The practice of medicine involves a complex set of responsibilities and tasks, including diagnosing diseases, providing treatment, and managing patient care. However, in addition to these clinical responsibilities, physicians face the risk of medico-legal problems, including medical malpractice claims and lawsuits. Solving these problems is often time-consuming and can be costly to practitioners. Therefore, it is essential for practicing physicians to take steps to control medico-legal costs.
Discussion
Control of the medical expenses of practicing physicians requires an integrated approach, including preventive measures and effective resolution of legal issues when they arise. One strategy is defensive medicine, which includes measures to reduce medical malpractice risk (Raveesh et al., 2016). This includes obtaining informed consent and keeping detailed medical records. In addition, healthcare providers must keep abreast of the latest advances in medicine and technology. It will help them provide the best possible care and reduce the risk of medical errors.
Moreover, medico-legal issues arise in case of misdiagnosis or prescribing errors. Due to problems in communication with the patient, the physician may make an inaccurate diagnosis, fail to identify possible complications or be unaware of the medications the patient is taking (Raveesh et al., 2016). Therefore, effective communication is one of the critical factors for successfully controlling the medico-legal costs of practicing physicians. Moreover, the medical institution should have well-established treatment policies and protocols, and in case of a problem, work with legal counsel to effectively resolve the issue and minimize costs. Most of the risks in the medical field are preventable or strategic (Harvard Business Review, 2020). Therefore, they require a developed rule-based model or an established risk-management system to manage them.
Conclusion
Thus, medico-legal costs can pose a significant threat to practicing physicians. Complaints and patient lawsuits are a primary concern, causing these issues for healthcare providers. However, the risks of these problems can be successfully controlled by taking measures to prevent them or by creating a risk-management system. Establishing communication with the patient, adhering to hospital policies and protocols, and regularly maintaining patient medical records are effective strategies for practitioners to reduce medical-legal costs. In addition, in case of problems, medical institutions should seek professional legal counsel to resolve issues.
References
Harvard Business Review. (2020). HBRs 10 must reads on managing risk. Harvard Business Review Press.
The target organization on which this case centers is the ABC Healthcare facility. The hospital has been seeking to provide support and assistance for the local community, offering the relevant diagnostic options and screening tools. While the organization has been prioritizing diversity in healthcare and encouraging innovative solutions for addressing patients needs, its current data management framework could use significant improvements due to a rapid increase in the number of patients and low staffing rates.
The healthcare service to be offered is linked to the management of patients respiratory issues and the associated concerns. Due to the continuous threat of COVID-19, as well as the associated issues affecting the respiratory system, additional opportunities for reaching out to people and offering screening options and treatment choices are essential. The service in question will include providing patients with consistent information regarding COVID-19, as well as introducing diagnostic tools and guiding them to receive proper treatment.
The lack of awareness regarding the long-term effects of the coronavirus suggests that a significant number of people will be exposed to the threat of developing major health issues in the future unless properly warned. Recent research has confirmed that the long-term adverse health outcomes of the COVID-19 virus range from headache and fatigue to attention disorders and hair loss (Lopez-Leon et al., 2021). It is expected that the introduction of a coherent framework for patient education and information management, particularly the Capacity Management Information System, will help resolve the issue.
While the change outlined above is expected to produce a positive effect on the current situation regarding the management of patient information and patient education, certain barriers to quality management can be expected. Specifically, the current problem of understaffing in the nursing context and the resulting challenge of locating nursing experts who will be able to accept the role of educators is quite large (Lopez-Leon et al., 2021). Therefore, it is necessary to revisit the present recruiting strategies and HRM approaches at ABC Healthcare.
The issue of patient data management and the resulting concerns in nurse-patient communication, leading to poor patient education and a drop in healthcare service quality, specifically in regard to providing screenings for COVID-19, represents the core concern. In turn, the introduction of the Capacity Management Information System (CMIS) is expected to help address the observed issue. CMIS introduces additional improvements in capacity planning, performance management, and problem management due to its focus on effective data collection and analysis.
