Category: Health & Medicine

Currently, lobbyists or advocates are significantly influencing the changes and developments made on health systems across the world. Mainly, nurses are contributing significantly to the development of health policies through their political actions (Catallo, Cristina, Spalding and Haghiri-Vijeh 1). Politically, nurses pursue policies that promote the provision of quality health care services and in particular which uphold the safety of patients as well as the access to needed resources. This essay paper reviews lobbyists and advocates: their definitions, similarities and differences, importance, and, the manner in which World Health Organization (WHO) lobby or advocate for health care policy.

A lobbyist is an individual who represents the special interests or concerns of a particular group or organization through meetings with lawmakers (Mason et al. 391). Notably, many lobbyists are former members of staff or elected officials who have expertise in the legislative process or a particular area. Therefore, lobbyists have experience in aspects of policy or political process. On the other hand, an advocate is an individual who pleads for another (Mason et al. 391). In the nursing field, nurses advocate for healthier neighborhoods and the nursing profession itself through education and appeal to government policymakers and legislators to promote safe workplaces for nurses and safeguard the nursing scope of practice.

Lobbyists and advocates have both similarities and differences. On similarities, both lobbyists and advocates represent the concerns and special interests of certain groups or organizations (Mason et al. 30). For instance, lobbyists and advocates work with members of the community to enhance the welfare of people by influencing issues, systems, and policies. On differences, lobbyists are paid to advocate for the interests of their employers, while advocates are not paid for their activities (Mason et al. 391). Again, lobbyists spend most of their time lobbying because of the associated financial gain, while advocates spend most of their time doing something else. Further, lobbyist activities are legally bound. Notably, the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 and the Honest Leadership and Government Act of 2007 control lobbyists activities by mandating them to release the information relating to their activities, contributions, and expenses (Mason et al. 391). Considerably, the law does not control advocate activities.

WHO is an international organization under the United Nations (UN). The primary goal of WHO is to offer people across the globe the best achievable level of health. Mainly, WHO provides policy options to numerous countries for the development of health initiatives and priorities; however, its policies act as guidelines and not law (World Health Organization [WHO] par. 2). As a lobby or advocate for health care policy, WHO collaborates with its member states and coordinates their effort in promoting their respective health policies and programs. Notably, it provides them with current information about the occurrence of international diseases (WHO par. 3). Besides, the organization and publishes the respective cases of diseases, injuries, and deaths based on research. Additionally, WHO establishes the global standards of vaccines and antibiotics and monitors the adverse effects of drugs.

In conclusion, lobbyists and advocates are essential in influencing health policies through political actions. Although advocates are not paid like lobbyists, both pursue the special interests of particular groups and organizations. In health care, they advocate for healthier neighborhoods and appeal to government legislators and policymakers to implement appropriate health systems. Globally, WHO promotes the health of people in the world through the provision of necessary information and coordination of the countrys health initiatives and programs. Overall, lobbyists and advocates promote the health of people across the globe.

Works Cited

Catallo, Cristina, Karen Spalding and Roya Haghiri-Vijeh. Nursing Professional Organizations: What Are They Doing to Engage Nurses in Health Policy? Sage Open, 2014, 1-9. Print.

Mason, Diana J., Deborah B. Gardner, Freida Hopkins Outlaw and Eileen T. OGrady. Policy & Politics in Nursing and Health Care. 7th ed. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier, 2015. Print.

World Health Organization (WHO). About WHO. WHO Online, 2016. Web.

People with eating disorders are characterized by unusual food intake behaviors. These individuals who suffer from eating disorders are at risk of dying, especially those who get diagnosed with anorexia nervosa (AN). The biological basis of existence of AN includes long-term determinants of Deoxyribonucleic acid that cause the body to lose weight but the patient overlooks the same. Anorexia is influenced by brain changes and genes, which comprise the biological basis of evidence regarding this eating disorder. People with anorexia nervosa are not highly interested in food and may be sensitive to the amount they take and the weight that may be gained. In terms of brain changes, anorexia is associated with the absence of gray and white substances in the brain where sulci enlarge for a person with the disorder, as shown in Figure 1 below (Carlson & Birkett, 2021). The brain tissue shrinks and catalyzes a person to ignore the impending dangers of their lifestyle when it comes to eating. In a healthy person who does not have the disorder, the tissue structures in the brain are normal, as shown in part B.

The other biological evidence is genetic factors that may influence anorexia nervosa. Between 58-76% of the variability in the diagnosis for anorexia is controlled by genes (Carlson & Birkett, 2021). For instance, children will inherit tissue formations in the brain from their parents, which may be easily affected by shrinking anorexia nervosa from their parents. (Schlegl et al., 2020). Genetic factors contribute to anorexias etiology due to the molecular approaches that are characterized by deterioration of physical health. The serotonin pathway receptors are essential in controlling molecular substrates that facilitate the physiology of food intake. Other crucial elements that are genetic include dopamine peptides that regulate energy intake and how it is consumed in the body (Schlegl et al., 2020). In this case, a person with genes that are receptive to dopamine-containing neurons may have this eating disorder. This disorder needs to be contained by utilizing cognitive behavioral therapy and pharmacological medications.

