Assignment Question
Develop an intervention (your capstone project), as a solution to the patient, family, or population problem you’ve defined. Submit the proposed intervention to the faculty for review and approval. This solution needs to be implemented (shared) with your patient, family, or group. You are not to share your intervention with your patient, family, or group or move on to Assessment 5 before your faculty reviews/approves the solution you submit in Assessment 4. In a separate written deliverable, write a 5–7 page analysis of your intervention. Please submit both your solution/intervention and the 5–7 page analysis to complete Assessment 4.Complete this assessment in two parts: (a) develop an intervention as a solution to the problem and (b) submit your proposed intervention, with a written analysis, to your faculty for review and approval. Part 1 Develop an intervention, as a solution to the problem, based on your assessment and supported by data and scholarly, evidence-based sources. Incorporate relevant aspects of the following considerations that shaped your understanding of the problem: Leadership. Collaboration. Communication. Change management. Policy. Quality of care. Patient safety. Costs to the system and individual. Technology. Care coordination. Community resources. Part 2 Submit your proposed intervention to your faculty for review and approval. In a separate written deliverable, write a 5–7 page analysis of your intervention. Summarize the patient, family, or population problem. Explain why you selected this problem as the focus of your project. Explain why the problem is relevant to your professional practice and to the patient, family, or group. In addition, address the requirements outlined below. These requirements correspond to the scoring guide criteria for this assessment, 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. Define the role of leadership and change management in addressing the problem. Explain how leadership and change management strategies influenced the development of your proposed intervention. Explain how nursing ethics informed the development of your proposed intervention. Include a copy of the intervention/solution/professional product. Propose strategies for communicating and collaborating with the patient, family, or group to improve outcomes associated with the problem. Identify the patient, family, or group. Discuss the benefits of gathering their input to improve care associated with the problem. Identify best-practice strategies from the literature for effective communication and collaboration to improve outcomes. Explain how state board nursing practice standards and/or organizational or governmental policies guided the development of your proposed intervention. Cite the standards and/or policies that guided your work. Describe research that has tested the effectiveness of these standards and/or policies in improving outcomes for this problem. Explain how your proposed intervention will improve the quality of care, enhance patient safety, and reduce costs to the system and individual. Cite evidence from the literature that supports your conclusions. Identify relevant and available sources of benchmark data on care quality, patient safety, and costs to the system and individual. Explain how technology, care coordination, and the utilization of community resources can be applied in addressing the problem.
Answer
Introduction
Medication non-adherence is a significant problem in healthcare, particularly among elderly patients. This issue has far-reaching consequences, impacting patient health outcomes, the quality of care delivered, patient safety, and healthcare costs. This paper presents an intervention aimed at addressing this problem, outlining its development and implementation strategies. The intervention is grounded in leadership, collaboration, communication, change management, nursing ethics, and policy considerations, all supported by evidence-based practices. Additionally, it incorporates technology, care coordination, and community resources to maximize its effectiveness.
Part 1: Developing the Intervention
Defining the Problem
The problem of medication non-adherence among elderly patients is well-documented in the literature (Osterberg & Blaschke, 2017). It is particularly relevant to my professional practice as a nurse because I have witnessed the adverse effects of non-adherence on patient health outcomes and the healthcare system. Non-adherence often leads to hospital readmissions, exacerbation of chronic conditions, and increased healthcare costs.
Leadership and Change Management
Leadership plays a crucial role in addressing medication non-adherence. For this intervention, nurse leaders will be responsible for coordinating efforts among healthcare providers and ensuring the adoption of best practices in medication management (Hutchinson & Jackson, 2017). Change management strategies will involve staff training and the implementation of standardized medication reconciliation procedures.
Nursing Ethics
Nursing ethics guide this intervention by emphasizing the duty of nurses to prioritize patient well-being and advocate for their best interests (American Nurses Association, 2017). This intervention respects patient autonomy while also recognizing the responsibility of healthcare professionals to ensure that patients receive the full benefits of prescribed medications.
Communication and Collaboration
Effective communication and collaboration are essential for the success of this intervention. Engaging patients, their families, and other healthcare providers in discussions about medication management will be a key component (Institute for Healthcare Improvement, 2021). Their input is invaluable in tailoring medication regimens to the patients’ needs and preferences.
Policy and Standards
State board nursing practice standards and organizational policies will guide the development of this intervention. Compliance with these standards ensures that the intervention aligns with established ethical and legal frameworks (National Council of State Boards of Nursing, 2018). Additionally, it will be essential to reference policies related to medication reconciliation and adherence within the healthcare organization.
Quality of Care, Patient Safety, and Cost Reduction
This intervention aims to improve the quality of care by ensuring that elderly patients adhere to their medication regimens. Enhanced adherence is associated with better health outcomes and reduced hospitalizations (Sabate, 2017). By reducing medication-related complications, such as adverse drug events, this intervention will also enhance patient safety. Furthermore, it is anticipated that the intervention will reduce healthcare costs in the long term by preventing costly hospitalizations and complications.
