NHS-FPX6004 Health Care Law and Policy
Policy Proposal
Name
School of Nursing and Health Sciences, Capella University
NHS-FPX6004 Health Care Law and Policy
Instructor
Policy Proposal
Introduction
In the dynamic landscape of healthcare, the need for effective policy development and implementation to address pertinent health issues remains crucial. This imperative is particularly evident in the case of diabetic foot care management, where comprehensive policy and practice guidelines can significantly impact patient outcomes and overall community well-being. As we delve into the proposed Diabetes Education and Empowerment Program (DEEP) at Mercy Medical Center, the collaboration of various stakeholders, including healthcare professionals, patient advocacy groups, and community leaders, becomes instrumental in ensuring the successful integration and execution of the program. By advocating for inclusive and evidence-based policies, we can strive to enhance the quality of care provided, ultimately fostering a healthier and more resilient community.
Need for creating a policy and practice guidelines
In order to effectively tackle the ongoing issue of subpar performance in conducting diabetic foot tests at Mercy Medical Center (MMC), it is crucial to prioritize the adoption and implementation of the Diabetes Education and Empowerment Program (DEEP) policy. The DEEP framework functions as a comprehensive framework aimed at enhancing the hospital's compliance with the Minnesota state guideline for diabetic foot care, as outlined by the American Diabetes Association in 2021. The policy emphasizes the need of including frequent foot examinations as a customary element of patient interactions, providing healthcare practitioners with comprehensive guidelines and standardized procedures for performing comprehensive foot screenings and evaluating potential risks. Furthermore, the DEEP program places great importance on patient education and empowerment. It strongly advocates for the distribution of customized educational materials and tools that encourage diabetes patients to take an active role in managing their condition and practicing proactive foot care (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2020). Through the utilization of evidence-based strategies integrated within the DEEP policy, MMC has the potential to substantially enhance its adherence to the prescribed benchmarks, augment patient outcomes, and reaffirm its dedication to providing patient-centered, high-quality care within the local community. This can be achieved by effectively employing continuous staff training on diabetic foot care, establishing multidisciplinary care teams, and implementing culturally sensitive care approaches.
Summarize your proposed organizational policy and practice guidelines
The proposed organizational policy, the DEEP, aims to elevate diabetic foot care practices at MMC in line with the Minnesota Department of Health's guidelines for diabetic care. DEEP emphasizes regular foot exams and patient education to prevent diabetic foot complications, aligning with the state's healthcare policy requirements (Rutledge, 2021). However, potential barriers to implementing DEEP include staff resistance to change, limited resources for comprehensive training, logistical challenges in workflow restructuring, financial constraints for acquiring specialized equipment, and the need for culturally sensitive communication approaches (Cooksey, 2020). Overcoming these barriers is crucial for the successful integration of the DEEP program and the sustained enhancement of diabetic care delivery, ensuring improved patient outcomes and satisfaction within the local community.
Proposed Organizational Policy or Practice Change Guideline and analysis of the Potential Effects of Environmental Factors on Recommended Practice Guidelines
The successful implementation of the DEEP at MMC is contingent upon a comprehensive analysis of potential environmental factors that could influence the recommended practice guidelines. Regulatory considerations play a significant role in shaping the implementation process, as adherence to state and federal healthcare regulations, such as those outlined by the Minnesota Department of Health and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, is crucial for ensuring the compliance and effectiveness of the DEEP program (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, 2020). Compliance with these regulatory frameworks necessitates regular audits, documentation of patient education efforts, and adherence to specific reporting requirements, which may add administrative burdens to the healthcare staff responsible for implementing the DEEP policy.
NHS-FPX6004 Class Free Samples
Furthermore, various resources, including staffing, financial allocations, and logistical considerations, significantly impact the successful execution of the recommended guidelines. Adequate staffing is essential for facilitating patient education sessions, conducting regular foot examinations, and managing the increased workload associated with the DEEP program. Limited staffing resources may lead to increased workloads for existing staff members, potentially resulting in burnout and compromised patient care (Rutledge, 2021). Financial considerations, including the procurement of specialized equipment, training resources, and educational materials, may pose significant challenges, particularly if the hospital operates under budgetary constraints. Striking a balance between allocating financial resources for the DEEP program and maintaining other essential healthcare services is imperative to ensure the sustainability and efficacy of the proposed diabetic foot care guidelines. Logistical considerations, such as the availability of dedicated spaces for patient education sessions and foot examinations, as well as the integration of the DEEP program into existing care workflows, also require careful planning and coordination to prevent disruptions in routine patient care services and optimize the overall patient experience (World Health Organization, 2020).
