Advocating for the Nursing Role in Program Design and Implementation

Advocating for the Nursing Role in Program Design and Implementation

In this interview transcript, we delve into the role of a mental health nurse in designing, advocating for, and implementing a healthcare program. The discussion highlights the nurse’s contributions to program development. Furthermore, it explains their role in advocacy for the target population. It also clarifies the transition from program design to successful implementation. This discussion offers valuable insights into the complex world of mental health care.

Interviewer: Tell us about a healthcare program within your practice. What are the costs and projected outcomes of this program?

Interviewee: As a mental health nurse, I’ve been involved in the implementation of a comprehensive healthcare program aimed at addressing the mental well-being of our patients. This program primarily focuses on providing therapeutic interventions and support to individuals struggling with various mental health conditions. The costs associated with this program encompass a wide range of resources, including personnel, therapy sessions, medication management, and support group facilitation. While the exact budget can vary depending on the patient’s specific needs, our goal is to make quality mental healthcare accessible to all individuals.

Regarding the projected outcomes, the program aims to improve patients’ mental health. Furthermore, it will enhance their quality of life and reduce the risk of relapse. We measure success through various metrics, including reduced symptoms, improved coping skills, and increased patient satisfaction. Ultimately, we aim to promote recovery and well-being, fostering a sense of hope and resilience in our patients, which, in turn, can lead to better long-term mental health outcomes.

Interviewer: Who is your target population?

Interviewee: Our target population for the mental healthcare program is broad. Mental health issues can affect individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and walks of life. However, we primarily focus on adults and adolescents dealing with various mental health conditions. For instance, depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. We also extend our services to those facing co-occurring substance abuse disorders. Our approach is inclusive, as we strive to be as accessible as possible. We also serve patients from various socioeconomic backgrounds. It’s essential to ensure that anyone struggling with mental health concerns can access the support and care they need (Bucci et al., 2019). Our program is designed to be adaptable and personalized to meet each patient’s unique needs. This makes mental healthcare more inclusive and accommodating for many individuals.

Interviewer: What is the role of the nurse in providing input for the design of this healthcare program? Can you provide examples?

Interviewee: The role of a mental health nurse in designing a healthcare program is multifaceted and vital. We play a pivotal role in shaping the program by drawing directly from our patient care experience and clinical insights. For example, we offer valuable input on the development of treatment guidelines. We ensure that they align with evidence-based practices. We provide feedback on the program’s workflow and the patient’s journey within it. This optimizes efficiency and patient-centered care. Our vast knowledge of patient needs and challenges allows us to advocate for tailored interventions. For instance, in group therapy sessions, we can recommend formats that have proven effective in our experience. Moreover, our contributions extend to improving the therapeutic environment (Hartley et al., 2020). We can foster trust and enhance the overall patient experience. Additionally, we help create a comprehensive, patient-centered healthcare program. This is by collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. It ensures the unique needs of individuals with mental health issues are addressed.

Interviewer: What is your role as an advocate for your target population for this healthcare program? Do you have input into design decisions? How else do you impact design?

Interviewee: As a mental health nurse, my role as an advocate for our target population within the healthcare program is instrumental. I ensure that the program is sensitive to the unique needs and challenges of our patients. I contribute to design decisions by providing insights based on my direct interactions with patients. For instance, I advocate for the inclusion of patient-centered approaches that promote dignity and respect in the care process. I also emphasize the importance of destigmatizing mental health and advocating for a holistic approach. A holistic approach addresses both clinical symptoms and social determinants of mental health. My input impacts the design by contributing to developing trauma-informed care strategies and integrating evidence-based practices. Additionally, I play a key role in bridging the gap between patients and the healthcare team. I ensure that the program remains responsive and adaptable to the evolving needs of our target population.

Interviewer: What is the role of the nurse in healthcare program implementation? How does this role vary between the design and implementation of healthcare programs? Can you provide examples?

