to develop a plan of care that addresses these needs and goals. I would know if this data were unreliable if it came from unreliable sources—but peer-reviewed sources are generally reliable because they reduce the risk of bias.

Challenges and Ways to Address Them

One potential barrier to the implementation of evidence-based practice in this patient population is the lack of accessibility to resources and support. For example, many individuals with quadriplegia may not have access to adapted transportation or specialized equipment, which can make it difficult for them to participate in rehabilitation or other therapeutic activities.

There is evidence from peer-reviewed literature and professional sources that supports the importance of addressing these challenges in order to improve the quality of life for quadriplegic patients and their families. For example, a study published in the peer-reviewed journal Disability and Rehabilitation found that patients with spinal cord injuries who received specialized nursing interventions had improved self-care abilities and increased independence (Conti et al., 2022). Another study published in the same journal found that the use of assistive technology, such as voice-controlled devices, can improve the ability of quadriplegic patients to perform daily activities and reduce their reliance on caregivers (Jafar & Nagesh, 2021).

There is also research that has tested the effectiveness of nursing standards and policies in improving outcomes for patients with quadriplegia. For example, a study published in the Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine found that a multidisciplinary team approach, including input from a rehabilitation nurse, was effective in improving functional outcomes and quality of life for patients with spinal cord injuries.

Nurses have a role in policy making to improve patient outcomes, prevent illness, and reduce hospital readmissions. This can include advocating for policies that improve access to resources and support for patients with quadriplegia, such as adapted transportation and specialized equipment.

Nursing Theory

One nursing theory that may be relevant to the care of patients with quadriplegia is the Self-Care Deficit Theory, developed by Dorothea Orem, which emphasizes the importance of helping patients develop the skills and knowledge they need to manage their own care and maintain their health (Tanaka, 2022). This theory suggests that nurses can help patients achieve self-care independence by providing education and support, and by encouraging patients to set and work towards achievable self-care goals. This theory also emphasizes the importance of enabling patients to perform self-care activities in order to promote their independence and improve their quality of life. In the context of quadriplegic patients, this could involve providing education and training on the use of assistive technology or developing care plans that focus on promoting self-care abilities.

State board nursing practice standards and organizational or governmental policies can affect the care of patients with quadriplegia in several ways. For example, policies related to access to resources and support, such as specialized equipment or adapted transportation, can impact the patient\'s ability to participate in rehabilitation and other therapeutic activities. Also, standards for the provision of specialized nursing interventions or the use of assistive technology may vary from one state or organization to another. In addition, policies related to funding and resource allocation can impact the availability of these interventions for quadriplegic patients.

Leadership Strategies

To improve patient outcomes and the patient experience for individuals with quadriplegia, leadership strategies such as developing a multidisciplinary team approach and advocating for policies that improve access to resources and support may be effective. Research has shown that a collaborative and interdisciplinary approach can improve patient outcomes and the patient experience.

Another strategy is to advocate for policies and legislation that support the provision of specialized nursing interventions and the use of assistive technology. This could involve working with local, state, and federal policymakers to educate them on the needs of quadriplegic patients and the benefits of these interventions.

Yet another leadership strategy is to promote the use of evidence-based practices in caring for quadriplegic patients. This could involve implementing standardized care plans or protocols based on the latest research, and providing education and training to staff on the use of these practices.

Research has shown that effective leadership is critical in improving patient outcomes and the patient experience. For example, a study published in the International Journal of Nursing Studies found that leaders who are supportive and collaborative are more likely to create a positive work environment and to improve patient outcomes (Cummings et al., 2021). Plus, there is research on the effectiveness of leadership strategies in improving patient outcomes for quadriplegic patients. For example, a study published in the Journal of Nursing Management found that effective leadership practices can lead to improved patient satisfaction and better patient outcomes (O’Donovan et al., 2021).

In addressing the challenges faced by quadriplegic patients, I anticipate that leadership will play a key role in advocating for the needs of these patients and in promoting the use of evidence-based practices. This may involve working with policymakers, healthcare administrators, and other stakeholders to ensure that quadriplegic patients have access to the care and services they need.

Effective collaboration and communication will be essential in addressing the challenges faced by quadriplegic patients. This may involve working with a multidisciplinary team of healthcare providers, as well as with patients and their families, to develop comprehensive care plans and to coordinate care across different settings (O’Donovan et al., 2021).

In order to address the challenges faced by patients with quadriplegia and co-morbidities, collaboration and communication strategies will be vitally important. This may involve coordinating care with other healthcare professionals, such as physical therapists and occupational therapists. It will also involve working closely with the patient and their caregivers to develop a plan of care that meets the patient\'s needs and goals (O’Donovan et al., 2021).

Change management strategies may also be necessary in order to address the challenges faced by this patient population. This may involve implementing new policies or protocols, or making changes to existing processes in order to better meet the needs of patients with quadriplegia. Addressing the challenges faced by people with quadriplegia requires comprehensive change management strategies. In order to facilitate the best outcomes, policies and protocols must be developed or updated to better suit the requirements of this patient population. Additionally, processes may need to be altered in order to ensure optimal levels of care and assistance for these individuals. As such, implementing appropriate change management measures is an essential step in providing quality healthcare for quadriplegic patients.