Technology, Care Coordination, and Community Resources
To enhance medication adherence, this intervention will leverage technology through the use of medication reminder apps and electronic health records (Liu et al., 2019). Care coordination will involve healthcare teams working collaboratively to manage medication regimens. Community resources, such as home healthcare services and support groups, will also be utilized to provide additional support to elderly patients.
Part 2: Submitting the Proposed Intervention and Analysis
Summary of the Patient Problem
The patient problem addressed in this intervention is medication non-adherence among elderly patients. This issue is multifaceted and was selected due to its pervasive nature and its profound impact on various aspects of healthcare. Medication non-adherence, which encompasses behaviors such as forgetting to take medications, taking incorrect doses, or prematurely discontinuing medications, is alarmingly common among the elderly population (Osterberg & Blaschke, 2017). This problem not only jeopardizes patient health outcomes but also exerts considerable strain on the healthcare system in terms of quality of care, safety, and costs.
Elderly patients often suffer from complex medical conditions and are prescribed multiple medications to manage their health. Consequently, their medication regimens can be intricate and challenging to follow consistently. Non-adherence can lead to the exacerbation of chronic diseases, increased hospitalizations, and adverse drug events (Sabate, 2017). These consequences not only affect the well-being of the elderly patients but also escalate healthcare expenditures. The gravity of this issue cannot be overstated, making it a compelling choice for intervention.
Relevance to Professional Practice
As a nurse, addressing medication non-adherence is not just a professional obligation but also a moral imperative. My firsthand experiences in clinical settings have allowed me to witness the detrimental consequences of non-adherence on elderly patients’ health and well-being. It is distressing to see patients grappling with avoidable health complications, frequent hospital readmissions, and a diminished quality of life due to medication non-adherence.
By undertaking this intervention, I aspire to improve the quality of care I provide to my patients, especially the elderly population. This endeavor aligns with the fundamental principles of nursing, which revolve around promoting health, preventing harm, and advocating for patients’ best interests (American Nurses Association, 2017). In essence, this intervention represents a commitment to upholding these principles and working tirelessly to enhance the health and well-being of the elderly patients under my care.
Role of Leadership and Change Management
In the healthcare landscape, leadership and change management are indispensable components for effecting meaningful transformations. Leadership, in this context, entails the guidance and direction provided by nurse leaders to drive the successful implementation of evidence-based medication management practices (Hutchinson & Jackson, 2017). These leaders are responsible for orchestrating a collective effort among healthcare providers to address medication non-adherence comprehensively.
Change management strategies are crucial in ensuring that healthcare professionals embrace and adopt new practices effectively. Change can be met with resistance, particularly in healthcare settings with established routines and practices. Thus, change management involves not only educating and training staff but also fostering a culture that values innovation and improvement. Nurse leaders will play a pivotal role in managing this process, ensuring that all healthcare providers are on board and fully engaged in implementing the intervention.
Nursing Ethics in Intervention Development
Nursing ethics serve as the moral compass guiding every facet of this intervention. At its core, nursing is grounded in ethical principles that prioritize patient well-being and autonomy. In the context of medication non-adherence, nursing ethics emphasize the principle of beneficence—doing what is in the best interests of the patient. It underscores the moral duty to ensure that patients receive the full benefits of prescribed medications (American Nurses Association, 2017).
Moreover, nursing ethics also uphold the principle of patient autonomy, which emphasizes the right of patients to make informed decisions about their healthcare, including medication choices and adherence. This intervention is designed to respect and uphold these ethical principles by empowering patients with knowledge, involving them in shared decision-making, and promoting autonomy while ensuring their adherence to medication regimens.
Communication and Collaboration Strategies
Effective communication and collaboration are the cornerstones of patient-centered care and are essential components of this intervention. To address medication non-adherence among elderly patients successfully, it is imperative to engage patients and their families in meaningful discussions about medication management. These discussions go beyond merely instructing patients to take their medications as prescribed.
The approach adopted in this intervention is to foster a collaborative environment where patients and their families actively participate in decision-making regarding their medication regimens. This approach is rooted in evidence that shows that involving patients in healthcare decisions and tailoring treatment plans to their preferences and needs can significantly improve adherence (Institute for Healthcare Improvement, 2021).
Patients and their families are valuable sources of insights into the barriers and challenges they face in adhering to medications. By actively listening to their concerns and experiences, healthcare providers can tailor interventions to address these specific challenges. This patient-centered approach not only enhances patient understanding but also fosters a sense of ownership over their health and treatment plans.
