Assessing the Problem – Technology, Care Coordination, and Community Resources Considerations

Assessing the Problem – Technology, Care Coordination, and Community Resources
Considerations

Part One

Assessing the Impact of Healthcare Technology on COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the crucial role of healthcare technology in managing patient care, mainly through telehealth, electronic health records (EHRs), and artificial intelligence (AI). Each technology offers distinct advantages and disadvantages, influencing patient outcomes, care coordination, and resource allocation.

Telehealth has become a vital tool during the pandemic, enabling remote consultations and reducing the risk of virus transmission. This technology has significantly increased access to care, especially for patients in quarantine or those living in remote areas. Research by Vargo et al. (2021) highlights telehealth’s effectiveness in maintaining continuity of care and minimizing disruptions in treatment plans and follow-ups. However, telehealth also presents challenges, such as the digital divide affecting elderly patients and those without reliable internet access. Vargo et al. (2021) emphasize that socioeconomic disparities can lead to unequal access to telehealth services, exacerbating health inequities. In nursing practice, telehealth has been integral for regular patient monitoring and consultations, yet technical difficulties and patient reluctance to adopt new technology remain common barriers.

On the other hand, electronic health records have streamlined patient data management, making it easier for healthcare providers to access and update patient information, improving care coordination and reducing medical errors. A study by Vargo et al. (2021) found that EHRs enhanced the efficiency of data sharing among healthcare professionals, which is crucial for managing COVID-19 cases. Despite these benefits, EHR systems can be cumbersome and time-consuming, often requiring significant training and being prone to technical glitches. Vargo et al. (2021) note that these systems can sometimes hinder rather than help if adequately integrated and managed. In clinical settings, EHRs have facilitated better communication and documentation, although frequent system downtimes and the learning curve associated with new software pose notable challenges.

Subsequently, artificial intelligence has been used for predictive modeling to identify COVID-19 hotspots, optimize resource allocation, and accelerate vaccine development. Whitelaw et al. (2020) demonstrated that AI algorithms could predict patient deterioration, aiding in timely interventions. However, the deployment of AI in healthcare raises concerns about data privacy, accuracy, and the potential for algorithmic bias. Whitelaw et al. (2020) also caution against over-reliance on AI models due to variability in their performance and the data quality used. In practice, AI tools have been utilized for triaging patients and predicting outbreaks, but skepticism about the reliability of these tools and concerns about patient data security is prevalent.

Notably, implementing these technologies involves significant upfront costs and ongoing maintenance. Training healthcare professionals to use these systems effectively is a considerable barrier. Whitelaw et al. (2021) identify resistance to change and insufficient training as significant hurdles in adopting new healthcare technologies. The financial investment in telehealth infrastructure, EHR systems, and AI technologies can be substantial, encompassing the costs of purchasing hardware and software, maintaining systems, and training personnel. Additionally, ongoing expenses related to system upgrades and cybersecurity measures add to the financial burden.

Care Coordination and Community Resources in Addressing COVID-19

Care coordination and utilizing community resources have played crucial roles in addressing the multifaceted challenges posed by COVID-19. Effective care coordination involves synchronizing various healthcare services to ensure that patients receive comprehensive and continuous care, which is essential during a pandemic (Whitebird et al., 2023). Utilizing community resources enhances this process by leveraging local support systems, facilities, and services to meet the population’s diverse needs.

Furthermore, care coordination has shown significant benefits during the COVID-19 crisis. It improves patient outcomes by ensuring that healthcare services are well-organized and patient-centered. According to a study by Whitebird et al. (2023), integrated care models emphasizing coordination among primary care, specialty services, and public health initiatives have been particularly effective in managing COVID-19 patients. These models reduce hospital readmissions and enhance the management of chronic conditions that could exacerbate the virus’s impact. Moreover, coordinated care facilitates timely interventions and better allocation of healthcare resources. However, there are opposing views. Some studies argue that excessive focus on coordination can sometimes lead to bureaucratic delays and inefficiencies, especially when there are gaps in communication among healthcare providers (Frencher et al., 2020).

In practice, care coordination during the pandemic has involved multidisciplinary teams working together to manage patient care. This approach has been consistent with the evidence, as seen in various nursing practices where case managers, social workers, and healthcare providers collaborate to create comprehensive care plans for COVID-19 patients (Frencher et al., 2020). Despite these efforts, barriers such as limited resources and staffing shortages have occasionally hindered the seamless coordination of care.