The process involved in implementing the proposed solution starts with synchronizing all of the available data to ensure that every part of the information management process is aligned across different departments. The specified change is instrumental in maintaining effective data management while retaining a proper level of security (Lopez-Leon et al., 2021). Afterward, a hub, also known as the integration point, provides a chance to work with a specific data set within the context of the entire range of information available. Finally, the output is provided, with the rest of the items within the dataset being appropriately updated.
The goal of the intervention is to introduce a framework for secure and effective patient data management while introducing a patient education program geared at capturing the target community. Additionally, the intervention will focus on improving the health rates among the specified community members so that the long-term effects of COVID-19 can be avoided. Finally, the proposed program will enhance the extent of patient health education, increasing their health literacy and awareness. As a result, the rates of preparedness to health issues within the specified community will rise, leading to improved patient outcomes and fewer instances of health problems.
The intervention in question will start with core data collection regarding the present awareness rates among members of the selected demographic. Afterward, the key information will be processed and categorized using the CMIS system. Then, the selected population will be informed about the core concerns regarding the subject matter and introduced to the key strategies for avoiding the adverse outcomes of COVID-19.
To evaluate the efficacy of the intervention, an assessment of awareness rates among the target population members, as well as the levels of COVID-19 complications, will be compared to those observed before the intervention. The specified process will require conducting a comparison of the severity and rates of long-term complications associated with COVID-19 in the target population before the introduction of the intervention and after the proposed change is implemented. The described assessment will require accessing the database containing core patient data and comparing the extent of observed change.
Certain barriers to the implementation of the proposed change should be mentioned. Specifically, the increasing rates of cultural diversity suggest that nurse educators may not have the required levels of cultural competence to address the needs of BIPOC patients. Additionally, the integration of the proposed SMIS framework may entail costs that may cause a financial crisis within ABC Healthcare.
The core rule to follow when implementing the intervention is to ensure that the health-related needs of all members of the target population are addressed properly.
The proposal intervention may involve costs associated with the introduction of the CMIS system into the target healthcare setting.
Rigor is critical for any research as it determines the trustworthiness of the collected data, appropriateness of the analysis strategies, and the results value. The criteria can be viewed through a studys rationale, sampling, design, testing, discussion, and limitations (Gray et al., 2021). Furthermore, the information gathered and analyzed for unlike types of research addresses different components of rigor. For qualitative research, data credibility, transferability, and dependability are critical, while for quantitative analysis, accuracy and confirmability are essential (Gray et al., 2021). This paper aims to explore which type of research is inherently more rigorous and, based on the qualitative research example, discuss how information collection and analysis promote rigor.
Quantitative and qualitative research have various distinguishes, and they influence the way scientists and scholars perceive rigor. The first type of studying involves numerical data, resulting in statistics or observations based on the calculated formulas (Gray et al., 2021). The second, in the opposite, explores textual records, such as interviews of participants, to retrieve patterns or dependencies (Smith & Firth,2011). People tend to perceive statistical data as more credible, therefore quantitative research can be inherently more rigorous (Gray et al., 2021). Moreover, testing strategies are more accurate for the numeric results; consequently, they are less complicated to confirm.
Another reason why quantitative research might be considered more rigorous is that it commonly includes a more extensive sampling, making the results trustworthy (Gray et al., 2021). Qualitative research is different by design, and, with fewer participants, it provides a broader scope of information. Its rigor can be questioned due to the biases of sampling groups or the absence of strict data analysis strategies (Smith & Firth,2011). Nevertheless, qualitative research is necessary to notice the tendencies in society, adjust healthcare practices, and retrieve evidence-based recommendations based on real experiences.
The recent COVID-19 pandemic became a foundation for numerous qualitative research discussing how healthcare providers dealt with continuous emergencies. For instance, Galehdar et al. conducted Exploring nurses perception of taking care of patients with coronavirus disease (COVID19): A qualitative study to reveal how the caregivers reacted to the interaction with infected clients. Galehdar et al. (2021) claim that this qualitative study was performed using the conventional content analysis method (p. 171). Indeed, after the purposeful sampling, 13 nurses were interviewed, and the results were analyzed based on Lundman and Graneheims approach (Galehdar et al., 2021). Conversations with participants revealed that their perception of caregiving involved care erosion, nursing professional growth, and necessities.
