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

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

Patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) face physical and psychosocial problems that should be addressed in their entirety. This can be accomplished via interdisciplinary collaboration and the appropriate use of healthcare technology. This paper discusses the impact of healthcare technology, care coordination, and community resources on the management of AD.

Part 1

Impact of Health Care Technology

Healthcare technology impacts the management of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). For instance, telehealth technology is used to optimize healthcare delivery to patients with AD. This is enabled via various telehealth technologies. Firstly, mobile health improves the delivery of healthcare services by increasing compliance with care plans and providing healthcare education (De Marchi et al., 2021). Compliance with the treatment plan is enhanced via reminder messages and alarms. Healthcare providers send periodic messages to patients and their caregivers to reinforce adherence to care plans. Alternatively, recorded audio messages are played back at predetermined intervals to remind patients and their caregivers to take medication (Sauer, 2019). Secondly, remote patient monitoring embraces wearables and sensors that allow periodic patient follow-ups (De Marchi et al., 2021). In this context, AD patients can upload and send their vitals to members of the interdisciplinary team for evaluation. Also, sensors allow caregivers and healthcare providers to monitor other activities, such as patients’ sleep or exercise (De Marchi et al., 2021). Thirdly, video conferencing facilitates real-time virtual sessions between patients and healthcare providers. This creates a flexible healthcare delivery model and eliminates geographical barriers to healthcare access (De Marchi et al., 2021). Also, it promotes the initiation of timely interventions.

The other healthcare technology is electronic health record (EHR) systems. Notably, EHR systems have clinical decision support systems (CDSS) that play a key role in patient diagnosis and the formulation of care plans (Sutton et al., 2020). Furthermore, EHR systems minimize the risk of medical errors by improving the legibility of prescriptions and allowing members of the interdisciplinary team to share information amongst themselves (Sutton et al., 2020). By so doing, the quality of healthcare services provided to patients is improved.

The evidence is harmonious with the technology that has been embraced at my workplace. We use videoconferencing and wearable devices to interact with and monitor patients. Additionally, healthcare facilities have embraced the EHR system. Recorded reminder messages have been a success in promoting medication adherence.

Potential Barriers and Costs

Various factors impact the use of EHR systems and telehealth technology. To begin with, adequate resources should be channeled toward software and hardware acquisition and training of healthcare providers and patients (Drees, 2020). Furthermore, inadequate digital literacy, limited access to broadband, and advocacy for in-person sessions impede the use of healthcare technology (Drees, 2020). Digital literacy can be improved by training and educating all stakeholders (patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers). Preference for in-person sessions can be addressed by educating patients and their caregivers on the relevance of remote patient monitoring and telehealth technology.

Care Coordination and Community Resources

Care coordination in the management of AD is accomplished by nurses, physicians, pharmacists, dieticians, and laboratory technologists. Nurses should ensure that medications are administered safely (Schmutz et al., 2019). Also, they should develop patient-centered care plans and educate patients and their families about the disease process. Physicians should use their expert knowledge and information from CDSS to make timely diagnoses and formulate holistic treatment plans (Schmutz et al., 2019). Pharmacists should promote safe medication use via patient counseling and education. This addresses aspects such as appropriate dosages, anticipated adverse effects, and interventions to take in the case of missed medication or overdoses (Schmutz et al., 2019). Dieticians provide pertinent nutritional advice, whereas laboratory technologists monitor and report tests that physicians request.

The Alzheimer’s Association offers various programs that benefit the community. Its local resources comprise in-person support groups and educational sessions (ALZ.org, n.d.). Support groups allow AD patients and families to interact with each other (ALZ.org, n.d.). By so doing, their social lives are improved. Educational sessions enlighten patients and their families about AD and how to cope with the disease (ALZ.org, n.d.).

Barriers to Care Coordination and Use of Community Resources

Successful care coordination and access to community resources are affected by various factors. Organizational factors such as human and financial resource allocation, organizational culture, and policies are key indicators (Vargas et al., 2020). Resource allocation should avert the shortages of healthcare providers. Such shortages impede care coordination by predisposing healthcare providers to fatigue and burnout (Vargas et al., 2020). Also, adequate human and financial resources promote the success of local support groups and educational sessions. Examples of organizational culture that impact care coordination include a collectivistic culture and practices of cultural congruence. A collectivistic culture champions interdisciplinary collaboration and care coordination in the management of AD. Cultural congruence advocates tolerance for diverse preferences, opinions, and spiritual and cultural beliefs. It enables healthcare providers and personnel in local community resources to create a rapport with patients. Organizational policies that advocate for patient-centeredness and quality healthcare services promote care coordination among members of the interdisciplinary team.

