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

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

Part 1

Impact of Health Care Technology on the patient

During my practicum hours recently, I worked closely with a patient who had anxiety problems, and the care team was made up of a mental health specialist, a social worker, and some healthcare professionals. Considering the problems of physically synchronizing care, we utilized telemedicine to assist her at a distance. In particular, we were able to effectively utilize telehealth services integrated with smartphone apps that have enabled efficient communication and timely interventions for her anxiety problems.

Studies have indicated that using telehealth services and mobile health (mHealth) technologies in managing mental health disorders has numerous benefits, especially for anxiety (Haleem et al., 2021). These instruments enhance the accessibility of mental health services by overcoming spatial obstacles and lowering transportation costs. In addition to this, telehealth can improve the collaborative care delivery approach and ensure timely interventions and enhanced patient outcomes. Nevertheless, privacy, safety, and technological complexities like lack of devices and low digital literacy are hindering factors for their wide implementation.

With her, telehealth made the interaction with care providers smooth, which created a feeling of continuous support. While getting started with the technology was initially rather daunting for her, she soon adapted and found it helpful. At the same time, it is necessary to guarantee the patient’s rights and provide equitable access to these technologies. Subsequently, telehealth services are very effective in being a source of immediate help and intervention for anxiety. Patients can now receive care without requiring frequent in-person visits and the associated costs of travel thanks to the ability of these platforms to facilitate both remote consultations and monitoring (Haleem et al., 2021). Apart from that, the smartphone app integration has enhanced the patients’ involvement by allowing them to access resources, record symptoms and engage in therapeutic activities at home.

Nevertheless, it should be considered that telehealth implementation has some drawbacks which are worth mentioning. Privacy and security issues, especially regarding patients’ confidential information coming through digital platforms, may be reduced by using a strong encryption algorithm and complying with data protection codes and regulations (Xiang & Cai, 2021). Besides, strengthening digital literacy and equipping with devices among underserved groups become vital for all individuals to seek telemedical services free from anxiety.

Several types of research provide clear evidence of the advantages and disadvantages of both telehealth and mobile health (mHealth) technologies for patients with anxiety issues. For example, studies by Gajarawala and Pelkowski (2021) reveal the advantages of telehealth in enhancing the remoteness of mental health care by overcoming geographical difficulties and eliminating travel expenses connected to in-person visits. Moreover, privacy and security concerns have come up regarding mHealth technologies that can result in some disadvantages in healthcare settings.

The latest technology used in professional practice is in line with the results of studies suggested. In my practicum sessions, we heavily relied on smartphone apps that incorporated telehealth services to help patients like Jasmine manage their anxiety from a distance. This conforms to study findings demonstrating the increasing use of telehealth for mental health services delivery. On the other hand, we also experienced the same barriers, such as technological challenges, including restricted device availability and digital skills among specific patient groups, as shown in the literature that deals with the effectiveness of telehealth services.

Care Coordination and the Utilization of Community Resources to Address Anxiety

Developing measures to control anxiety, particularly in people like Jasmine, requires a multipronged method where different healthcare professionals work together and use community resources. Abundant evidence indicates that care coordination is the main component for improving treatment results and patient satisfaction, especially in the case of people with complex healthcare needs (Karam et al., 2021). This, in turn, makes nurses central to the integration of specialty mental health services into primary care settings and the coordination of care services so that the whole structure works seamlessly for patients like Jasmine.

In addition, community resources catalyze the clinical community by providing extra ways of getting along with social support and mental health intervention outside healthcare institutions. For instance, support groups, mental health clinics, and community organizations provide a helping hand in the efforts to handle overall anxiety issues. On the other hand, some disadvantages around equitable access to these resources are problems that need to be addressed, especially for those who are vulnerable, such as immigrants. Challenges like limited resources and language/cultural barriers make it more vital to take action on a preemptive basis so that all have equal chances of benefiting from community resources.

In the modern healthcare setting, studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of care coordination and the utilization of community resources in anxiety management. Studies consistently report the positive effect of collaborated care on the treatment results, patient experience, and cost-effectiveness. For example, a study by Karam et al. (2021) confirms that nurses have a vital role in organizing care coordination efforts as they reaffirm their contribution to better-integrating specialty mental health services into primary care settings. Moreover, Kwame and Petrucka (2021) argue that the implementation of an efficient and productive care coordination system improves the care received and promotes the building of relationships between primary care providers and specialists, facilitating positive patient experiences.

Community resources, which consist of support groups and mental health clinics, have the great advantage of offering patients numerous avenues for accessing social support and interventions that are beyond the traditional healthcare setting (Castillo, 2019). It is through these tools that both patients and community health workers receive the necessary social support when dealing with the management of mental health conditions like anxiety. Although community resources have many benefits, they may be hindered by several constraints to their effective use. Scarce resources, language problems, and cultural differences are the main impediments to fair health care for vulnerable groups. These challenges emphasize the need for a reactive approach towards systemic disparities and giving everyone an equal chance to take advantage of available community services.

