Propose leadership strategies to improve outcomes, patient-centered care
Nurses in all professional roles work to effect positive patient outcomes and improve organizational processes. Professional nurses are leaders in problem identification, planning, and strategy implementation—skills that directly affect patient care or organizational effectiveness.
Too often, change agents jump to a conclusion that an intervention will promote the envisioned improvement. Instead, the ideal approach is to determine which interventions are appropriate, based on an assessment and review of credible evidence. Interventions could be patient-facing or involve a change in policy and process. In this assessment, you'll identify and make the case for your practicum focus area, then explore it in depth from a leadership, collaboration, communication, change management, and policy perspective.
Competencies Measured: By successfully completing this assessment, you will demonstrate your proficiency in the following course competencies and scoring guide criteria:
• Competency 1: Lead people and processes to improve patient, systems, and population outcomes.
o Define a patient, family, or population health problem that's relevant to personal and professional practice.
• Competency 2: Make clinical and operational decisions based upon the best available evidence.
o Analyze evidence from peer-reviewed literature and professional sources that describes and guides nursing actions related to a defined patient, family, or population problem.
• Competency 5: Analyze the impact of health policy on quality and cost of care.
o Explain how state board nursing practice standards and/or organizational or governmental policies could affect a defined patient, family, or population problem.
• Competency 7: Implement patient-centered care to improve quality of care and the patient experience.
o Propose leadership strategies to improve outcomes, patient-centered care, and the patient experience related to a defined patient, family, or population problem and document the practicum hours spent with these individuals or group in the Capella Academic Portal Volunteer Experience Form.
Define a patient, family, or population health problem that’s relevant to personal and professional practice.
Analyze evidence from peer-reviewed literature and professional sources that describes and guides nursing actions related to a defined patient, family, or population problem.
Explain how state board nursing practice standards and/or organizational or governmental policies could affect a defined patient, family, or population problem.
Propose leadership strategies to improve outcomes, patient-centered care, and the patient experience related to a defined patient, family, or population problem and document the practicum hours spent with these individuals or group in the Capella Academic Portal Volunteer Experience Form.
Organize content so ideas flow logically with smooth transitions.
Sample Solution
Problem Identification: The Need for Patient Empowerment
Patient satisfaction and hospital readmissions are critical indicators of the quality and effectiveness of healthcare services. Low patient satisfaction and high readmission rates can negatively impact patient outcomes, organizational reputation, and financial performance.
Nurses play a pivotal role in addressing these issues. As patient advocates and educators, nurses can empower patients with the knowledge and skills they need to make informed decisions about their care, manage their conditions effectively, and prevent avoidable readmissions.
Full Answer Section
Evidence-Based Interventions for Patient Education and Engagement Numerous studies have demonstrated the positive impact of patient education and engagement on satisfaction and readmission rates. These interventions can include:- Comprehensive discharge planning: Providing patients with clear instructions, follow-up appointments, and access to community resources.
- Self-management education: Empowering patients to manage their chronic conditions through medication adherence, lifestyle changes, and symptom recognition.
- Patient-centered communication: Actively listening to patients' concerns, respecting their preferences, and tailoring education to their individual needs.
- Advocate for resources and support: Securing funding for patient education programs, materials, and staff development.
- Integrate patient education into practice: Embedding education and engagement strategies into nursing workflows and performance expectations.
- Empower nurses as change champions: Providing nurses with the training, tools, and recognition they need to effectively educate and engage patients.
- Interdisciplinary teamwork: Collaborating with physicians, social workers, and other healthcare professionals to develop and deliver comprehensive patient education plans.
- Family involvement: Encouraging family participation in patient education and empowering them to support their loved ones' care.
- Patient-centered communication: Employing clear, concise language, avoiding jargon, and actively listening to patients' questions and concerns.
- Time constraints: Overburdened nurses may struggle to dedicate sufficient time to patient education.
- Lack of resources: Limited access to educational materials, technology, and training opportunities can hinder effective patient engagement.
- Cultural resistance: Some healthcare providers may resist changes to traditional care delivery models.
- Engaging stakeholders: Involving nurses, physicians, and administrators in the planning and implementation of patient education initiatives.
- Providing training and support: Equipping nurses with the skills and knowledge to effectively educate and engage patients.
- Measuring and evaluating outcomes: Tracking patient satisfaction, readmission rates, and other relevant metrics to assess the impact of interventions.