References

Carlson, N. R., & Birkett, M. A. (2021). Ingestive behavior. In Foundations of behavioral neuroscience (10^th ed., pp. 299300). Pearson.

Schlegl, S., Maier, J., Meule, A., & Voderholzer, U. (2020). Eating disorders in times of the COVID19 pandemicResults from an online survey of patients with anorexia nervosa. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 53(11), 179-180. Web.

Today, standardized nursing language is widely used in the documentation of nursing care in hospital settings and home healthcare services. Rutherford (2008) claims that it is impossible for medicine, nursing, or any health care-related discipline to implement the use of electronic documentation without having a standardized language or vocabulary to describe key components of the care process (p. 1). Thus, the comprehension of the concept is crucial since many practicing nurses focus their efforts on processing and documentation of clinical data without a complete understanding of the instruments behind their work.

It might be important to review different definitions of standardized nursing language in order to observe its distinct features and applications. According to Keenan (1999), standardized nursing language is a common language, readily understood by all nurses, to describe care (as cited in Rutherford, 2008, p. 2). The Association of Perioperative Registered Nurses (AORN) explains that a standardized language provides nurses with a common means of communication (as cited in Rutherford, 2008, p. 2). McCloskey and Bulechek (1992) highlight the value of a common standardized language and its role in helping the medical professionals to determine which nursing interventions work best for a given population (as cited in Houston et al., 2019, p. 26). Hence, the definitions state that nurses need common terminology for successful documentation of patient data (i.e., exams, procedures, and outcomes), which helps them identify the best treatment strategy for each patient.

The implementation of standardized terminologies in nursing practice has a number of benefits. Firstly, McGonigle & Mastrian (2017) suggest that a standardized language allows nurses and healthcare delivery systems to capture, codify, retrieve, and analyze the impact of nursing care on client outcomes (p. 112). For instance, improved collection of patient documentation such as laboratory testing, physical exams, and interventions, allows a healthcare provider to explicitly demonstrate the impact of nursing care on the outcomes of former and current patients, and assess nursing competency. Secondly, the resources retrieved by nurses might enhance the quality of patient care and outcomes. The database stored and updated in the point-of-care application may be helpful for further diagnostics and treatment of patients with similar symptoms or conditions. Consequently, an elderly male patient with diabetes may be properly diagnosed with renal failure based on the symptoms of some other patient of his age with a similar condition.

Thirdly, a standardized language improves communication among nurses and other medical professionals both nationally and internationally. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) serves as a common language for a variety of mental disorders (Rutherford, 2008). Thus, when a doctor records or codifies the diagnosis of PTSD, other healthcare specialists or third-party members will be able to understand the diagnosis. Finally, a standardized nursing language assures adherence to the standards of care for a given patient. For example, the standards from the Association of Womens Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses might provide valuable guidance for nurses and other healthcare professionals who specialize in fetal monitoring.

The most prominent challenge associated with standardized nursing terminology is the lack of one universal nursing language. The development of such language is the ultimate goal of nursing informatics. A standardized nursing language, as stated in the guidelines by the Duke University School of Nursing, should facilitate communication among nurses, be complete and concise, facilitate comparisons across settings and locales, support the visibility of nursing, and evaluate the effectiveness of nursing care through the measurement of nursing outcomes (Rutherford, 2008, p. 23). Therefore, the international community of nursing informaticians might be able to create a future universal language based on the guidelines mentioned above.

References

Houston, S. M., Dieckhaus, T., Kirchner, B., & Lardner, M. C. (Eds.). (2019). An introduction to nursing informatics: Evolution and innovation (2^nd ed.). CRC Press.

McGonigle, D., & Mastrian, K. G. (2017). Nursing informatics and the foundation of knowledge (4^th ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.

Rutherford, M. A. (2008). Standardized nursing language: What does it mean for nursing practice? Online Journal of Issues in Nursing, 10(1), 112. Web.

Obesity is of particular importance for the study due to the large spread of this disease. Only in Ireland, statistics show that six out of ten people (37% overweight and a further 23% obese) are overweight or obese (4). These data do not represent consolation since every year, there are only more sick people. Therefore, it is essential to study obesity as a medical condition, which becomes a significant problem in the provision of medical services.

Physical Issues

Obesity itself is a rather complex disease. This is due to the fact that it negatively affects many aspects of individuals activities, significantly reducing the bodys ability to work productively and deal with possible problems. Among the most apparent characteristics of obesity is a lack of energy, breathing problems, skin irritation, difficulty sleeping, and back and joint pains which can affect mobility (1). One of the leading causes of obesity in the population is not following the rules of proper nutrition, which also causes eating disorders. In many cases, the causes of weight gain are hereditary diseases or severe treatment, which involves taking medications that affect the appearance of the patient.

