Respond to these two entries as if you were responding to them in a discussion board in class. There are two entries and 200 words are required for each question for a total of 400 words. No sources are required.
Number 1 entry
Patient-centered care involves focusing on the patient and the individual’s specific health care needs (Reynolds, 2009). Providing patient centered care enhances patient perception and allows them to partake in their care. Patients deserve to be educated on current evidence-based guidelines, so that they can better manage their ailments with current recommendation’s that are validated by healthcare professionals. For example, I have had patients with older physicians as primary care and were being told to treat specific ailments with outdated literature. Evidence based care allows medical professionals to educate patients on the most current guidelines. Providing patients with this information allows them to make a more educated decision.
Some barriers that can occur with the implementation of patient centered evidence-based care are patient personal preference, underprovided education, finances, and living in rural locations can all impact patient decisions. Creating systems and procedures to inform patients about the benefits and risks of treatment substitutes, then assessing whether they have the knowledge they need to make high-quality choices, is an important requirement of today’s healthcare system (Institute of Medicine, 2011). Medical treatments are evolving all the time, and it is important for medical professionals to be up to date with this material so patients can make a knowledgeable decision. Granted the patient will make their own decisions regarding their care. It should be noted that many factors can impact this decision that is not always something the patient can control. For example, financial concerns influence the way patients make medical decisions. Specifically in my practice, I see many patients not be able to afford medications, and other important medical maintenance, simply because they cannot afford it. Patients must make hard decisions, and sometimes their wellbeing is affected. Supplying patients with resources can alleviate some of the financial strain that comes with the management of chronic diseases. Additionally, educating patients on things they can control such as lifestyle modifications so they can preserve their health. To reiterate, the importance of educating patients on their medical ailments, and providing them with the resources they need can encourage them to make the best decision.
Number 2 entry
In the context of evidence-based practice, experts describe patient-centeredness as providing care that is attentive to an individual’s specific needs, preferences, values, health outcome goals and ensuring that these components guide all healthcare-related decisions and quality measures (Melnyk & Fineout-Overholt, 2015). Integrating patient preferences with external evidence, background knowledge, and clinical judgment is essential for promoting the dual goals of patient-centered care and best practices (Melnyk & Fineout-Overholt, 2015). In today’s modern health system, where patients and providers are now health partners, all health professionals must transition from treating patients solely from a clinical viewpoint to one that encompasses a more holistic approach (Melnyk & Fineout-Overholt, 2015). While delivering care that is both evidence-based and patient-centered may present some challenges, successful implementation can bring many benefits, such as improving patient communication, experiences, and outcomes (Melnyk & Fineout-Overholt, 2015).
Nurses can achieve patient-centeredness and evidence-based practice in various ways across many health care settings, from primary care practices, hospital units, urgent care centers to non-traditional ones within the community, such as mobile care units, schools, and churches. Regardless of the setting, practicing patient-centered care allows clinicians to focus on the patient as a whole rather than exclusively on their clinical symptoms or diagnosis (Melnyk & Fineout-Overholt, 2015). In doing so, professionals have the opportunity to promote a more trusting and personalized approach to care while upholding elements of evidence-based practice (Melnyk & Fineout-Overholt, 2015).
Reflecting on this concept in the current practice settings of a hospital employee health clinic and community health settings, implementing patient-centered, evidence-based care into these environments is essential, especially concerning vaccination. Considering that vaccination is integral to health promotion and a vital preventative care measure, the vaccination rates for certain preventable diseases continue to remain well below the national target goals (Zimmerman, 2018). Vaccines are evidence-based interventions that may impede certain preventable diseases, help professionals to achieve population health management, and improve quality care and outcomes (Zimmerman, 2018). Therefore, embracing patient-centeredness allows nurses to foster communication, trust, handle vaccination hesitancy, and empower patients with the information they need to be proactive and feel comfortable with the vaccine process (Zimmerman, 2018).
Like other practice settings, some barriers to implementing patient-centered, evidence-based care in these environments include resource and time constraints, communication challenges, and resistance to change concerning the use of certain technologies (Zimmerman, 2018). Some actions to overcome these barriers involve taking the time to build a rapport with clients by demonstrating empathy. Nurses must also use active listening, encourage two-way communication, make eye contact to see the person from a holistic perspective, strive to meet them on common ground, and make them feel at ease. Doing so allows nurses to tailor their interactions and provide information or care in an approach that resonates with each individual (Zimmermann, 2018). Hospitals and community clinics play an essential role in ensuring that nurses have the resources and tools they need to provide patient-centered care, including having sufficient staff and supplies. These supplies also include having appropriate vaccine educational information that fits individuals’ learning style preferences and health literacy levels (Zimmermann, 2018). Addressing communication challenges may encompass having access to certified interpreter services, especially in community vaccine clinic settings, either by secure video-conferencing, telephone, or in-person. For challenges with technology, having a technical support specialist on-site and additional staff available familiar with the health information technology is vital. These resources are essential to assist clients and clinicians with scheduling appointments, navigating the portal site, and accessing vaccination information or follow-up care services. These strategies proved helpful during the COVID-19 vaccination clinics in both practice settings.
As healthcare shifts away from traditional care models to recognizing the importance of patient and family-centered evidence-based care delivery, clinicians must develop proficiency in clinical judgment by incorporating external evidence and experience with patient-centeredness (Melnyk & Fineout-Overholt, 2015). Applying these principles in practice promotes ethical and sound clinical decision-making (Melnyk & Fineout-Overholt, 2015). While these skills may take time to cultivate and significant barriers to implementation may exist, overcoming them and enhancing facilitators can prove beneficial. These benefits include improvements in patient care and satisfaction, the facilitation of trust and respect, enhancement of clinician morale, and more favorable health outcomes (Melnyk & Fineout-Overholt, 2015).
