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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 sourcesbut 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...…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.
Local, State, and Federal Polices/Legislation
Local, state, and federal policies and legislation can have a significant impact on the nursing scope of practice in the context of caring for quadriplegic patients with comorbidities and who are medically fragile. For example, policies related to reimbursement for specialized nursing interventions or the use of assistive technology may vary from one jurisdiction to another. In addition, policies related to the provision of home health services or the availability of long-term care facilities may impact the ability of quadriplegic patients to receive care in the community.
To improve outcomes, patient-centered care, and the patient experience for quadriplegic patients, I propose several leadership strategies.
Change management strategies will also be important in addressing the challenges faced by quadriplegic patients. This may involve developing and implementing protocols for the use of specialized nursing interventions or assistive technology, and providing education and training to staff on the use of these interventions.
Conclusion
During my practicum, I will spend a significant amount of time working with quadriplegic patients and their families to address the challenges they face. This wll include providing direct patient care, as well as working with other healthcare providers and stakeholders to develop and implement strategies to improve patient outcomes and the patient experience. Based on the Leadership, Collaboration, Communication, Change Management, and Policy Considerations discussed in this paper,…
References
Conti, A., Clari, M., Kangasniemi, M., Martin, B., Borraccino, A., & Campagna, S. (2022). What self-care behaviours are essential for people with spinal cord injury? A systematic review and meta-synthesis. Disability and Rehabilitation, 44(7), 991-1006.
Cummings, G. G., Lee, S., Tate, K., Penconek, T., Micaroni, S. P., Paananen, T., & Chatterjee, G. E. (2021). The essentials of nursing leadership: A systematic review of factors and educational interventions influencing nursing leadership. International Journal of Nursing Studies, 115, 103842.
Jafar, M. R., & Nagesh, D. S. (2021). Literature review on assistive devices available for quadriplegic people: Indian context. Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, 1-13.
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Nursing Theory Caring as an integral nursing concept can be viewed from diverse perspectives. It can be an attribute, a complex set of behaviors, or an attitude. This has made some people believe that it is impossible to improve and measure it although there is evidence that both improvement and measurement are possible. People recognize that caring models of professional practice affect the service users, health outcomes, healthcare staff, and ultimately
Nursing Theory "Discuss several aspects of professional communication as it relates to the use of language in terms of form (e.g., clarity, accuracy) and content (culture and/or ethics)." (Question, 2014, p1). Communication is the reciprocal process where messages are received and sent between two or more individuals. Communication involves exchange of ideas, or opinion, which could be in form oral or written form. On the other hand, communication involves a series of
" (Meade, nd) The studies were conducted in various medical settings and with various patient-types and as well some were "very scientific designs assigning patients to control and intervention study groups, while others were less scientific and more qualitative." (Meade, nd) The report of Meade states that: "it is clear the findings reveal that discharge follow-up phone calls provide an invaluable opportunity to evaluate patient education, identify trends that may require
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