The research topic is actual for the current healthcare industrys conditions, and the results created a foundation for improving the nursing practices. The qualitative data gathered through the interviews can be considered rigor because purposeful sampling was applied to select the participants. Moreover, the analysis included describing the nurses characteristics and categorization of their responses, which are the significant results for this type of research (Johnson et al., 2020).
Galehdar et al. (2021) state that the participants opinions were verified for the accuracy of the codes and interpretations, and if the codes contradicted the participants comments, the codes were corrected accordingly (p. 176). This credibility check addresses the trustworthiness of the research and scientists intentions. Lastly, the analyzed study promoted rigor because the categories retrieved deepen the topic of healthcare providers work during the COVID-19 pandemic and can be a foundation for quantitative research with a more extensive sampling.
Quantitative studies are commonly perceived as more rigorous due to the larger sampling size and numeric results. Qualitative research requires different practices to approve rigor, and the study about nurses perception of taking care of patients with coronavirus disease included several strategies. The scientists applied purposeful sampling, Lundman and Graneheims analysis approach, and addressed trustworthiness by checking the interviews codes. Scientists must address rigor before they conduct a study, regardless of its qualitative or quantitative style.
Gray, J.R., Grove, S.K., & Sutherland, S. (2021). Burns and Groves the practice of nursing research: Appraisal, synthesis, and generation of evidence (9th ed.). Saunders Elsevier.
The first stage in Peplaus interpersonal relations theory is orientation, where the patient has identified an issue and comes to the health provider to ask for assistance. Then, they and the nurse work together to identify the problem, which forms the initial basis for their relationship. At this stage, the nurses role is to provide as much assistance as possible without getting frustrated, as the process can take a substantial amount of time.
The second phase is identification, in which the problem has been specified, and the patient learns about it. As Knecht (2020) notes, the role of the nurse is to provide the necessary help, to which the patient will respond as they understand the situation they are in. As such, they should try to explain the situation as best possible and convey to the patient the potential consequences of their situation and their urgency.
In the exploitation phase, the patient accepts the nurses help and starts relying on it, exploring all of the offered possibilities for the improvement of their situation. This reliance can, in some cases, grow into dependence, especially if the patients issues are severe and they see medical help as the only way of addressing them. The task of the nurse is to keep providing help while keeping the patients best interests in mind to ensure that their recovery is swift and safe.
The final phase, resolution, begins as the treatment, and the relationship between the nurse and the patient, come to an end. Per Knecht (2020), the nurses handling of this phase is crucial because improper behavior can have adverse consequences for the patient. They have to end the patients dependence slowly and carefully while still ensuring that their recovery finalizes successfully.
Reference
Knecht, P. (2020). Success in practical/vocational nursing: From student to leader (9th ed.). Elsevier Health Sciences.
Epidemiology is a complex yet extremely important field of study that examines the transmission and effects of infectious diseases on populations. Researchers in this area use data analysis to identify patterns that could indicate an outbreak and measures necessary for public health initiatives (Adhikari et al., 2020; Baker et al., 2022). Such research assists healthcare professionals in making informed decisions regarding treatment protocols and other preventative strategies toward ensuring those most at risk are adequately protected from infection.
Outbreak of Infectious Diseases
Recently, large-scale outbreaks such as Ebola, Zika, and COVID-19 have caused unprecedented devastation in terms of human lives lost and economic disruption (Shang et al., 2021). In addition to direct transmission from person to person through contact, these pathogens can likewise be transmitted through contaminated food or water sources and by insect vectors such as mosquitoes or ticks.
Incidence of Infectious Diseases
As international travel and population density increase, the risk of contagious diseases has become a worldwide concern. Few remain safe from potential exposure from human contact to shared air space or animal vectors (Cernicchiaro et al., 2022). People in developing countries are especially vulnerable due to overcrowding and inadequate sanitation standards.