Interviewee: The role of a nurse in healthcare program implementation is pivotal. We are on the front lines of patient care and are responsible for translating the program’s design into practical interventions (Robert, 2019). During the design phase, nurses offer their insights and experiences to shape the program effectively. However, when it comes to implementation, their responsibilities shift towards executing the designed interventions. They are responsible for administering treatments, monitoring patient progress, and making real-time adjustments to the care plan as necessary. For instance, in a mental health program, nurses may provide input on the structure of therapy sessions during the design phase. In implementation, nurses facilitate these sessions, assess patients’ reactions, and adapt the content or approach to better suit their needs. Nurses are the bridge between the program’s blueprint and its real-world application. They ensure that patients receive care as per the program’s design while adapting to individual variations and emerging challenges.

Interviewer: Who are the members of a healthcare team that you believe are most needed to implement a program? Can you explain why?

Interviewee: In implementing a healthcare program, particularly in the context of mental health, a multidisciplinary team is essential. The core members typically include mental health nurses, psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, social workers, and occupational therapists (Scanlan et al., 2021). Mental health nurses deliver day-to-day care, provide emotional support, and administer treatments. Psychiatrists offer expertise in medication management and psychiatric assessments, while clinical psychologists bring specialized therapeutic interventions and assessments. On the other hand, social workers assist with social determinants of health, such as housing and financial stability, which greatly impact mental well-being. At the same time, occupational therapists help patients regain functional independence. Collaboration among these professionals ensures a holistic approach; hence, the physical, emotional, social, and psychological aspects of a patient’s mental health are addressed. This comprehensive team approach leads to improved patient outcomes.

References

Bucci, S., Schwannauer, M., & Berry, N. (2019). The digital revolution and its impact on mental health care. Psychology and Psychotherapy: Theory, Research, and Practice, 92(2), 277-297. https://doi.org/10.1111/papt.12222

Hartley, S., Raphael, J., Lovell, K., & Berry, K. (2020). Effective nurse-patient relationships in mental health care: A systematic review of interventions to improve the therapeutic alliance. International Journal of Nursing Studies, 102, 103490. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2019.103490

Robert, N. (2019). How artificial intelligence is changing nursing. Nursing management, 50(9), 30. https://doi.org/10.1097%2F01.NUMA.0000578988.56622.21

Scanlan, L. M., Devine, S. G., & Watkins, D. L. (2021). Job satisfaction of mental healthcare workers in multidisciplinary teams. Journal of Mental Health, 30(1), 80-87. https://doi.org/10.1080/09638237.2019.1644489

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As their names imply, the honeyguide bird and the honey badger both share an affinity for honey. Honeyguide birds specialize in finding beehives but struggle to access the honey within. Honey badgers are well-equipped to raid beehives but cannot always find them. However, these two honey-loving species have learned to collaborate on an effective means to meet their objectives. The honeyguide bird guides honey badgers to newly discovered hives. Once the honey badger has ransacked the hive, the honeyguide bird safely enters to enjoy the leftover honey.

Advocating for the Nursing Role in Program Design and Implementation

Much like honeyguide birds and honey badgers, nurses and health professionals from other specialty areas can—and should—collaborate to design effective programs. Nurses bring specialties to the table that make them natural partners to professionals with different specialties. When nurses take the requisite leadership to become involved throughout the healthcare system, these partnerships can better design and deliver highly effective programs that meet objectives.

In this Assignment, you will practice this type of leadership by advocating for a healthcare program. Equally as important, you will advocate for a collaborative role of the nurse in the design and implementation of this program. To do this, assume you are preparing to be interviewed by a professional organization/publication regarding your thoughts on the role of the nurse in the design and implementation of new healthcare programs.

To Prepare:

• Review the Resources and reflect on your thinking regarding the role of the nurse in the design and implementation of new healthcare programs.
• Select a healthcare program within your practice and consider the design and implementation of this program.
• Reflect on advocacy efforts and the role of the nurse in relation to healthcare program design and implementation.

The Assignment: (2–4 pages)

In a 2- to 4-page paper, create an interview transcript of your responses to the following interview questions:

• Tell us about a healthcare program within your practice. What are the costs and projected outcomes of this program?
• Who is your target population?
• What is the role of the nurse in providing input for the design of this healthcare program? Can you provide examples?
• What is your role as an advocate for your target population for this healthcare program? Do you have input into design decisions? How else do you impact design?
• What is the role of the nurse in healthcare program implementation? How does this role vary between the design and implementation of healthcare programs? Can you provide examples?
• Who are the members of a healthcare team that you believe are most needed to implement a program? Can you explain why?