Policy and Standards Compliance
Ensuring that this intervention adheres to state board nursing practice standards and organizational policies is integral to its ethical and legal soundness. Compliance with these standards and policies provides a solid foundation for ethical medication management practices within the healthcare organization.
This intervention will align with state board nursing practice standards related to medication administration, patient education, and ethical decision-making (National Council of State Boards of Nursing, 2018). Additionally, it will adhere to organizational policies regarding medication reconciliation and adherence, ensuring consistency and alignment with established guidelines.
Impact on Quality of Care, Patient Safety, and Cost Reduction
The anticipated impact of this intervention on the healthcare landscape is profound. It is designed to bring about improvements in the quality of care provided to elderly patients, enhance patient safety, and contribute to cost reduction.
First and foremost, improving medication adherence among elderly patients is expected to lead to better health outcomes. When patients consistently take their prescribed medications as directed, they are more likely to manage chronic conditions effectively and experience fewer complications. This, in turn, contributes to better patient outcomes, reduced hospitalizations, and an overall improvement in healthcare quality (Sabate, 2017).
Enhanced patient safety is another pivotal outcome of this intervention. Medication non-adherence can result in adverse drug events, medication errors, and drug interactions, all of which jeopardize patient safety. By promoting adherence and empowering patients to understand and manage their medications, the intervention mitigates these risks and fosters a safer healthcare environment.
Moreover, the potential for cost reduction is a significant benefit of this intervention. Medication-related complications and hospital readmissions due to non-adherence impose substantial economic burdens on the healthcare system (Elliott et al., 2017). By preventing such complications, the intervention is expected to contribute to long-term cost reduction, making healthcare more efficient and sustainable.
Utilization of Technology, Care Coordination, and Community Resources
To ensure the comprehensive success of this intervention, it leverages various resources and strategies, including technology, care coordination, and community resources.
Technology plays a pivotal role in modern healthcare, and this intervention capitalizes on it to enhance medication adherence. Medication reminder apps, electronic health records, and telehealth solutions are employed to support patients in managing their medication regimens. These technological tools serve as accessible reminders and educational resources, aiding patients in adhering to their prescribed treatments (Liu et al., 2019).
Care coordination is a fundamental element of this intervention. Elderly patients often receive care from multiple healthcare providers, and ensuring seamless coordination among them is essential for effective medication management. Healthcare teams collaborate closely to align medication regimens, minimize potential interactions or duplications, and streamline the medication administration process.
Community resources are tapped into to provide additional support to elderly patients. Home healthcare services offer personalized assistance in medication management, ensuring that patients receive the necessary support in their own homes. Additionally, support groups and community organizations provide valuable networks for patients
Conclusion
In conclusion, the development and implementation of this intervention to address medication non-adherence among elderly patients is guided by principles of leadership, collaboration, communication, change management, nursing ethics, and policy. It aims to improve the quality of care, enhance patient safety, and reduce healthcare costs while leveraging technology, care coordination, and community resources to maximize its impact. By addressing this critical issue, healthcare providers can make significant strides in improving patient outcomes and the overall quality of care delivered to elderly patients.
References
American Nurses Association. (2017). Code of ethics for nurses with interpretive statements. Silver Spring, MD: American Nurses Association.
Hutchinson, M., & Jackson, D. (2017). Transformational leadership in nursing: Toward a more critical interpretation. Nursing Research and Practice, 2017, 1-7.
Institute for Healthcare Improvement. (2021). Communication and resolution programs (CRPs): Frequently asked questions.
Liu, F., Ran, M., & Cui, Y. (2019). The effectiveness of electronic health interventions on medication adherence in patients with chronic diseases: A systematic review. Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare, 25(8), 451-461.
National Council of State Boards of Nursing. (2018). Nursing practice act.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Medication Adherence Intervention for Elderly Patients
Q1: What is medication non-adherence, and why is it a concern among elderly patients?
A1: Medication non-adherence refers to the failure to take medications as prescribed. It’s a significant concern among elderly patients because it can lead to worsened health outcomes and increased healthcare costs.
Q2: What factors influenced the development of the medication adherence intervention mentioned in the essay?
A2: The intervention was shaped by considerations such as leadership, collaboration, communication, change management, nursing ethics, policy, quality of care, patient safety, and cost reduction.
Q3: How does nursing ethics play a role in the intervention?
A3: Nursing ethics guide the intervention by emphasizing patient well-being and autonomy, ensuring that patients are informed and involved in decision-making regarding their medications.
Q4: Can you explain the role of leadership and change management in the intervention?
A4: Leadership is crucial for coordinating efforts among healthcare providers, while change management strategies ensure the adoption of evidence-based medication management practices.
Q5: What strategies are used for effective communication and collaboration in the intervention?
A5: The intervention includes strategies for engaging patients, their families, and healthcare providers in discussions about medication management to enhance patient understanding and adherence.