Prevalence of Infectious Diseases
Epidemiological data suggest that up to one-third of all deaths worldwide are caused by infections, making them a major global public health issue (Ciaula et al., 2020). While not all infectious diseases can be prevented, some can be reduced through immunization and vaccination programs.
The Role of Nursing Within Epidemiology
Experts with invaluable knowledge and experience in individual diagnosis state that treatment plans, community education initiatives, and public health interventions can reduce risks (Suprapto et al., 2021). Nursing is a critical component of public health surveillance, research, and evidence-based practice essential for informing policy decisions regarding preventing and controlling disease outbreaks.
Nurses are well-positioned to help identify disease patterns, provide public health education and early intervention, and collect data that can inform the development of evidence-based practice guidelines and interventions. They also provide patient education on preventative measures such as immunization.
Current Infectious Diseases Locally (Miami)
There have been relatively high rates of Zika, syphilis, and chlamydia in Miami, with 29% of patients being diagnosed with syphilis in 2019 alone (Griffin, 2019). Unfortunately, due to the high numbers of uninsured individuals living in Miami-Dade County, many may be unable to access treatment if infected with an infectious disease.
Current Infectious Diseases Statewide (Florida)
Illnesses such as HIV, chlamydia, and gonorrhea are becoming increasingly prevalent, indicating a lack of access to quality healthcare and population education on preventive measures. Furthermore, there has been an increase in hospitalizations due to preventable and vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles and the flu.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2019), more than 2 million cases of infection-related illnesses were reported in 2018 alone. This sharp increase reflects the risk posed by the emergence of new antibiotic-resistant bacteria and other factors such as climate change and international travel. Mortality rates due to infectious diseases remain disproportionately high among certain demographics, including children and impoverished people.
COVID-19 and Healthy People 2030 Objectives
In response, Healthy People 2030 objectives have included strategies such as increasing access to preventive services, including immunizations and screening. Furthermore, Healthy People 2030 seeks to increase public understanding of how infectious diseases can be prevented and managed through regular vaccination programs, and improved sanitation practices.
Measles and Healthy People 2030 Objectives
Measles is a highly contagious and life-threatening disease caused by a virus spread through the air by an infected person. By eliminating new measles cases, Healthy People 2030 aims to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with this infectious disease while improving overall population health across the United States.
Seasonal Influenza and Healthy People 2030 Objectives
To reduce the number of people affected each year by influenza, Healthy People 2030 (n.d) has set a target of reducing the proportion of people who aim to vaccinate more than 70% of people. By achieving these goals, Communities will be better protected from outbreaks, and hospitalizations associated with influenza can be reduced.
Evidence-Based Practices Aimed at Reducing Infectious Diseases in General
Evidence-based practices have become an important tool in preventing and reducing infectious diseases, for example, frequent handwashing and covering coughs and sneezes. Vaccinations represent another important evidence-based practice, as they help protect individuals by boosting immunity before exposure to a virus or bacteria.
Evidence-Based Practices Aimed at Reducing Covid-19
Social distancing, wearing face masks, and frequent hand washing are some of the most effective strategies for decreasing the risk of virus transmission (Manikandan, 2020). Additionally, increasing access to testing and contact tracing is essential for quickly identifying cases and taking necessary steps to contain the spread (Manikandan, 2020).
Evidence-Based Practices Aimed at Reducing Measles
Vaccination programs can help prevent individuals from contracting the virus by protecting them against infection. Health education initiatives, such as providing information on limiting exposure to the virus and recognizing symptoms, can help reduce transmission rates (So et al., 2023). Increasing access to healthcare professionals in underserved areas enables early detection and treatment of the disease.
Evidence-Based Practices Aimed at Reducing Seasonal Influenza
Vaccination is the most effective way to reduce the risk of infection by introducing a weakened form of the virus into the body (Kwok et al., 2020). Hand hygiene, such as washing hands regularly with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand sanitizer, can reduce contact transmission of influenza. Respiratory etiquette, for instance, covering ones mouth when coughing or sneezing, can help prevent droplet transmission of influenza from person to person.