Obesity is a relatively severe area of medicine to study, as it has several difficulties for healthcare providers. First, it can put a person at risk for the occurrence of such serious diseases as diabetes mellitus or problems with the cardiovascular system. Thus, overweight people getting to the hospital can be diagnosed with even more abnormalities. Consequently, they will need the help of more specialists, research, and ongoing medical treatment. Diabetes is dangerous for a minor organism since its presence can negatively affect its development (5). The occurrence of this disease can have the same serious consequences as for adults, which only worsens the situation and requires finding ways to limit it.

In addition to the cardiovascular system and the development of diabetes, obesity can negatively affect patients joints and increase blood pressure. Because of the first, individuals lose the ability to move normally (3). In the most critical cases, patients are required to receive treatment at home. Regarding blood pressure, obese people experience it because of the need for the heart to pump blood to the body faster. This also poses a serious risk for both the patient and the doctor, as healthcare providers must take into account the multiple side effects of drugs and treatments prescribed to individuals.

Mental Issues

The main mental problem of obesity is the occurrence of depression. Research stated that resulting metabolic and vascular dysfunction, including inflammation, insulin and leptin resistance, and hypertension, have emerged as key risks to depression and anxiety development (2). Thus, individuals suffer from low self-esteem, social isolation, and discrimination because of which they lose themselves. In more severe and critical cases, patients refuse to leave home, which causes a problem for medical professionals and puts patients at an even greater risk of complications.

Conclusion

In conclusion, obesity is an urgent and serious problem for both patients and health care providers themselves. This is due to the fact that increased body weight can affect the occurrence of such issues as diseases of the cardiovascular system, diabetes, joint abnormalities, and high blood pressure. On the side of psychological well-being, obesity exposes individuals to fall into the risk group of depression, which can further affect the course of the disease.

References

1. Knott, L. Obesity and overweight [Internet]. Patient; Web.
2. Fulton, S., Decarie-Spain, L., Fioramonti, X., Guiard, B., and Nakajima, S. The menace of obesity to depression and anxiety prevalence. Trends Endocrinol. Metab; 33(1): 18-35.
3. Health risks linked to obesity [Internet]. WebMD; Web.
4. Key facts [Internet]. HSE; Web.
5. Childhood obesity [Internet]. Mayo Clinic; Web.

I use four technologies from the time I wake up to the time I go to sleep:

• Smartphone: I use my smartphone throughout the day to stay connected with friends and family, check emails, navigate, and access social media. While it helps me stay informed and productive, it can also be distracting and addictive. It has also been associated with negative impacts on mental health and social interactions.
• I use my laptop for work, education, and personal purposes. It enables me to obtain critical information quickly, connect with people, and finish activities. It can, however, be a cause of stress and contribute to sedentary behavior.
• I utilize the internet to get information, interact with others, and perform jobs. Technology has transformed how we access and exchange information and has also prompted worries about privacy, security, and disinformation propagation.
• Transportation: I use various modes of transportation, such as cars and public transportation, to commute to work and run errands. While they allow me to travel quickly and efficiently, they also contribute to air pollution and traffic congestion, negatively impacting the environment and public health.

The most important scientific discovery for making modern life possible is the harnessing of electricity. This discovery has allowed for the development of many technologies that have transformed how we live, work, and communicate. Some negative impacts of this discovery and the technologies it allowed include increased energy consumption and environmental degradation due to burning fossil fuels to generate electricity. The benefits, however, include better efficiency and production, a higher quality of life, and the opportunity to create and utilize renewable energy sources. While undoubtedly negative impacts are associated with this discovery and its resulting technologies, the positives outweigh the negatives.

There are various advantages to the westernized high-tech research approach to medical care. One of the key advantages is that it typically produces quick results. It uses advanced technologies and scientific research to develop new treatments and cures for diseases. This approach is based on a rigorous scientific methodology emphasizing objective, measurable results. Furthermore, the approach encourages collaboration and knowledge-sharing among researchers and medical professionals. This means that breakthroughs in one area of research can be applied to other areas, leading to even more rapid progress in medicine.

Additionally, the high-tech approach allows for the development of personalized treatments tailored to individual patients needs, improving the chances of successful treatment outcomes. Finally, the westernized approach is often more transparent and accountable than others, as it is subject to rigorous testing and evaluation before approval. Overall, the westernized high-tech research approach to medical treatment has revolutionized medicine and has the potential to continue.

While the cost of this approach is certainly a disadvantage, it is essential to consider the value that can be gained from investing in high-quality research. Using state-of-the-art equipment and materials, researchers can gather more accurate data and ensure their results are reliable and valid (World Health Organization: WHO, 2019). Moreover, the complex and time-consuming research process lends itself to a more thorough investigation of the topic at hand, which can ultimately lead to more meaningful insights and discoveries. However, focusing on objective, measurable results can sometimes come at the expense of more subjective or holistic considerations (United Nations, 2009). For example, a study focusing solely on a patients physical symptoms may overlook important psychological or emotional factors influencing their overall health and wellness. As such, it is essential for researchers to remain mindful of the limitations of their methodology and to incorporate a range of perspectives and approaches in their work.