Community resources have been instrumental in supporting patients and healthcare systems during the pandemic. Community health workers, local health departments, and non-profit organizations have provided essential services such as contact tracing, health education, and support for quarantined individuals. According to a study by Henry Akintobi et al. (2020), community-based interventions have effectively mitigated the spread of COVID-19 and ensured that vulnerable populations receive necessary care and support. Community resource utilization has also helped distribute personal protective equipment (PPE) and facilitate vaccination drives, which are critical components in controlling the pandemic.

However, there are challenges and opposing views regarding the reliance on community resources. Some research, like that of Henry Akintobi et al. (2020), suggests that the effectiveness of community resources can be uneven, particularly in areas with limited infrastructure and funding. Inconsistent availability and variability in the quality of services can lead to gaps in care, especially in underserved communities.

Barriers to the effective use of care coordination and community resources during COVID-19 include logistical issues, such as transportation difficulties for patients accessing community services and the digital divide affecting telehealth access. Financial constraints also pose significant challenges, as many community organizations need more funding to provide comprehensive support (Henry Akintobi et al., 2020). Additionally, bureaucratic hurdles and the need for inter-agency collaboration can slow the implementation of coordinated care efforts and the efficient use of community resources.

Analyzing Policies and Standards in Nursing Practice During COVID-19

State board nursing practice standards, organizational policies, and governmental regulations have significantly shaped the application of healthcare technology, care coordination, and community resources during the COVID-19 pandemic. These guidelines are critical in ensuring care quality, patient safety, and cost-effectiveness. State board nursing practice standards emphasize the importance of integrating healthcare technology into nursing practice to enhance patient care. For example, the widespread adoption of telehealth was accelerated by temporary regulatory changes that expanded its use and reimbursement during the pandemic. These standards guide nurses to use telehealth platforms effectively, ensuring continuity of care while minimizing the risk of virus transmission. The policies underscore the need for secure communication channels to protect patient privacy, aligning with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) regulations (Newham & Hewison, 2021). These standards are consistent with practices observed during the pandemic, where telehealth became a primary mode of patient interaction.

Care coordination is another critical area influenced by these standards. Policies from organizations like the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) promote integrated care models that encourage collaboration among healthcare providers. These policies aim to reduce hospital readmissions and improve chronic disease management, which is crucial during COVID-19 (Newham & Hewison, 2021). These policies facilitate better communication and care planning by mandating regular interdisciplinary meetings and using shared EHRs, directly impacting patient outcomes and system efficiency.

Local, state, and federal policies have also shaped the use of community resources. Legislation such as the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act provided funding to bolster community health initiatives, including testing, contact tracing, and vaccination programs. This financial support enabled community organizations to expand their services and reach more individuals, thereby playing a vital role in managing the public health crisis (Newham & Hewison, 2021). These policies directly impact nursing practice, increasing the scope of services nurses can provide and improving access to necessary patient resources. These policies have mainly influenced the scope of nursing practice. For instance, emergency waivers allowed for greater flexibility in practice, enabling nurses to perform tasks outside their usual scope to meet the increased demand for healthcare services (Newham & Hewison, 2021). These changes ensured that nurses could provide a broader range of services, particularly in underserved areas, thus enhancing care delivery during the pandemic.

Following this, nursing ethics are crucial in guiding the application of technology, care coordination, and community resources. The principles of beneficence, non-maleficence, autonomy, and justice inform nurses’ decisions, ensuring patient care remains the priority. During COVID-19, ethical considerations have been paramount in allocating limited resources, such as ventilators and ICU beds. Nurses must balance the benefits of technological interventions with potential risks, ensuring that patients’ rights and dignity are respected (Newham & Hewison, 2021). The ethical obligation to provide equitable care drives the utilization of community resources, aiming to reduce disparities and ensure all patients have access to necessary services.

Part 2

Documentation of Practicum Hours

During my two practicum hours, I spent time with my patient, Elsa Lucy, a 62-year-old female with hypertension and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In these two hours, I conducted a detailed health assessment and reviewed her current treatment plan to identify gaps in her care. I also collaborated with several healthcare professionals, including a pulmonologist, a primary care physician, a dietician, and a social worker. These interactions were crucial in understanding Elsa’s comprehensive health needs and developing a coordinated care plan. The dietician provided insights into nutritional adjustments to manage hypertension, while the social worker discussed potential community resources to support her living situation and health maintenance.

During our discussion, we reviewed evidence supporting telehealth services, particularly for managing chronic conditions like COPD during the COVID-19 pandemic. The review helped me recognize the benefits and limitations of telehealth, reinforcing the importance of integrating such technologies into routine care. Additionally, the team emphasized the role of telehealth in maintaining care continuity, especially for patients like Elsa, who are at higher risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes.

