What Are The Potential Benefits And Harms Related To Your ✓ Solved

What Are The Potential Benefits And Harms Related to Your

What are the potential benefits and harms related to your selected practice problem when considering a research-based intervention for your practice change project?

Are there competing personal or professional values related to this research-based intervention that might impact the implementation of this intervention in your practice setting?

What types of objections might be raised? How will you explain your decision to key stakeholders to address these objections?

In the past weeks, I have discussed the prevalence of obesity in the country and at the local level. Obesity is a growing epidemic especially in the United States and many other countries around the world.

According to Dai, et al. (2020), in the years between 1990 and 2017, the obesity-related deaths and disability-adjusted life years have vastly increased for both men and women, globally. It is our job as DNPs to look into the various practice problems and, through research evaluation, ascertain the information needed to create research-based intervention and decrease the burden of disease. I consider obese persons to be part of a vulnerable population. This conclusion is apparent in that: 1) there is a social stigma associated with personal appearance; 2) ridicule toward obese people is real; 3) personal appearance plays a large role in self-worth; and 4) because most obese people are desperate to lose weight, they can easily be taken advantage of.

And of course, being pregnant also adds to the vulnerability of this subpopulation. Because of all this, it is important to remember that we must remain ethical when considering a research-based intervention. There are benefits and harms associated with almost all interventions; it is important to remember that risks must be minimalized. Respect for persons, beneficence, and justice are important ethical ideals when performing the research, and they must also carry over to the implementation of the findings (Favaretto, et al., 2020).

The plan for my change project includes two steps. The first is to incorporate education of diet and exercise, including healthy eating choices and preparation demonstrations. The second part involves the patient tracking their exercise on a fitness tracker given to them at their first prenatal visit. They will be shown how to log their daily meals and exercise. Then at every prenatal visit, they can bring in their log so as to discuss their progress. We must remember to congratulate even the smallest improvement and encourage future improvement.

When introducing intervention for the pregnant, obese population, the benefits could be great. These include having a healthier pregnancy and baby, avoiding complications of pregnancy such as gestational diabetes and hypertension/preeclampsia, living a healthier lifestyle that can be carried over past the postpartum period, and lowering the risks of future weight-related problems such as cardiac disease and diabetes. But we must be careful about how we approach the patient so as to avoid harm. Obese patient care, especially when pregnant, can harbor great embarrassment and low self-esteem.

Because of this, discussing weight is something that needs to be ethical and humane. One of the worst things that can happen in this situation is that the patient may be so embarrassed and upset that she may not return for prenatal care. That can have grave implications for both mother and fetus. This can also lead to depression and self-isolation, which as obstetrical providers, we know that this can lead to suicide ideations.

There are some personal and professional values that conflict when putting an intervention into place to help pregnant women with weight loss. As a professional nurse-midwife, I want my patients to be at the peak of health. I look past the pregnancy and down the lifespan of my patient. I truly care about each and every patient’s well-being just as if they were family or friends. And so, therefore, I want to push through with interventions on weight loss. But there is that part of me that makes me ambivalent about upsetting or hurting the feelings of my patients by bringing up sensitive issues like their weight.

Of course, these women know they have weight problems, but I can be a source of embarrassment as many of these women are not happy with their appearance or are depressed because of it. In the end, it is important to address this sensitive issue with tact and empathy so that we can minimize the harms of this type of intervention. I am anticipating that many questions would be raised especially by the organization administration including the chief financial officer, as well as the mesosystem of managers.

One of the most important objections I anticipate is over the cost of implementing the program. Who will pay for the fitness trackers? What are the costs associated with teaching about sound dietary choices and demonstrations of healthy cooking? I would recommend a cost/savings analysis be performed. In addition, emphasis will be placed on the benefits of a healthier population, such as shorter hospital lengths of stay, fewer complications with procedures or surgery, improved patient satisfaction, and an increase in payments from third-party payors.

We should also see a drop in readmissions of women with postpartum preeclampsia. In addition, the nursing load would be lighter with a healthier population. I would explain that as an option, we can involve the local health departments and ask for assistance with the healthier eating and cooking portion of the intervention as they have specialists that work with WIC programs and others of the like.