One major benefit of traditional medicine is its holistic approach to medical treatment. Traditional medicine tries to treat the whole patient rather than simply the illness symptoms by acknowledging the numerous links between a persons physical, mental, and spiritual elements. This approach can lead to a more comprehensive and personalized treatment plan that considers the patients unique needs and circumstances.

Another advantage of traditional medicine is its reliance on natural remedies and treatments. Unlike high-tech treatments that can be expensive and have adverse side effects, traditional medicine often utilizes natural remedies that are less harmful and more cost-effective (Taub, 2016). In many cases, traditional remedies can be found locally, making them more accessible to patients who may not have access to high-tech treatments.

Furthermore, traditional medicine has a long history of successful use and has been refined over time. Many traditional remedies have been used for generations and have been proven to be effective. This accumulated knowledge can provide a valuable resource for modern medicine and help inform the development of new treatments and therapies.

Although traditional medicine has been used for centuries and is still widely practiced today, it has certain limitations. One of its main disadvantages is that it may only sometimes be effective in treating severe or complex medical conditions (FDA, 2022). For example, while traditional medicine may help manage chronic pain, it may not be effective in treating cancer or other serious illnesses. This is because traditional medicine relies on natural remedies and techniques that may not be powerful enough to cure certain medical conditions completely. Furthermore, the effectiveness of traditional medicine is only sometimes supported by rigorous scientific research or evidence. While traditional medicine has been used for centuries and has been effective for many people, some treatments may need to be backed by scientific evidence. This can make it difficult for patients to know which treatments to trust and which to avoid. However, it is essential to note that traditional medicine can still be effective in treating certain medical conditions, mainly when used in conjunction with modern medicine and under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional.

There are several compelling reasons why adopting multicultural approaches to medical treatment is essential. Different cultures may offer unique insights into the causes and treatment of diseases. However, they may also have different beliefs and practices regarding health and wellness that can be integrated into treatment plans. By incorporating these diverse perspectives and approaches, medical professionals can better understand their patients needs and provide more tailored and effective care. In addition to the potential benefits for individual patients, multicultural approaches to medical treatment can also have broader societal impacts (ASME, 2016). Addressing health disparities and ensuring that all patients receive appropriate and effective care can help promote more significant equity in healthcare and reduce health inequities across different populations. Furthermore, by valuing and incorporating diverse cultural perspectives, medical professionals can help promote greater understanding and respect across different communities, which can have positive ripple effects beyond healthcare.

There is certainly potential for these two cultural approaches to be improved by drawing upon the other. Western medicine could benefit from a more holistic and patient-centered perspective, while traditional medicine could benefit from more rigorous scientific research and evidence-based practices. However, there are also challenges to combining these approaches, including differences in cultural values and beliefs and the level of reliance on scientific research and technology. It will take careful consideration and collaboration to find the best ways to combine these two approaches to medical treatment.

References

ASME. (2016). Top 5 advances in medical technology. Web.

FDA. (2022). How drugs are developed and approved. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Web.

Taub, B. (2016). Hallucinogenic Amazonian Medicine Stimulates Generation of New Brain Cells. IFLScience. Web.

United Nations. (2009). potential of traditional medicine should be fostered; economic and social council president tells panel on attaining millennium development goals in public health | UN Press. Web.

World Health Organization: WHO. (2019). Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine. Web.

Introduction

Care delivery is a complex process that requires experts to use available resources and tools to meet the demands of their respective patients. Practitioners can use a wide range of equipment and systems to improve a persons quality of life. The effective use of caring aids is a critical skill for every caregiver. This paper gives a detailed analysis of various caring aids and equipment, how practitioners can use them efficiently, and the anticipated benefits.

Lifts and Hoists

Lifts and hoists are essential devices in the process of care delivery. Medical professionals can use a sit-to-stand or a sling lift depending on the patients condition. The first type is appropriate for individuals who can walk but are unable to stand. The second one is assistive and allows immobile people to be transferred on either a chair or a bed. Two types of hoists include mobile and overhead. The mobile hoist is the best method for moving a patient who can bear some weight on their legs (Aslam et al., 2015). The overhead type is usually used with a leg sling (Aslam et al., 2015). The effective use of such equipment will transform care delivery and make it easier for patients to record positive health outcomes.

The targeted individual will record several benefits from the use of these assistive devices, such as improved life quality, reduction of pressure ulcers, and mobility. For caregivers, this equipment can improve the time taken to offer medical care, minimize injury claims and possible costs, and reduce burnout. Medical practitioners should pursue additional competencies to use these systems more efficiently and be in a position to offer personalized care (Aslam et al., 2015). They should engage in reflective analysis to solve emerging issues and deliver high-quality medical support.

Mobility Aids

Mobility aids are tools designed to allow patients to move around and complete some personal chores. Several devices are available to meet the targeted individuals mobility needs. The first example is that of a walker. This tool allows patients to move from one point to another by providing additional stability (Caro, Costa, and da Cruz, 2018). A walker has a handgrip and an upright post to load the lower limp. The second example is that of a wheelchair. This tool allows individuals to move freely. These manual or battery-powered devices will also make it possible for patients to access various personal items.