This experience highlighted the significance of interdisciplinary collaboration and the utilization of community resources in enhancing patient care. It also underscored the practical challenges and barriers, such as limited access to technology and the need for patient education on telehealth platforms.

References

Frencher, S., Baqai, W., Aubry, L., & Kwong, A. (2020). eConsult data shed light on care coordination decisions during the COVID-19 pandemic. JCOM, 27(4).

Henry Akintobi, T., Jacobs, T., Sabbs, D., Holden, K., Braithwaite, R., Johnson, L. N., … & Hoffman, L. (2020). Community engagement of African Americans in the era of COVID-19: considerations, challenges, implications, and recommendations for public health. Preventing chronic disease, 17, E83.

Newham, R., & Hewison, A. (2021). Covid-19, ethical nursing management and codes of conduct: An analysis. Nursing ethics, 28(1), 82-90. https://doi.org/10.1177/0969733020988316

Vargo, D., Zhu, L., Benwell, B., & Yan, Z. (2021). Digital technology use during COVID‐19 pandemic: A rapid review. Human Behavior and Emerging Technologies, 3(1), 13-24. https://doi.org/10.1002/hbe2.242

Whitebird, R. R., Solberg, L. I., JaKa, M. M., Kindt, J. M., Bergdall, A. R., LaPlante, B., & Dehmer, S. P. (2023). The impact of COVID-19 on patients receiving care coordination in primary care: a qualitative study. The Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine, 36(4), 662-669. https://doi.org/10.3122/jabfm.2022.220374R1

Whitelaw, S., Mamas, M. A., Topol, E., & Van Spall, H. G. (2020). Applications of digital technology in COVID-19 pandemic planning and response. The Lancet Digital Health, 2(8), e435-e440. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2589-7500(20)30142-4

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In a 5–7 page written assessment, determine how healthcare technology, coordination of care, and community resources can be applied to address the patient, family, or population problem you’ve defined. In addition, plan to spend approximately 2 direct practicum hours exploring these aspects of the problem with the patient, family, or group you’ve chosen to work with and, if desired, consulting with the subject matter and industry experts. Document the time spent (your practicum hours) with these individuals or groups in the Capella Academic Portal Volunteer Experience Form. Report on your experiences during the second 2 hours of your practicum.

Assessing the Problem – Technology, Care Coordination, and Community Resources Considerations

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Introduction
As a baccalaureate-prepared nurse, you’ll be positioned to maximize the use of technology to achieve positive patient outcomes and improve organizational effectiveness. Providing holistic coordination of patient care across the entire healthcare continuum and leveraging community resource services can lead both to positive patient outcomes and organizational improvements.

Preparation
In this assessment, you’ll determine how healthcare technology, coordination of care, and community resources can be applied to address the health problem you’ve defined. Plan to spend at least 2 direct practicum hours working with the same patient, family, or group. During this time, you may also choose to consult with subject matter and industry experts.

To prepare for the assessment:

Review the assessment instructions and scoring guide to ensure that you understand the work you will be asked to complete and how it will be assessed.
Conduct sufficient research of the scholarly and professional literature to inform your assessment and meet scholarly expectations for supporting evidence.
Review the Practicum Focus Sheet: Assessment 3 [PDF], Download Practicum Focus Sheet: Assessment 3 [PDF], which provides guidance for conducting this portion of your practicum.
Note: As you revise your writing, check out the resources listed on the Writing Center’s Writing Support page.

Instructions
Complete this assessment in two parts.

Part 1
Determine how healthcare technology, the coordination of care, and the use of community resources can be applied to address the patient, family, or population problem you’ve defined. Plan to spend at least 2 practicum hours exploring these aspects of the problem with the patient, family, or group. During this time, you may also consult with subject matter and industry experts of your choice. Document the time spent (your practicum hours) with these individuals or groups in the Capella Academic Portal Volunteer Experience Form. Use the Practicum Focus Sheet: Assessment 3 [PDF] Download Practicum Focus Sheet: Assessment 3 [PDF]provided for this assessment to guide your work and interpersonal interactions.

Part 2
Report on your experiences during the second 2 hours of your practicum.

Whom did you meet with?
What did you learn from them?
Comment on the evidence-based practice (EBP) documents or websites you reviewed.
What did you learn from that review?
Share the process and experience of exploring the effect of the problem on the quality of care, patient safety, and costs to the system and individual.
Did your plan to address the problem change, based upon your experiences?
What surprised you, or was of particular interest to you, and why?
Requirements
The assessment requirements, outlined below, correspond to the scoring guide criteria, so be sure to address each main point. Read the performance-level descriptions for each criterion to see how your work will be assessed. In addition, note the additional requirements for document format and length and for supporting evidence.