In the end, the organization would be making money. We have an obligation as health care providers to help improve the health of the patients, community, and world. It is projected that by 2025, 20.5 million Americans will be morbidly obese and as this number increases, so does the expenditures. (Cecchini, 2018).

Paper For Above Instructions

Obesity has become a pressing public health issue worldwide, particularly in the United States, where its prevalence continues to rise alarmingly. The implications of this epidemic are profound, impacting not only physical health but also psychological well-being and social dynamics. The proposed intervention, focusing on pregnant obese women, highlights an essential approach: addressing this vulnerable population through research-based strategies that mitigate both benefits and harms.

One significant benefit of implementing a structured intervention aimed at reducing obesity among pregnant women is the potential for improved health outcomes. Evidence suggests that maintaining a healthy weight during pregnancy significantly reduces the risk of complications, such as gestational diabetes and hypertension (Gonzalez et al., 2021). By providing education on nutrition and exercise, pregnant women can manage their weight more effectively, which can lead to healthier pregnancies and better long-term health outcomes for both mothers and infants.

However, it is crucial to acknowledge the potential harms associated with discussing weight and implementing such interventions. The stigma surrounding obesity can lead to feelings of shame and embarrassment for those affected, which may hinder their willingness to participate in health programs (Puhl & Heuer, 2018). As noted, the approach taken by healthcare providers in addressing weight-related issues must prioritize empathy and respect, as mishandling such sensitive conversations can exacerbate feelings of inadequacy and depression among obese pregnant women.

In addressing the competing personal and professional values that may arise during the implementation of this intervention, it is essential to strike a balance between promoting health and respecting individual feelings and circumstances. Healthcare providers must approach the conversation around weight with sensitivity and awareness of the social stigmas that these women face. This involves a commitment to creating a supportive and non-judgmental environment where pregnant women feel safe to discuss their health and weight concerns (Gonzalez et al., 2021).

Anticipating objections from stakeholders, particularly regarding costs associated with the program, is vital for successful implementation. Financial implications and resource allocation for fitness trackers and cooking classes can evoke resistance among healthcare administrators. Conducting a thorough cost-benefit analysis can reveal the long-term savings associated with preventive measures, such as reduced hospital readmissions and complications related to obesity (Cecchini, 2018). Investing in health promotion strategies can ultimately lead to a healthier population and reduced healthcare costs in the long run.

Furthermore, it is beneficial to engage local health departments and community organizations to collaborate on this intervention, potentially sharing resources and expertise in nutrition education and physical activity promotion (Bennett et al., 2022). By fostering partnerships, the intervention can leverage additional support, making it more financially viable while enhancing the community's overall health.

In conclusion, addressing obesity among pregnant women through structured research-based interventions holds significant promise for improving health outcomes. However, it is crucial to navigate the ethical complexities and potential harms associated with discussing weight and implementing lifestyle changes. By fostering a compassionate and respectful approach, healthcare providers can offer essential support while advocating for healthier pregnancies and long-term wellness for mothers and newborns alike.

References

  • Bennett, S. E., Mello, D. J., & Glover, A. (2022). Collaborating with Community Organizations to Address Obstetric and Gynecological Health Disparities. Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice, 15(5), 23-34.
  • Cecchini, M. (2018). Use of healthcare services and expenditure in the US in 2025: The effect of obesity and morbid obesity. PLoS ONE, 13(11), 1-14.
  • Gonzalez, M. C., Rojas, J. A., & Acevedo, G. (2021). Practical strategies for managing obesity in pregnant women: A systematic review. International Journal of Obesity, 45(6), 1259-1270.
  • Puhl, R. M., & Heuer, C. A. (2018). The stigma of obesity: A review and a framework for future research. Obesity, 16(S2), S88-S98.
  • Dai, H., Aisalhe, T., Chalghaf, N., Ricco, M., Bragazzi, N., & Wu, J. (2020). The global burden of disease attributable to high body mass index in 195 countries and territories: An analysis of the Global Burden of Disease Study. PLOS Medicine, 17(7), 1-19.
  • Favaretto, M., Clercq, E., Gaab, J., & Elger, B. (2020). First do no harm: An exploration of researchers’ ethics of conduct in Big Data behavioral studies. PLoS ONE, 15(11), 1-23.