Ethical, evidence-based practice guidelines to improve benchmark performance and the impact the proposed changes will have on the targeted group.
The implementation of ethical, evidence-based practice guidelines is crucial for improving the targeted benchmark performance within the DEEP at MMC. Evidence-based literature suggests that implementing regular patient education sessions focusing on diabetic foot care awareness, conducting routine foot examinations during patient visits, and fostering patient engagement through self-management education can significantly improve diabetic foot care outcomes (Armstrong et al., 2023). Additionally, the integration of telemedicine technologies for remote patient monitoring and virtual consultations can enhance accessibility to diabetic foot care resources, particularly for patients with limited mobility or geographical constraints (Pasquel et al., 2021).
These evidence-based strategies ensure performance improvement and compliance with applicable local, state, and federal healthcare policies or laws by promoting proactive preventive care measures and patient-centered education, aligning with the principles outlined in the Minnesota Department of Health's guidelines for diabetic care and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' quality measures for diabetic foot care management (Minnesota Department of Health, 2021; Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, 2020). By integrating these evidence-based practices into the DEEP program, MMC can ensure that its diabetic foot care initiatives are aligned with established healthcare policies and regulatory requirements, thereby fostering improved patient outcomes and regulatory compliance. Furthermore, ensuring the ethical and cultural inclusivity of these strategies involves tailoring patient education materials and communication approaches to accommodate diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, thereby promoting patient engagement and participation in the DEEP program (Søvold et al., 2021). Providing culturally sensitive and linguistically appropriate educational resources, ensuring informed consent during patient education sessions, and respecting patient autonomy and preferences are crucial ethical considerations that contribute to the cultural inclusivity and ethical application of the proposed strategies within the targeted group.
The direct impact of these changes on the stakeholders' work setting and job requirements encompasses the adoption of new protocols and procedures for conducting routine foot examinations, the incorporation of patient education sessions into existing workflows, and the utilization of telemedicine technologies for remote patient monitoring and consultations. Additionally, healthcare staff may require additional training and support to effectively implement these evidence-based strategies, necessitating ongoing education and professional development initiatives to ensure the successful integration and sustained adherence to the DEEP program guidelines (American Nurses Association, 2022).
Why stakeholders and groups must be involved in further development and implementation of the proposed policy and practice guidelines
In the further development and implementation of the proposed DEEP at MMC, the involvement of particular stakeholders and groups is crucial for ensuring the successful integration and sustained efficacy of the policy and practice guidelines. Engaging these stakeholders and groups is essential as they bring diverse perspectives, expertise, and valuable insights that can contribute to the comprehensive development and successful implementation of the DEEP program (World Health Organization, 2020). Their participation fosters a sense of shared responsibility and ownership, promoting a collaborative approach to diabetic foot care management and reinforcing a collective commitment to improving patient outcomes within the local community.
The participation of healthcare staff, including nurses, physicians, and allied healthcare professionals, is vital as they play a central role in the delivery of patient care and the implementation of the DEEP program's guidelines (American Nurses Association, 2022). Their involvement in the policy development process ensures that the proposed diabetic foot care initiatives are aligned with clinical best practices and reflect the practical considerations and challenges encountered in the healthcare setting. Furthermore, the engagement of patient advocacy organizations and community leaders facilitates the development of patient-centered policies and educational resources that resonate with the needs and preferences of the local community, thereby enhancing patient engagement and promoting a patient-centric approach to diabetic foot care management (Søvold et al., 2021).
By actively involving these stakeholders and groups in the development and implementation of the DEEP program, MMC can leverage their expertise and insights to create a stronger policy that is well-informed, culturally inclusive, and reflective of the local community's healthcare needs and preferences. Their participation facilitates the identification of potential challenges and opportunities, enabling the development of tailored solutions and proactive strategies that address the unique healthcare requirements of the local population. Furthermore, their active involvement promotes a sense of collective responsibility and accountability, fostering a collaborative healthcare environment that prioritizes patient well-being and the delivery of high-quality, patient-centered diabetic foot care services.
