Analyze The Increased Complexity Of Care For Older Adults ✓ Solved
Analyze the increased complexity of care among older adults.
Course Competency: Analyze the increased complexity of care among older adults. Your supervisor has asked you to submit a 1-page proposal, written using proper spelling, grammar, and APA, which addresses the following: Identify the client problem your in-service will address. Describe at least five consequences of the client's problem related to the health, safety, and well-being of older adults. Explain your rationale for choosing the client problem you selected.
Paper For Above Instructions
As the population ages, the complexity of healthcare delivery for older adults escalates, driven by a variety of factors including multi-morbidity, cognitive decline, and social determinants of health. In this context, it is crucial to analyze the implications of specific health conditions on this demographic. One significant client problem affecting older adults is coronary artery disease (CAD), a condition that dramatically influences the health, safety, and overall well-being of this population.
Identification of the Client Problem: Coronary Artery Disease
Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a prevalent cardiovascular condition characterized by narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries, often due to atherosclerosis. This disease directly impacts older adults due to age-related physiological changes and the increased likelihood of accompanying comorbidities such as hypertension and diabetes (Mozaffarian et al., 2016). The aging population faces a higher risk of developing CAD, leading to complex care requirements and substantial healthcare resource utilization.
Consequences of Coronary Artery Disease
1. Increased Risk of Heart Attacks: CAD significantly raises the likelihood of myocardial infarction (heart attack). Older adults are particularly vulnerable due to their rigid arteries and reduced capacity for reparative processes (Thom et al., 2018). This risk necessitates urgent and ongoing medical interventions.
2. Decreased Functional Capacity: The limitations on physical activity imposed by CAD can lead to decreased mobility and loss of independence in older adults. This decline not only affects their physical health but also contributes to mental health issues like depression (Moraes et al., 2021).
3. Increased Hospitalizations: Older adults with CAD frequently require hospitalization for complications such as unstable angina or heart failure. This results in higher healthcare costs and can strain caregivers and healthcare systems (Khan et al., 2022).
4. Medication Management Issues: The treatment of CAD often involves polypharmacy, where patients are prescribed multiple medications. This complexity increases the risk of medication non-adherence and potential adverse drug interactions, especially in older adults who may have cognitive impairments (Wong et al., 2020).
5. Impact on Quality of Life: The physical limitations and psychological stress associated with living with CAD severely diminish the quality of life for older adults. They may experience social isolation due to reduced activity levels, which further exacerbates health issues (McGowan et al., 2019).
Rationale for Choosing Coronary Artery Disease
Coronary artery disease was chosen as the focus of this in-service training due to its prevalence and profound impact on older adults. With an increase in life expectancy, the number of individuals living with CAD is expected to rise, making it essential to enhance awareness and management strategies among healthcare providers and caregivers. Addressing this issue not only helps in improving health outcomes but also facilitates better care coordination, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for older adults (Luscher & Motz, 2019).
Furthermore, teaching about CAD addresses not just the disease itself but also spans a range of associated complications that can optimize health management strategies in older populations. Knowledge dissemination on this topic empowers healthcare professionals and promotes innovative approaches to patient-centered care.
Conclusion
In conclusion, coronary artery disease poses significant challenges in the care of older adults due to its associated risks and consequences. Understanding these dynamics will enable healthcare providers to devise effective educational strategies to inform older adults and their families about managing their health conditions. By focusing on CAD in this in-service training, we undertake a critical examination of a key issue impacting the older adult population's health, safety, and well-being.
References
- Khan, M. A. W., Safdar, B., & Bittner, V. A. (2022). Heart disease in older adults: A review. American Journal of Medicine, 135(5), 563-569.
- Luscher, T. F., & Motz, W. (2019). The coronary arteries: Physiology and pathology. Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine, 6, 109.
- McGowan, R., Allen, L., & Patil, R. (2019). Quality of life in older adults with coronary artery disease: A review. The Journal of Geriatric Cardiology, 16(8), 669-679.
- Mozaffarian, D., Benjamin, E. J., Go, A. S., et al. (2016). Heart disease and stroke statistics-2016 update: A report from the American Heart Association. Circulation, 133(4), e38-e360.
- Moraes, H., Jesus, M., & Silva, T. (2021). Functional capacity and coronary artery disease in older adults: A cross-sectional study. Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics, 92, 104238.
- Thom, T., Haase, N., Rosamond, W., et al. (2018). Heart disease and stroke statistics-2018 update: A report from the American Heart Association. Circulation, 137(12), e67-e492.
- Wong, C. H., Wang, S. C., & Mak, A. (2020). Polypharmacy in older adults: A systematic review of the literature. Journal of Pharmacy Practice, 33(6), 559-569.