State Board Nursing Practice Standards, Organizational or Governmental Policies

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act is an example of a government policy that impacts the use of healthcare technology. The Act creates standards that aim to protect personal health information conveyed electronically (Edemekong et al., 2022). All covered entities are required to uphold the privacy and confidentiality of patients’ data. Access should be permitted to authorized personnel only. A breach of the provisions of this Act can attract both criminal and civil penalties (Edemekong et al., 2022). This Act will guide my actions when dealing with AD patients. I will uphold their privacy and confidentiality. Also, I will ensure that their personal health information is secure and protected from unauthorized users.

The American Nurses Association’s standards of practice impact care coordination. It advocates for the incorporation of the nursing process in patient care (Ferris.edu, n.d.). Notably, during the implementation phase, the American Nurses Association (ANA) champions the coordination of care and health promotion (Ferris.edu, n.d.). To accomplish this, tasks should be delegated appropriately. Furthermore, nurses should uphold accountability when executing their unique roles. Also, ANA advocates for collaboration, evidence-based practices, and open communication (Ferris.edu, n.d.). Collaboration promotes care coordination by involving other nurses and members of the interdisciplinary team in patient care. This facilitates the implementation of various evidence-based strategies by members of the interdisciplinary team. ANA’s provisions will guide my practice. For instance, I will use the nursing process to achieve patient-centeredness. Furthermore, I will collaborate with my colleagues and other healthcare providers to provide quality healthcare services.

As earlier stated, the Alzheimer’s Association offers various programs that benefit the community. Its local resources comprise in-person support groups and educational sessions (ALZ.org, n.d.). Support groups allow AD patients and families to interact with each other (ALZ.org, n.d.). By so doing, their social lives are improved. Educational sessions enlighten patients and their families about AD and how to cope with the disease (ALZ.org, n.d.). This information will form the basis of providing individualized patient education.

Nursing ethics will guide my practice when dealing with patients with AD. Firstly, nurses should embrace justice when caring for patients. Justice will enable me to treat all patients fairly regardless of our differences in opinions or their sociodemographic backgrounds (Varkey, 2021). Secondly, nurses should recognize that patients and family members are autonomous stakeholders. As such, they should be allowed to make decisions that influence their treatment (Varkey, 2021). Autonomy will enable me to involve patients and their families in the treatment process. Thirdly, nurses should uphold beneficence and non-maleficence by engaging in practices that benefit patients and not engaging in activities that harm patients, respectively (Varkey, 2021). I will uphold beneficence and non-maleficence by formulating and implementing holistic care plans.

Part 2

I interacted with a seventy-four-year-old Hispanic American with AD. According to her family (spouse and two children), the patient was diagnosed with AD five years ago. They report that she has struggled with medication adherence for the past five years. Currently, she presents with muscle twitches, confusion, and vocalization of repetitive statements. Additional evaluation reveals that the patient experiences difficulty recognizing her children. The patient’s spouse reports that the patient has demonstrated anterograde amnesia over the past two months. Her thought process and impulse control are preserved. As such, the patient is likely to have moderate Alzheimer’s disease.

I spent five hours with the patient and her family. During our interaction, I learned that the patient and her family have low digital literacy. According to them, they have never used any form of healthcare technology. I educated them on the importance of healthcare technology. At the end of our interaction, they agreed to embrace telehealth technology, such as message reminders offered by mobile health. I sought my evidence from organizational websites and online databases. Notably, I used PubMed and Google Scholar. During my research, I learned that low digital literacy impacts the use of technology. This can be addressed by patient and family education. Technology will enable healthcare providers to manage AD adequately and reduce healthcare costs caused by AD-associated hospitalizations.

References

ALZ.org. (n.d.). Programs and Support. https://www.alz.org/help-support/i-have-alz/programs-support#:~:text=Call%20the%20Alzheimer’s%20Association%2024,crisis%20assistance%3B%20and%20emotional%20support.

