Chronic illness and its relationship to rehabilitation
Identify chronic illness and its relationship to rehabilitation.
Choose from one:
COPD, CHF, Stroke, Hip fracture
Create interventions that support an older adult’s adaptation to the chronic illness or disability.
Describe the nurse’s role in assisting older adults in managing chronic conditions.
From your readings and knowledge which opportunities do you think can be change in the health care system to improve care for older adults with chronic illness and disability.
Sample Solution
Let's address each part of this question, focusing on a chronic illness and its rehabilitation:
Chronic Illness and Rehabilitation: COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)
COPD is a progressive lung disease that makes breathing difficult. It is characterized by airflow limitation that is not fully reversible. Rehabilitation plays a crucial role in improving the quality of life for individuals with COPD.
- Relationship to Rehabilitation:
- COPD leads to decreased exercise tolerance, shortness of breath, and fatigue, significantly impacting daily functioning.
- Pulmonary rehabilitation programs are designed to improve breathing, increase exercise capacity, and enhance overall well-being.
- Rehabilitation focuses on:
- Breathing techniques (pursed-lip breathing, diaphragmatic breathing).
- Exercise training (aerobic and resistance).
- Education on disease management.
- Nutritional counseling.
- Psychosocial support.
Interventions to Support Older Adults with COPD:
- Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program:
- A structured program tailored to the individual's needs, including supervised exercise, breathing retraining, and education.
Full Answer Section
Nurse’s Role in Managing Chronic Conditions (COPD):
- Assessment:
- Conducting thorough assessments of respiratory function, functional status, and psychosocial well-being.
- Education:
- Providing education on disease management, medication adherence, and self-care strategies.
- Coordination of Care:
- Collaborating with other healthcare professionals, such as respiratory therapists, physical therapists, and dietitians.
- Monitoring:
- Monitoring respiratory symptoms, oxygen saturation levels, and response to treatment.
- Advocacy:
- Advocating for the patient's needs and ensuring access to appropriate resources.
- Emotional Support:
- Providing a listening ear, and offering encouragement.
Opportunities for Change in Healthcare Systems:
- Increased Access to Pulmonary Rehabilitation:
- Expanding access to pulmonary rehabilitation programs, especially in rural areas.
- Implementing telehealth options for remote rehabilitation.
- Integrated Care Models:
- Developing integrated care models that address the multiple comorbidities often associated with COPD.
- Improving coordination between primary care, pulmonology, and other specialties.
- Emphasis on Preventive Care:
- Strengthening public health initiatives to prevent COPD, including smoking cessation programs and air pollution control.
- Enhanced Home-Based Care:
- Expanding home-based care services to support individuals with COPD in managing their condition at home.
- Increasing the availability of home oxygen therapy.
- Technology Integration:
- Utilizing remote monitoring technologies to track symptoms and provide timely interventions.
- Using mobile health applications to support self-management.
- Improved Reimbursement Policies:
- Advocating for reimbursement policies that support comprehensive COPD care, including pulmonary rehabilitation and home-based services.
- Increased Geriatric Training:
- Increasing the amount of geriatric training that all healthcare professionals recieve.