Health Promotion Techniques That Can Be Used to Manage Infectious and Communicable Diseases in Populations
Education can be provided in multiple forms, including pamphlets, seminars, and workshops. Awareness campaigns can feature posters and billboards demonstrating how disease spreads or the benefits of immunization. Health screening programs can range from simple checkups to more comprehensive testing for specific individuals at high risk for particular infections.
Other health promotion techniques used to manage infectious and contagious diseases in populations include encouraging vaccination and other preventive measures, promoting healthy lifestyle habits such as hand washing and proper hygiene, providing access to safe drinking water and sanitation services, and improving access to adequate healthcare services.
Teaching Project
This community-based education initiative seeks to combat obesity in Miami-Dade County by educating residents and encouraging them to lead healthier lifestyles. In order to accomplish this goal, several aspects must be incorporated into the course material. These aspects include the dangers to ones health that are connected with obesity, the significance of engaging in physical exercise, and the adoption of good eating habits. The curriculum should also provide practical tips for individuals to adopt healthier habits, such as meal planning and portion control. Moreover, one should not forget about the peculiarities of this kind of information presentation, namely the publicity and fuzziness, which can appear in this process and must be leveled.
In that case, a more specific definition of the variables that might relate to the public health assessment of the issue is needed. In addition to focusing on specifics, qualitatively different factors should be attributed to the test, and each should be included in the training project. Thus, the main variables should be biostatistics, epidemiology, socio-behavioral status, environmental health levels, health policy and management trends, medical ethics, and others. When looking at the level of variables in more detail, levels of familiarity and safety in the context of these indicators can be considered. For a more accurate understanding of the information, looking at them more specifically is possible.
Biostatistics analysis is necessary for the context of interpreting health data and involves identifying trends or certain patterns in the development of current situations. Epidemiology refers to understanding the spread and prevention of various diseases and risk factors that can lead to a deteriorating health situation. Of great importance within this variable is the attention given to the most common diseases, including bacterial and infectious diseases (Devaux et al., 2019). The sciences that study social behavior and the mental state contribute to the identification of causes and factors that can lead to changes in health status. In addition to the above, the level of health in the environment plays an important role that is influenced by external factors: industrial, climatic, or other (Di Ciaula et al., 2021). Political and managerial tendencies determine the existence and vector of development in the health field, influencing the general health level.
Finally, medical ethics contribute to the formation of principles and considerations in patient care practice and determine the correctness of research in the field. The level of development and presence of such a variable is mandatory to assess when there is a need for adequate identification of the current level of public health in a given locality. The materials required for the training, in this case, will be of a similar various types:
Development of learning objectives: a specific definition of the necessary knowledge of the audience and their tasks after the training. It is desirable to follow the SMART strategy in the formation of this material.
Carrying out an assessment of the audience and the working groups needs related to the training issue. Surveys, focus groups, or interviews can help identify current issues in public health.
Creating educational support materials that can impact the desired group factuality, brevity, and universality is important. Visualization promotes a higher level of audience perception and understanding and may find a better response.
Choosing and implementing teaching methods is imperative when introducing any material to ensure effectiveness. Public groups are most comfortable with different methods of presenting information, which can vary to increase effectiveness.
Resources and materials will necessarily include posters, handouts, visual aids, interactive exercises, simulations, and other multimedia tools to engage learners on multiple levels. It is important to provide materials that are accessible to people with varied educational backgrounds and experiences. The material should be presented for everyone to understand and informative enough to ensure learners retain the knowledge. Additionally, providing resources such as practice tests and quizzes can be beneficial for reinforcing key concepts covered in the curriculum. Effectively providing these resources and materials will enable students of all backgrounds to understand the subject matter better. Thus, it is necessary to additionally note the basic principles and properties of the materials used simplicity, accessibility, and absence of procrastination. If there are time delays or questions in complicated forms, the feedback can be negative, and the result of the learning process is negligible.
The curriculum will use a blended method that will include both in-person and online classes, such as webinars and virtual seminars. The project will engage participants in meaningful conversations about their health by utilizing evidence-based health promotion techniques such as motivational interviewing and behavior change strategies. Additionally, the participants will be challenged to think differently about the lifestyle choices that they currently make. The participants in these programs will be provided with the resources necessary to make changes in their lives that will have a long-term impact on both their mental and physical well-being.