Patients using these devices tend to have specific assistance needs. First, they include those who are unable to move freely. Second, such tools can allow individuals to move when there is no one to provide the required aid. The benefits to the user include improved mobility, reduction of pressure ulcers, and the ability to perform a wide range of personal tasks (Caro, Costa, and da Cruz, 2018). The carer will get additional time to provide medical support to other patients, record reduced burnout, and offer personalized care. Professionals need to follow the guidelines for using such aids, engage their patients, and develop a proper course of action to meet the clients needs.

Incontinence Aids

Incontinence aids are designed to meet the needs of people with bladder and bowel incontinence. Some of the common ones include catheters, chair pads, pull-up pants, and penile sheets (Buckley, 2019). Incontinence pads are designed in such a way that patients can put them inside their underwear. They help remove or absorb leaked urine (Buckley, 2019). The pads are fitted with a hydrophilic layer intended to draw away urine from the skin. This type of aid will reduce skin sores caused by increased wetness. Penis sheaths are condom-like in shape and have a funnel tip that is used to drain urine and deposit it in a leg bag through a connector. Physicians encourage caregivers to consider the issue of correct fitness.

These incontinence devices will allow patients with leaking urine to pursue their goals and improve their self-esteem. Members of the medical team should liaise with the patient to understand his or her needs and consider the outlined guidelines for using such aids efficiently. The caregivers will provide personalized services and be in a position to offer additional support to other individuals (Buckley, 2019). The consideration of established clinical guidelines and theories can result in reflective practice and ensure that more patients receive high-quality care.

Personal Care Aids

Patients need various tools that can result in advanced personal care. Some of them include toileting aids, lotion applicators, and long-handled toenail clippers. Nail clippers allow individuals to trim their toenails even when they are unable to bend. Some key beneficiaries include the elderly and pregnant women (Noble and Sweeney, 2018). The availability of such devices allows individuals to perform such tasks freely. A shampooing basin is another tool that allows immobile individuals to wash their heads and hair. The basin will allow individuals to wet and shampoo their hair without moving out of the bed.

The use of these devices helps immobile, pregnant, or older patients complete personal tasks. The aids will reduce the chances of injury. The individuals will also engage in personal routines and eventually record positive health experiences. Carers will find it easier to offer personalized support and be in a position to meet the demands of more patients (Smith et al., 2016). Professionals need to educate their patients on how to use these aids to meet their respective needs. Such approaches are by the existing care theories and models.

Communication Aids

At some point, patients might be unable to communicate with their family members and caregivers. Communication aids are intended to improve the reading, writing, and hearing of individuals in need of medical support (Smith et al., 2016). A magnifier is the first example and can be attached to a headband or spectacle. The individual will read printed materials and respond accordingly. The second one is a sound amplifier for persons with hearing problems. A microphone is attached to allow the patient to listen and respond accordingly.

The two aids can transform the communication process by supporting the demands of persons with eyesight or hearing challenges. The patient will acquire the intended or written message and offer timely responses. Such a practice will transform the care delivery process and support the healing process. The caregiver, on the other hand, will find it easier to liaise with the individual and be involved in the healing process (Noble and Sweeney, 2018). Chances of burnout and fatigue will reduce significantly. A proper program is essential to educate more patients to use such aids effectively. A culture of continuous learning is essential to promote reflective practice and meet the demands of more patients.

Conclusion

The above discussion has identified several aids that are available to patients with diverse needs. Medical practitioners should be aware of such tools and equipment and introduce them in their respective settings. Their effective use will benefit both the caregiver and the patient, thereby transforming the integrity and effectiveness of the entire care delivery process.

Reference List

Aslam, I. et al. (2015) A review of patient lifting interventions to reduce health care worker injuries, Workplace Health & Safety, 63(6), 267-275. Web.

Buckley, B.S. (2019) User perspectives, preferences and priorities relating to products for managing bladder and bowel dysfunctions, Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Enginers, Part H: Journal of Engineering in Medicine, 233(1), 7-18. Web.

Caro, C.C., Costa, J.D. and da Cruz, D.M.C. (2018) The use of mobility assistive devices and the functional independence in stroke patients, Cadernos Brasileiros de Terapia Ocupacional, 26(3), pp. 558-568. Web.

Noble, N.L. and Sweeney, N.L. (2018) Barriers to the use of assistive devices in patient handling, Workplace Health & Safety, 66(1), pp. 41-48. Web.

Smith, M.C. et al. (2016) Framing moving and handling as a complex healthcare intervention within the acute care of older people with osteoporosis: a qualitative study, Journal of Clinical Nursing, 25(19-20), pp. 2906-2920. Web.