In my nursing practice, I have seen the concrete benefits of care coordination and utilizing community resources for the management of anxiety for patients like Jasmine. Hence, through the collaboration among Jasmine’s interdisciplinary team of caregivers, her individualized needs and circumstances have been met with a comprehensive support structure. Addressing the impediments requires dealing with the deficit of customized mental health services as a principal barrier. Some areas do not have any of the community facilities that are targeted at anxiety management, which makes the process of seeking the right type of intervention and support systems difficult. The resource deficiency can amplify the sensations of isolation and inadequacy among people with anxiety and in turn, they might not be able to avail help and participate in treatments properly (Donovan & Blazer, 2020). There are also added complexities to the coordination of care and use of community resources because of stigmatization around mental health issues like anxiety disorders. Overcoming the barriers may require a concerted approach to provide specialized mental health services for all and also to reduce the stigma through education and other initiatives.

Effects of State Board Nursing Practice Standards and Governmental Policies Associated with Health Care Technology, Care Coordination, and Community Resources

State board nursing practice standards and governmental policies come in as the fundamental structures that determine nursing technology utilization, coordination of care, and access to community resources (Boehning & Haddad, 2023). These standards and policies need to be in place for the ethical and professional conduct of nurses as well as for addressing patients’ requirements effectively.

The regulation of health technology use is one of the parts of state board nursing practice standards. Nurses are mandated to adhere to guidelines associated with the use and management of health information technology systems such as electronic health records (EHRs), telehealth platforms, and mobile health applications (Boehning & Haddad, 2023). Adherence to these principles guarantees that nurses are using technology ethically, protecting patient data, and following privacy regulations such as HIPAA. Furthermore, organizational or governmental policies greatly influence how care coordination is implemented within the healthcare system. Such policies enumerate the duties of nurses when they function as team coordinators and ensure smooth communications and collaborations to satisfy patient needs.

Besides, governmental policies determine whether community resources for mental health care are adequate and within reach. These policies determine the way the money is distributed for mental health clinics, support groups, and other community-based services, which in turn helps to improve the treatment of underserved individuals. Nurses should seek to negotiate those policies to ensure equitable distribution of resources, address social determinants of health, and strive for health equity in their diverse patients.

Applying the state board nursing practice standard and governmental policies to deal with anxiety during nursing practice assures ethics, patient-centeredness, and accountability (Flaubert, 2021). Nurses ensure patient autonomy by getting informed consent and respecting their privacy, which is sometimes protected by law. They customize interventions to match the culture of patients and their close relatives to create patient-centered care. Adherence to policy supports staff behaviors that are accountable and transparent. Also, the policy can promote quality improvement initiatives in anxiety treatment.

Part 2

During my practicum hours focusing on Jasmine’s anxiety, I explored various aspects of technology, care coordination, and community resources to address her condition effectively. Technologically, Jasmine has adopted a mindfulness meditation app on her smartphone to control her anxiety symptoms. She is also considering using the app to track her mood changes and find her stressors. Although Jasmine has not asked me to help her with telemedicine services for managing her anxiety, I have suggested that we use online therapy sessions to reinforce her face-to-face appointments. As well, Jasmine resorts to reliable mental health websites in her search for information on anxiety management and coping strategies.

As a home care service beneficiary, she has been visited by a nurse who helps with medication management and makes regular visits to keep track of her progress. Jasmine will have the opportunity to participate in all her scheduled appointments with her healthcare providers because there is an ongoing community transportation program that serves people with medical needs. Also, support groups for persons suffering from anxiety have proved to be very helpful in giving emotional support and coping strategies. Even though Jasmine is not connected to any organized religion, she admitted to considering faith-oriented resources if they are compatible with her sense of spirituality.

References

Boehning, A. P., & Haddad, L. M. (2023, July 17). Nursing Practice Act. PubMed; StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559012/

Castillo, E. G. (2019). Community interventions to promote mental health and social equity. Current Psychiatry Reports, 21(5), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-019-1017-0

Donovan, N. J., & Blazer, D. (2020). Social Isolation and Loneliness in Older Adults: Review and Commentary of a National Academies Report. The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 28(12), 1233–1244. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jagp.2020.08.005

Flaubert, J. L. (2021). The Role of Nurses in Improving Health Care Access and Quality. In www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. National Academies Press (US). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK573910/

Gajarawala, S., & Pelkowski, J. (2021). Telehealth benefits and barriers. The Journal for Nurse Practitioners, 17(2), 218–221. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nurpra.2020.09.013

Haleem, A., Javaid, M., Singh, R. P., & Suman, R. (2021). Telemedicine for healthcare: Capabilities, features, barriers, and applications. Sensors International, 2(2), 100117. NCBI. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sintl.2021.100117

Karam, M., Chouinard, M.-C., Poitras, M.-E., Couturier, Y., Vedel, I., Grgurevic, N., & Hudon, C. (2021). Nursing Care Coordination for Patients with Complex Needs in Primary Healthcare: a Scoping Review. International Journal of Integrated Care, 21(1), 1–21. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7977020/

Kwame, A., & Petrucka, P. M. (2021). A literature-based study of patient-centered care and communication in nurse-patient interactions: Barriers, facilitators, and the way forward. BMC Nursing, 20(158). BMC Nursing. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-021-00684-2

Xiang, D., & Cai, W. (2021). Privacy protection and secondary use of health data: Strategies and methods. BioMed Research International, 2021(6967166), 1–11. https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/6967166

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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.

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

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.