Purpose Discussion Unit 2: Things To Remember

Purpose Discussion Unit 2 Mn507 Mthings To Rememberdiscussion Po

Purpose: Discussion Unit 2 (MN507) (M) Things to remember: Discussion post is at least 200 words. Answers all questions with opinions/ideas creatively and clearly. Supports post using several outside, peer-reviewed sources. 3 References, try to find resources that are 5 years or less No errors with APA format 6thEdition To Discuss: · Unit 2 Discussion Topic 1 Discussion Topic 1: PolyPharmacy and Policy 
Look at case study number two, PolyPharmacy Problems , p. 166 of Health Policy and Politics, A Nurses Guide, by Milstead. Formulate a policy to reduce the practice of multiple drug prescriptions. What tools might be included in the design phase of the policy process to increase the probability of success? What research from other countries could be helpful in addressing this issue? Support your reasoning. · Unit 2 Discussion Topic 2 

 Discussion Topic 2: VHA Innovative Model Analysis 
Analyze the Veteran's Health Administration's patient centered medical homes (PCMHs) and patient-aligned care teams (PACTs). See case study number two, p.184 of Health Policy and Politics, A Nurses Guide, by Milstead. What design, implementation, evaluation, and program techniques would you use to ensure the success of this model? What flaws do you see in the implementation of this program?

Paper For Above instruction

In the landscape of contemporary healthcare, addressing polypharmacy and optimizing healthcare delivery models are critical objectives for improving patient outcomes and ensuring sustainable health systems. This paper explores strategies to reduce polypharmacy through policy formulation and examines the Veteran's Health Administration's (VHA) implementation of Patient-Centered Medical Homes (PCMHs) and Patient-Aligned Care Teams (PACTs), emphasizing design, implementation, evaluation, and potential flaws to enhance success.

Reducing Polypharmacy through Policy Interventions

Polypharmacy, defined as the simultaneous use of multiple medications, is prevalent among older adults and those with chronic conditions, often leading to adverse drug events, medication non-adherence, and increased healthcare costs (Maher, Hanlon, & Hajjar, 2014). To combat this issue, a comprehensive policy must be formulated that promotes optimal medication management. This policy should include tools such as medication reconciliation protocols, clinical decision support systems (CDSS), regular medication reviews, and prescriber education programs.

The design phase of such a policy should incorporate stakeholder engagement—bringing together clinicians, pharmacists, patients, and policymakers—to ensure the feasibility and acceptability of the interventions. Incorporating evidence-based guidelines on deprescribing and using electronic health records (EHRs) to flag potentially inappropriate medications can significantly enhance effectiveness (Reeve et al., 2017). Additionally, establishing metrics to monitor prescribing patterns will facilitate ongoing assessment and adjustment of the policy.

Research from countries such as Australia and the United Kingdom reveals that integrated care models and pharmacist-led medication reviews reduce inappropriate medication use (Mckenzie et al., 2020). For example, Scotland's Polypharmacy Guidance emphasizes deprescribing and patient involvement, which could be adapted nationally to improve medication safety.

VHA's Patient-Centered Model: Analysis and Recommendations

The VHA's adoption of PCMHs and PACTs aims to improve primary care by emphasizing patient-centeredness, comprehensive care, and team-based approaches (Goodrich, 2018). To ensure success, the design must focus on robust team training to foster interdisciplinary collaboration, utilize health IT systems for coordinated care, and involve patients actively in decision-making processes.

Implementation techniques should include phased rollouts with pilot testing, provider education sessions, and patient feedback mechanisms. Continuous evaluation through quality metrics such as patient satisfaction, health outcomes, and readmission rates is necessary to guide iterative improvements. Engagement of leadership to support organizational change and allocate resources effectively is also vital.

Despite these strengths, flaws in VHA’s program may include inconsistent patient engagement, technological barriers such as interoperability issues between EHR systems, and insufficient staffing in some facilities, which may hinder care coordination. Addressing these flaws requires targeted training, system upgrades, and staffing adjustments to bolster team functionality.

In conclusion, creating effective policies against polypharmacy and refining models like the VHA’s PCMHs and PACTs are essential steps toward safer, more efficient healthcare. Leveraging international best practices and ensuring rigorous implementation and evaluation can significantly enhance outcomes and sustainability.

References

• Goodrich, K. (2018). The impact of the patient-centered medical home model in VHA. Journal of Veterans Health, 10(2), 123-130.
• Maher, R. L., Hanlon, J., & Hajjar, E. R. (2014). Clinical consequences of polypharmacy in elderly. Expert Opinion on Drug Safety, 13(1), 57-65.
• Mckenzie, E. J., et al. (2020). International approaches to managing polypharmacy in primary care. BMC Geriatrics, 20(1), 45.
• Reeve, E., et al. (2017). Deprescribing medications in older adults: A systematic review. European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 73(8), 1145-1153.
• Milstead, J. A., & Shortell, S. M. (2014). Health Policy and Politics: A Nurse’s Guide. Elsevier.
• Reeves, D., et al. (2016). Understanding the implementation of patient-centered medical homes. Healthcare Policy, 11(3), 45-55.
• Smith, M. A. (2019). Lessons from the UK’s polypharmacy management. British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 85(2), 280-287.
• Wang, G., et al. (2021). The role of electronic health records in reducing medication errors. Journal of Medical Systems, 45(6), 112.
• World Health Organization. (2019). Medication safety in polypharmacy among older adults. WHO Report.
• Cummings, S. R., et al. (2018). The effectiveness of team-based primary care models. Nursing Outlook, 66(3), 291-299.