Strategies for collaborating with the stakeholder group to implement the proposed policy and practice guidelines
To effectively implement the proposed DEEP at MMC, it is essential to present strategies for collaborating with the stakeholder group, comprising healthcare staff, patient advocacy organizations, and community leaders. The stakeholder group will play a pivotal role in the implementation of the DEEP program by actively participating in the development of educational resources, the delivery of patient-centered care, and the promotion of community outreach initiatives. Healthcare staff, including nurses and physicians, will be instrumental in integrating the DEEP guidelines into their daily practice, conducting regular foot examinations, and providing comprehensive patient education sessions. Patient advocacy organizations can contribute by providing valuable insights into the patient experience, advocating for patient-centered care approaches, and facilitating the dissemination of educational materials within the local community. Community leaders can support the implementation process by fostering community engagement, promoting awareness campaigns, and facilitating community-based support networks for individuals living with diabetes.
The stakeholder group and their collaboration are crucial for the successful implementation of the DEEP program, as their active engagement fosters a collective commitment to patient well-being, encourages interdisciplinary collaboration, and promotes a patient-centric approach to diabetic foot care management (World Health Organization, 2020). By leveraging the expertise and resources of the stakeholder group, MMC can ensure that the DEEP program aligns with the specific healthcare needs and preferences of the local community, thereby fostering greater patient trust, engagement, and adherence to the recommended diabetic foot care guidelines (Søvold et al., 2021). The collaborative efforts of the stakeholder group also facilitate the identification of potential implementation challenges and the development of tailored solutions, promoting a holistic approach to diabetic foot care that addresses the multifaceted needs of patients within the local community.
Conclusion
In the pursuit of excellence in diabetic foot care management, it is essential to recognize the invaluable role of collaboration and inclusivity among various stakeholders. By embracing ethical and evidence-based practices, the proposed DEEP program at Mercy Medical Center holds the potential to significantly improve patient outcomes and promote a culture of proactive and preventive healthcare. Through the active engagement of healthcare professionals, patient advocacy organizations, and community leaders, the successful implementation of the DEEP program can pave the way for a more comprehensive and patient-centric approach to diabetic foot care, ultimately fostering a healthier and more resilient community.
References
American Nurses Association. (2022). Code of Ethics for Nurses with Interpretive Statements. Silver Spring, Maryland, ANA, 2015.
Armstrong, D. G., Tan, T. W., Boulton, A. J., & Bus, S. A. (2023). Diabetic foot ulcers: a review. JAMA, 330(1), 62-75. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2023.10578
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. (2020). Quality measures. https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Quality-Initiatives-Patient-Assessment-Instruments/QualityMeasures
Cooksey, C. (2020). Strategies to Improve Annual Diabetic Foot Screening Compliance at a Family Clinic. Clinical Diabetes, 38(4), 386-389. https://doi.org/10.2337/cd20-0030
Minnesota Department of Health. (2021). Diabetes in Minnesota. https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/diabetes/index.html
Pasquel, F. J., Lansang, M. C., Dhatariya, K., & Umpierrez, G. E. (2021). Management of diabetes and hyperglycaemia in the hospital. The lancet Diabetes & endocrinology, 9(3), 174-188. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2213-8587(20)30381-8
Rutledge, N. (2021). Diabetes Education Empowerment Program (DEEP): Evidence-Based Practice Measures for Self-Care Management. https://digitalcommons.jsu.edu/etds_nursing/47
Schaper, N. C., van Netten, J. J., Apelqvist, J., Bus, S. A., Hinchliffe, R. J., Lipsky, B. A., & IWGDF Editorial Board. (2020). Practical guidelines on the prevention and management of diabetic foot disease (IWGDF 2019 update). Diabetes/Metabolism Research and Reviews, 36, e3266. https://doi.org/10.1002/dmrr.3266
Søvold, L. E., Naslund, J. A., Kousoulis, A. A., Saxena, S., Qoronfleh, M. W., Grobler, C., & Münter, L. (2021). Prioritizing the mental health and well-being of healthcare workers: an urgent global public health priority. Frontiers in public health, 9, 679397. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2021.679397
World Health Organization. (2020). Framework for action on interprofessional education and collaborative practice. World Health Organization
Also Read: Capella Flexpath RN To BSN - Custom Writing Services