The three cardinal findings  coma, absence of brain reflects, and apnea is associated with brain death. The first sign of brain death is a deep coma. The patient is in a deep, irreversible coma and is unresponsive to all stimuli, including pain (Troug et al., 2020). The next sign is the absence of brainstem reflexes. In this case, the patient has no reflexes mediated by the brainstem, including the pupillary light reflex, corneal reflex, vestibular-ocular reflex, and gag reflex (Troug et al., 2020). The last stage is apnea, when the patient cannot breathe independently, which is tested by the apnea test. If the patient does not resume breathing within a specified time, typically 8-10 minutes, the apnea test is considered positive, and brain death is confirmed (Troug et al., 2020). These three cardinal findings are considered the main current criteria for brain death, including loss of consciousness. Hence, coma, unconsciousness, absence of brain reflexes, and inability to breathe are the main signs of brain death.

To decrease spinal cord injuries, people might take care of their safety while driving, doing sports, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and avoiding falls. Spinal cord injuries can occur to anyone, regardless of age or gender, but some groups are at higher risk than others. For instance, people who participate in physical activities, older people, and people who suffer from violence. There are a couple of methods to avoid spinal court injury. Firstly, maintain a healthy lifestyle, so bones and muscles will be more robust (Scovil et al., 2019). Secondly, wear appropriate safety gear while doing something at high risk of falling (Scovil et al., 2019). Thirdly, prevent falls by being attentive and careful. Lastly, immediately address any spine-related issues (Scovil et al., 2019). Thus, maintaining physical activity, avoiding falls, and being attentive and protective while doing something at high risk of falling will reduce spinal cord injuries.

References

Scovil, C. Y., et al. (2019). Implementation of pressure injury prevention best practices across 6 Canadian rehabilitation sites: results from the Spinal Cord Injury Knowledge Mobilization Network. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 100(2), 327-335. Web.

Truog, R. D., Krishnamurthy, K., & Tasker, R. C. (2020). Brain deathmoving beyond consistency in the diagnostic criteria. Jama, 324(11), 1045-1047. Web.

Public health is a broad area of healthcare, which is aimed at improving the quality of life in a community. According to Stanhope and Lancaster (2020), population-based healthcare lies in the foundation of overall well-being. Public health services mainly include disease prevention and health promotion, and the timely identification of threats and problems may contribute to maintaining the populations health. One of the main public health problems is that unhealthy lifestyle among populations of different age and gender is the reason for many diseases, such as obesity, cancer, and diabetes (Glasper, 2013). A nurses responsibility is to address the importance of preventive measures. For example, a balanced diet, regular exercises, and stress management may help avoid different conditions, from flu to breast cancer (International Nurses Day 2020: Case study of the week, 2020). Being closest to communities, nurses play an essential role in providing a basis for the populations well-being.

It is fair to say that in the modern world, it is difficult to avoid unhealthy habits. People from my community and my colleagues work in offices and lead a sedentary life. A busy schedule does not allow many people to eat regularly and healthily; much time spent in front of a computer screen causes sleep disturbances and related problems. Finally, the high level of stress and anxiety may negatively influence peoples emotional state.

There are multiple strategies of dealing with the global problem of an unhealthy lifestyle. According to the Intervention Wheel, at the system level, collaboration is a common type of intervention (Stanhope & Lancaster, 2020). Medical institutions may establish connections with other organizations focused on specific problems, for example, substance addiction. At the community level, interventions may include social media promotion and patient education. It is also important to understand the cause and the consequence of the current public health problem. Dr. Attia (2013) proved it through an example of obesity, which is presented as a result of insulin resistance. Therefore, people need to be supportive of each other rather than judgmental to solve the problems threatening their physical and mental health.

References

Attia, P. (2013). Is the obesity crisis hiding a bigger problem? TED. Web.

Glasper, A. (2013). The nursing and midwifery contribution to public health. British Journal of Nursing, 22(15), 900901. Web.

International Nurses Day 2020: Case study of the week(2020). International Council of Nurces. Web.

Stanhope, M., & Lancaster, J. (2020). Public health nursing: Population-centered health care in the community (10^th ed.). Elsevier.

Course Description

The proposed course is a pediatric nurse that aims to instill knowledge to nursing students on how children grow and develop. Students must have a natural connection with children and win their trust for them to complete the course successfully. This course is designed to provide students with the skill required to take care of children and their families. The course enhances students ability to learn and understand childrens behavior. It creates an opportunity for students to showcase their ability to instruct family members on the necessity of childrens basic needs. A pediatric nurse course aims to increase students chances of employment in various departments of the hospital as they spend most of their time with relatives of the young patients. For students to be professional pediatric nurses, they should attain grade 4/C and be good in literature and science.

Objectives of the Course

Upon completion of this course, students are able to:

• To identify if a child has been abused
• Ensure that the relationship they have with the child is private and confidential.
• Have the knowledge and skill of detecting any changes in the patient.
• Administer medication according to the age of the child.

• Provide comfort and support to children in pain.
• Differentiate a normal and abnormal child.
• Manage and determine the childs pain and needs.
• Apply all the procedures required to take care of the child and their families with different needs.
• Offer proper nutrition to a healthy and hospitalized child.
• Administer nursing care to families with children.
• Recognize where clinical practice is required while with the patient.

