Advocating For The Nursing Role In Program Design And Implem

Advocating For The Nursing Role In Program Design And Impl

Develop a 2- to 4-page paper consisting of an interview transcript that responds to specific questions about a healthcare program within your practice. In your responses, describe the program's costs and projected outcomes, identify the target population, and elaborate on the nurse's input in designing and implementing the program. Include examples of advocacy efforts, roles in decision-making, and impact on program success. Highlight how the nurse's role differs between design and implementation phases. Identify other healthcare team members essential for program implementation and explain their importance. Base your discussion on your knowledge, experience, and the provided course resources.

Paper For Above instruction

Interviewer: Could you tell us about a healthcare program within your practice, including its costs and projected outcomes?

Respondent: Certainly. In my practice, we have implemented a Community Diabetes Management Program aimed at improving glycemic control among type 2 diabetes patients. The program's costs include staffing expenses for nurse educators and dietitians, educational materials, and technology for remote monitoring—approximating $150,000 annually. Projected outcomes encompass a 20% reduction in hospital admissions related to diabetic complications, improved HbA1c levels by an average of 1.5%, and enhanced patient quality of life over a two-year period. These outcomes are based on prior pilot studies and existing literature indicating that structured education and consistent monitoring can significantly improve disease management.

Interviewer: Who is your target population for this healthcare program?

Respondent: The primary target population consists of adult patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes within our community, especially those with poorly controlled glucose levels, limited access to healthcare resources, or at high risk for complications. We focus on underserved populations to reduce health disparities and improve overall community health outcomes.

Interviewer: What is the role of the nurse in providing input for the design of this healthcare program? Can you provide examples?

Respondent: Nurses play a vital role in program design by contributing practical insights from direct patient interactions. For example, I facilitated focus groups with patients to identify barriers to adherence, such as medication costs or lack of transportation. I also collaborated with the team to develop culturally appropriate educational materials and protocols that align with patient needs. Additionally, I suggested incorporating telehealth components, recognizing that many of our patients face transportation challenges. My input ensured that the program was tailored to real-world patient circumstances, increasing its likelihood of success.

Interviewer: What is your role as an advocate for your target population in this healthcare program? Do you have input into design decisions? How else do you impact design?

Respondent: As an advocate, I represent patient perspectives to ensure that their needs and preferences are prioritized during program development. I actively participate in planning meetings, providing feedback on proposed interventions, and raising awareness of logistical and cultural barriers. I also advocate for policy changes that support resource allocation, such as funding for education initiatives and telehealth services. My influence extends to ensuring that the program includes patient-friendly language and accessible materials, thereby increasing engagement and adherence.

Interviewer: What is the role of the nurse in healthcare program implementation? How does this role vary between design and implementation phases? Can you provide examples?

Respondent: During implementation, nurses function as frontline executors of the program—delivering education, monitoring patient progress, and adjusting interventions as necessary. While in the design phase, the focus is on planning and collaboration; during implementation, the emphasis shifts to active engagement, problem-solving, and ensuring fidelity to the program's structure. For example, I trained staff on program protocols, conducted patient follow-ups via telehealth, and collected data to assess outcomes. My role expands from providing input to actively managing day-to-day activities to ensure smooth execution and immediate troubleshooting.

Interviewer: Who are the members of a healthcare team that you believe are most needed to implement a program, and why?

Respondent: A multidisciplinary team is essential for effective implementation. Besides nurses, I believe physicians are critical for medical oversight and ensuring clinical appropriateness; dietitians provide nutritional counseling; social workers address social determinants affecting health; pharmacists support medication management; and IT specialists facilitate telehealth and electronic health record integration. Each member contributes specialized expertise that collectively enhances patient outcomes. For instance, integrating pharmacists helps optimize medication regimens, reducing adverse effects and improving adherence.

In conclusion, nurses are integral to both the design and implementation phases of healthcare programs. Their frontline experience offers invaluable insights that tailor interventions to patient needs, fostering successful outcomes. Active advocacy allows nurses to influence decision-making and resource allocation, ensuring programs are effective, equitable, and sustainable. Collaboration within multidisciplinary teams amplifies these efforts, ultimately advancing healthcare quality and patient well-being.

References

• Milstead, J. A., & Short, N. M. (2019). Health policy and politics: A nurse’s guide (6th ed.). Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.
• American Nurses Association (ANA). (n.d.). Advocacy. Retrieved from https://www.nursingworld.org/practice-policy/advocacy/
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (n.d.). Step by step: Evaluating violence and injury prevention policies: Brief 4: Evaluating policy implementation. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/pdf/evaluating-policy.pdf
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• Milstead, J. A., & Short, N. M. (2019). Health policy and politics: A nurse’s guide (6th ed.). Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.
• Laureate Education (Producer). (2018). Getting your Program Designed and Implemented [Video file]. Baltimore, MD: Author.
• Laureate Education (Producer). (2018). Health policy and politics [Video file]. Baltimore, MD: Author.
• Congress.gov. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.congress.gov/