De Marchi, F., Contaldi, E., Magistrelli, L., Cantello, R., Comi, C., & Mazzini, L. (2021). Telehealth in neurodegenerative diseases: Opportunities and challenges for patients and physicians. Brain Sciences, 11(2), 1–20. https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci11020237

Drees, J. (2020). 9 Barriers for Patients Accessing Telehealth. https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/telehealth/9-barriers-for-patients-accessing-telehealth.html

Edemekong, F. P., Annamaraju, P., Hayde, J. M. (2022). Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK500019/

Ferris.edu. (n.d.). Standards of Professional Nursing Practice. https://www.ferris.edu/health-professions/Nursing/Standards-of-Professional-Nursing-Practice.htm

Schmutz, J. B., Meier, L. L., & Manser, T. (2019). How effective is teamwork really? The relationship between teamwork and performance in healthcare teams: A systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ Open, 9(9), 1–16. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2018-028280

Sutton, R. T., Pincock, D., Baumgart, D. C., Sadowski, D. C., Fedorak, R. N., & Kroeker, K. I. (2020). An overview of clinical decision support systems: benefits, risks, and strategies for success. Npj Digital Medicine, 3(1), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41746-020-0221-y

Vargas, I., Eguiguren, P., Mogollón-Pérez, A. S., Bertolotto, F., Samico, I., López, J., De Paepe, P., & Vázquez, M. L. (2020). Understanding the factors influencing the implementation of participatory interventions to improve care coordination. An analytical framework based on an evaluation in Latin America. Health Policy and Planning, 35(8), 962–972. https://doi.org/10.1093/heapol/czaa066

Varkey, B. (2021). Principles of Clinical Ethics and Their Application to Practice. Medical Principles and Practice, 30(1), 17–28. https://doi.org/10.1159/000509119

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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

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 health care continuum and leveraging community resource services can lead both to positive patient outcomes and to 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], 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] 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.

Who 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 on your experiences?
What surprised you or was of particular interest to you, and why?
Capella Academic Portal
Update the total number of hours on the NURS-FPX4900 Volunteer Experience Form in the Capella Academic Portal.

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.

Analyze the impact of healthcare technology on the patient, family, or population problem.
Cite evidence from the literature that addresses the advantages and disadvantages of specific technologies, including research studies that present opposing views.
Determine whether the evidence is consistent with the technology use you see in your nursing practice.
Identify potential barriers and costs associated with the use of specific technologies and how those technologies are applied within the context of this problem.
Explain how care coordination and the utilization of community resources can be used to address the patient, family, or population problem.
Cite evidence from the literature that addresses the benefits of care coordination and the utilization of community resources, including research studies that present opposing views.
Determine whether the evidence is consistent with how you see care coordination and community resources used in your nursing practice.
Identify barriers to the use of care coordination and community resources in the context of this problem.
Analyze state board nursing practice standards and/or organizational or governmental policies associated with health care technology, care coordination, and community resources and document the practicum hours spent with these individuals or group in the Capella Academic Portal Volunteer Experience Form.
Explain how these standards or policies will guide your actions in applying technology, care coordination, and community resources to address care quality, patient safety, and costs to the system and individual.
Describe the effects of local, state, and federal policies or legislation on your nursing scope of practice within the context of technology, care coordination, and community resources.
Explain how nursing ethics will inform your approach to addressing the problem through the use of applied technology, care coordination, and community resources.
Document the time spent (your practicum hours) with these individuals or groups in the Capella Academic Portal Volunteer Experience Form.
Support main points, assertions, arguments, conclusions, or recommendations with relevant and credible evidence.
Apply APA style and formatting to scholarly writing.
Additional Requirements
Format: Format your paper using APA style. APA Style Paper Tutorial [DOCX] is provided to help you in writing and formatting your paper. Be sure to include:
A title page and reference page. An abstract is not required.
Appropriate section headings.
Length: Your paper should be approximately 5–7 pages in length, not including the reference page.
Supporting evidence: Cite at least five sources of scholarly or professional evidence that support your central ideas. Resources should be no more than five years old. Provide in-text citations and references in APA format.
Proofreading: Proofread your paper before you submit it, to minimize errors that could distract readers and make it more difficult for them to focus on its substance.
Competencies Measured
By successfully completing this assessment, you will demonstrate your proficiency in the course competencies through the following assessment scoring guide criteria:

Competency 4: Apply health information and patient care technology to improve patient and systems outcomes.
Analyze the impact of healthcare technology on a patient, family, or population problem.
Competency 5: Analyze the impact of health policy on quality and cost of care.
Analyze state board nursing practice standards and/or organizational or governmental policies associated with health technology, care coordination, and community resources and document the practicum hours spent with these individuals or groups in the Capella Academic Portal Volunteer Experience Form.
Competency 6: Collaborate interprofessionally to improve patient and population outcomes.
Explain how care coordination and the utilization of community resources can be used to address a patient, family, or population problem.
Competency 8: Integrate professional standards and values into practice.
Support main points, assertions, arguments, conclusions, or recommendations with relevant and credible evidence.
Apply APA style and formatting to scholarly writing.