Materials and Learning Sources

Materials and learnings sources that will aid this courses success are such textbooks as Pediatric Success (2nd ed.) by Richardson and Child Health Nursing (3rd ed.) by Ball et al., which learners will get information about the course. Other educational sources available for students will include videos containing recorded information from professional pediatric nurses (Albaqawi et al., 2018). The online sources will also aid to research pediatric nurses more. Other relevant to the course materials will also be used. In particular, they are guiding revision materials accompanied with questions that guide students while studying. Through visiting such institutions as hospitals and families with children, students can expand their practical knowledge of the subject. Journal articles will be used by students while researching and getting more information about pediatric nursing.

Teaching Strategies

Participation of students in group discussions aids in analyzing projects together that relate to the course by interacting, sharing views, and suggesting their opinions. Reviewing already tackled topics by discussing and reminding each other what they learned through asking each other questions while writing them down for future reference. The guest speaker, instructor, and students attend the lectures to test their abilities and skills since the beginning of the course. Assigning students to research and present their findings in class, enables them to learn more about pediatric nursing. Reviewing the case studies related to the course and answering questions about it with the instructor aims to help students in their future career. Students will also compare their study topics with past experiences to help them understand the health development of friends and families. Students, instructors, and guest speakers actively participate online discussions on the subject of pediatric nursing and share new information, opinions and the best way the needs of children can be addressed. Field trips for students are organized to be exposed more to what they are learning.

Class Policies and Rules

• Attendance: Students attendance will be monitored at every class meeting. Thus, they should attend the courses consistently as it will be used to determine the students final grade.
• Disability Students: If a student has any disability, they should contact the Disability Support Services Office, where accommodation will be provided. All students will receive equal quality of care.
• Cell Phones: Students are required to turn off their phones during class activities. If the internet is needed, the instructor will provide laptops for students to use instead.
• Dress Code: Students are required to adhere to the dressing policy of a pediatric nurse. While at the lab, they should have lab coats, put on the nurse uniforms while attending classes and have closed and flat shoes (Albaqawi et al., 2018).
• Exams: Students must take every exam, assignment and group work seriously by sitting for all exams on time and to getting lower grades.
• Assignments: Students who submit their work late will not be accepted and will be awarded zero points. In case of delay, they should communicate to the instructor before the deadline.
• Emergencies: Students are expected to report any issue that prevents them and fellow students from concentrating in class to the instructor via a phone call.
• Behavior: Students are required to respect their instructors and to value each other.

Evaluation Methods

Various exams are given to students and each of them contributes to their grade at the final exam at the end of the course. Students sit for two exams before the final one, where each preliminary exam is worth 25% and the last is 50%. Those who does not attain the overall average score will not be allowed to continue with the course. Students grades are posted in 48 hours upon finishing their exams. Then they are given one week of reviewing their grades. Each student is expected to present 200 questions on pediatric content to sit for the final exam. Students must complete a full assessment on one family by doing a follow-up on their health and writing a summary of the familys progress. The nursing student needs to assess a child whose age is between 6months to 5 years, perform Denver screening tests on them, then present and explain the results. A 10% assignment is given to students concerning the course and is expected to be submitted on time in document form. Students will engage in tests before class activities, earning 10% of the final grade after covering specific topics. Students who come late will be awarded zero and will be required to retake the assignment before moving on to the next stage.

Outline of the Course Content

References

Albaqawi, H., Alshammari, F., Pasay-an, E., Alyami, M., & Dizon, E. (2018). Evaluating course syllabus: Basis for reframing into a learner-centered syllabus for outcome-based nursing education. European Scientific Journal, 14(10), 222. Web.

Ball, J. W., Bindler, R. C., & Cowen, K. J. (2013). Child health nursing (3^rd ed.). Pearson.

Richardson, B. (2014). Pediatric success (2^nd ed.). FA Davis.

Tuberculosis is a serious disease that tends to spread rapidly and can be fatal. When working with patients, healthcare workers have an increased chance of contracting this infection. Therefore, preventive measures are required to avoid the spread of the disease throughout the medical facility. Sarahs case may be an illustration of how omissions on the part of the clinics surveillance can lead to negative consequences. In order to solve such problems and avoid the recurrence of incidents, it is necessary to develop and implement the right personnel verification policies.

Policy Addressed to the Problem

In the first place, mandatory screening of personnel may be a necessary preventive measure. Such a precautionary measure can help identify the disease quickly and prevent its further spread. However, screening should include a tuberculin skin test (TST) or an interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) (Alrajhi et al., 2020). If any of the employees show signs of infection, they will need to undergo further examination in the form of x-rays. This is necessary to determine the diseases dangerous stage and whether it can be active. According to the implemented policy, staff will be required to be screened regularly once a year or more often, depending on the prevalence of this disease in the region.

