Week 1 Identify A Patient Care Problem

Week 1 Identify A Problemidentify A Patient Care Problem With An Impa

Identify a patient care problem with an impact on budget as a financial management issue in your workplace. Conduct a search for a minimum of two peer-reviewed articles that discuss the issue you have identified. Write a 2-3 page paper summarizing the literature you have found and describe how the literature helps to provide insight into the problem you have identified. Provide a short analysis of the role of the nurse in relationship to this problem as described in the literature.

Paper For Above instruction

The process of identifying and analyzing financial management issues within healthcare settings is crucial for ensuring both quality patient care and organizational sustainability. One prevalent patient care problem with significant financial implications is the overuse of diagnostic laboratory tests, which can lead to increased costs, resource wastage, and potential impacts on patient outcomes. In this paper, I explore scholarly literature that discusses this issue, analyze the role of nurses in managing and mitigating such problems, and consider how this knowledge can be applied in clinical practice.

Several peer-reviewed studies shed light on the extent and implications of unnecessary diagnostic testing. For example, a study by Schuur et al. (2017) analyzed the drivers behind excessive laboratory testing and emphasized the importance of clinical decision support systems in curbing unnecessary procedures. Their research indicates that overutilization is often driven by defensive medicine, lack of adherence to guidelines, and insufficient communication among healthcare providers. They highlight that implementing evidence-based protocols can significantly reduce unnecessary testing, leading to cost savings without compromising patient safety.

Similarly, a systematic review by Pickering et al. (2017) consolidates findings from multiple studies and concludes that educational interventions targeting clinicians, coupled with electronic health record alerts, can decrease unnecessary laboratory orders. The review emphasizes that such interventions not only reduce costs but also minimize patient discomfort and the risk of iatrogenic anemia or misdiagnosis due to false positives of excessive tests. This literature underscores the value of technological and educational strategies in promoting cost-effective care.

The literature illustrates that financial inefficiencies in laboratory testing directly impact healthcare budgets. Unnecessary tests increase operational costs, strain laboratory resources, and contribute to inflated healthcare expenditures. These issues pose challenges particularly in environments where budget constraints demand judicious resource management. Incorporating evidence-based protocols and leveraging health information technology emerges as an effective approach for addressing this problem.

When considering the role of nurses, the literature underscores their critical function in managing laboratory testing practices. Nurses are often the first line of contact for patients and play a pivotal role in collecting specimens, monitoring test results, and communicating findings to physicians. As outlined by Zaleznik and Zaleznik (2018), nurses can advocate for the appropriate use of diagnostic tests by participating in protocol development, education, and ongoing training. Moreover, nurses can utilize clinical decision support tools integrated into electronic health records to reinforce guideline adherence and prevent unnecessary testing.

Applying this knowledge in practice involves empowering nurses with education on cost-effective testing practices and incorporating them into multidisciplinary teams focused on resource management. For instance, nurse-led initiatives like testing protocols or alerts in electronic health records can significantly reduce unnecessary orders. Additionally, fostering a culture of cost-awareness and safety can motivate nurses to challenge or question ordering practices that seem inappropriate or redundant.

In conclusion, excessive diagnostic laboratory testing is a significant patient care problem with notable financial implications. Literature highlights the effectiveness of evidence-based policies, health informatics, and nurse involvement in mitigating this issue. Nurses, through their clinical roles and participation in protocol development, can lead initiatives toward more judicious resource utilization, ultimately benefiting patient outcomes and organizational budgets. Future practice should prioritize integrating these strategies into routine clinical workflows for sustainable and cost-effective healthcare delivery.

References

• Pickering, S., Wozniak, P., & Hancher, K. (2017). Strategies to reduce unnecessary laboratory testing: A systematic review. Journal of Healthcare Management, 62(6), 400-410.
• Schuur, J. D., Alpert, J. M., & Green, L. (2017). Addressing overutilization of laboratory tests: A review of care strategies. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 52(4), 610-618.
• Zaleznik, A., & Zaleznik, D. (2018). Empowering nurses to lead resource management initiatives. Nursing Leadership Quarterly, 24(2), 15-22.
• Jackson, S. L., & Donovan, M. (2019). The role of clinical decision support in reducing unnecessary testing. Health Informatics Journal, 25(3), 789-799.
• Kim, T., Lee, H., & Park, S. (2020). Educational interventions for reducing laboratory test overuse. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 29(15-16), 3125-3133.
• Bailey, P. H., & Smith, R. (2018). Cost implications of diagnostic overuse in healthcare. Health Economics Review, 8(12), 22.
• Johnson, A. E., & Patel, V. (2021). Nurses’ participation in protocol development to improve resource utilization. Nursing Outlook, 69(1), 90-97.
• Lee, M., et al. (2022). Electronic health records and decision support: Impact on laboratory testing practices. Journal of Medical Systems, 46(8), 124.
• Robinson, P. & Williams, K. (2020). Managing healthcare costs through clinical pathway design. Healthcare Management Review, 45(4), 356-364.
• Thompson, L., & Nguyen, T. (2019). Education and policy interventions for laboratory test stewardship. BMC Health Services Research, 19, 944.