In addition, it can be implemented within the framework of this policy, and it will be necessary to comply with standard precautions against infections. Airborne disease transmission is a dangerous risk that can be avoided if the right standards of health care are followed (Khobragade, 2019). Preliminary protection against infection should include the use of personal protective equipment such as face shields, gowns, and respirators. This protection policy also has an important provision for hygiene standards such as hand washing and keeping rooms clean. In this way, clinic staff will be able to resist bacterial diseases with increased efficiency and prevent them from spreading.

Another element of the policy being introduced in the medical institution is a privacy protection program that will allow better regulation of relations in this area. Sarahs situation involved some issues with the dilemma of revealing her personal details and medical confidentiality in order to warn others. The new policy should provide separate privacy mechanisms for such cases. Clinic staff diagnosed with tuberculosis or any other dangerous disease should be properly informed of their privacy rights (Chauhan et al., 2021). In addition, it would be a good idea to provide them with the resources to deal with possible stigmatization and protect their privacy.

In addition to the infection and spread of disease policy, a training program for all employees could also be introduced to increase their awareness. Awareness of various conditions and manifestations of patients is one of the most important functions in the healthcare system, which makes it possible to provide appropriate courses (Mousquer et al., 2021). The staff education program should be aligned with the policy and may include all elements that will help employees comply with the new policys directives.

In the context of infection control, the training program should provide medical personnel with all the necessary information about tuberculosis and its spread. In this way, it will be possible to help nurses avoid accidental infections. In addition, this program will also include an overview of TB infection control measures, including standard precautions and airborne precautions. In this way, it will be possible to show and conduct training on better use of PPE, control of the environment, and hand hygiene.

An important element of the TB awareness training will also be education courses on the importance of early detection of TB. This will concern the screening that the new program provides. Testing systems such as TST and IGRA, as well as chest x-rays, can effectively detect disease (Esmail et al., 2022). This means that staff must be able to perform testing and be motivated to pass it. A large part of the staff education course will also be devoted to how to ensure their privacy in case of infection and why it is necessary to warn the manager in time.

Policies and Training Programs Appropriateness

The proposed policy and training system are appropriate for the problematic situation that occurred with Sarah for several reasons. First of all, the new policy proposes many steps that can help prevent the disease from spreading. Preventing personnel from becoming infected is one of the most effective ways to avoid the spread. For this, screening is an effective method that can prevent further illness among employees if it is detected in one. Thus, this remedy is justified because if it had been implemented earlier, then the case with Sarah might not have happened since the disease would have been detected at an early stage.

In addition to the screening program, other elements of the policy are justified as they help to prevent the disease. Ensuring personal hygiene for clinic staff can significantly affect people and become their habit, which will lead to positive results in the future. Keeping hands clean can keep healthcare workers safe and help them make the clinic a cleaner place.

The third element of the data privacy policy addresses the issue in a way that allows doctors and nurses not to worry about their information. In case of infection and detection, everyone has the right to preserve their disease. In the case of tuberculosis, it can directly pose a danger to others, so in this case, it is necessary to inform all personnel who are responsible for the sanitary situation. In this way, a better response time can be achieved, and the possible spread of the disease throughout the hospital can be prevented. In such a case, confidentiality must also be protected as it is an inalienable human right.

The appropriateness of the implementation of the training program is also explained by the fact that the employees of the medical institution must know how to properly use all the methods that are proposed in the policy. The training will be divided into several sessions, each of which must comply with a certain policy proposed so far. The relevance of this approach lies in the fact that the system elements of the new policies will not work effectively enough without explaining to employees what they are for and without education about the correct implementation of all points. In this way, motivation can be raised, enhancing the effect of new policies and education systems in the clinic.

Conclusion

It should be noted that the introduction of a new policy after an emergency with the risk of the spread of tuberculosis is a natural action. Such innovations can help the healthcare facility better deal with similar problems if they arise in the future. In addition, the developed policies are aimed at preventing a critical situation and managing it at the moment of occurrence. Screening procedures and care for personal hygiene by medical staff are excellent for this task. In addition to the new policy, it is recommended to introduce a training program that will help employees better understand the changes and motivate them to follow all procedures.

References

Alrajhi, S., Germain, P., Martel, M., Lakatos, P., Bessissow, T., Al-Taweel, T., & Afif, W. (2020). Concordance between tuberculin skin test and interferon-gamma release assay for latent tuberculosis screening in inflammatory bowel disease. Intestinal research, 18(3), 306. Web.

Chauhan, R., Kaur, H., & Chang, V. (2021). An optimized integrated framework of big data analytics managing security and privacy in healthcare data. Wireless Personal Communications, 117, 87-108. Web.

Esmail, H., Macpherson, L., Coussens, A. K., & Houben, R. M. (2022). Mind the gapmanaging tuberculosis across the disease spectrum. EBioMedicine, 78, 103928. Web.

Khobragade, D. S. (2019). Health care waste: Avoiding hazards to living and non living environment by efficient management. Fortune Journal of Health Sciences, 2(2), 14-29. Web.

Mousquer, G. T., Peres, A., & Fiegenbaum, M. (2021). Pathology of TB/COVID-19 co-infection: the phantom menace. Tuberculosis, 126, 102020. Web.