The curriculum will be designed to provide a comprehensive overview of strategies to promote a healthy lifestyle. The curriculum will include interactive activities and evidence-based practices to ensure the information presented is retained and actively discussed. Education on healthy food choices will include lessons on reading nutrition labels, understanding food groups and their benefits, and making healthier food substitutions. Additionally, information about various portion sizes and appropriate calorie intake for individuals of varying body types will be included in the curriculum. Meal planning sessions will discuss planning meals based on individual dietary needs and preferences, creating balanced meals, and budgeting tips for grocery shopping. Regular physical activity will also be emphasized by providing tips for incorporating exercise into daily routines and making physical activity enjoyable for all ages.
Conclusion
In terms of curriculum assessment, a pre- and post-program survey will be conducted to determine the effectiveness of the curriculum in promoting healthy lifestyle choices. The survey will include questions regarding dietary habits, physical activity levels, knowledge of nutrition/exercise, general health awareness, and overall sense of well-being. Additionally, tracking metrics such as weight, body mass index (BMI), cholesterol levels, blood pressure readings, and other vital measurements will be used to monitor progress and determine the effectiveness of the curriculum in promoting long-term behavior change. This comprehensive data set will enable measuring short-term and long-term behavioral changes to evaluate program success.
Baker, R. E., Mahmud, A. S., Miller, I. F., Rajeev, M., Rasambainarivo, F., Rice, B. L., Takahashi, S., Tatem, A.J., Wagner, C.E., Wang, L., Wesolowski, A., & Metcalf, C. J. E. (2022). Infectious disease in an era of global change. Nature Reviews Microbiology, 20(4), 193-205. Web.
Cernicchiaro, N., Oliveira, A. R. S., & Cohnstaedt, L. W. (2022). Epidemiology of infectious diseases. In S. McVey, M. Kennedy, M. M. Chengappa, & R. Wilkes (Eds.), Veterinary Microbiology (pp. 818828). Wiley. Web.
Griffin, I. (2019). Swiping right and sexually transmitted diseases (STD): Examining venue selection, risky sexual behaviors, and STD among persons living with HIV, Florida, 2014-2017 (Publication No. 4302) [Doctoral dissertation, Florida International University]. Florida Institutional Repository. Web.
Documentation of decisions and conclusions in medical matters is essential, as it brings clarity and eliminates the possibility of misunderstandings. Medical papers, in particular diagnoses of preferences, help to individualize the treatment approach. Patients have the right to review their medical records voluntarily; therefore, all actions must be carried out given federally certified patient decision aids.
To respect the patients rights and to provide maximum protection, the requirement to document informed consent in medical records must include a diagnosis of preferences. All patients are governed by unique preferences that must be considered when making treatment decisions. The evaluation of choices helps to integrate them into research and healthcare interventions. Consequently, the diagnosis of preferences should be included in the requirement to document informed consent in medical records.
Patients sometimes need help understanding the courses of treatment doctors offer and their consequences. Therefore, the voluntary consent of the patient is required to prevent unjustified actions (Dankar et al., 2019). Doctors should explain each proposed treatments positive and negative aspects, including the likely outcome. Therefore, the patient should be adequately informed about all treatment options and their advantages and disadvantages. Ensuring the prescription is made using federally certified funds for patient decision-making is crucial (Scalia et al., 2019). These tools will allow the patient to obtain more detailed information and make an informed decision about their health and medical treatment. Therefore, prescribing federally certified funds to make decisions about patients when seeking informed consent is necessary and allows patients more authority over issues concerning their health and medical treatment. Finally, prescribing federally certified means is vital to improving the quality of health care and patient safety.
Eventually, informed consent documentation in medical records should include diagnosing patients preferences to ensure informed consent and avoid unwanted doctor preferences. Using the abovementioned opportunities ensures smooth interaction between patients and medical professionals. It is also recommended that certified solutions be used to support patients rights and achieve optimal outcomes.
References
Dankar, F. K., Gergely, M., & Dankar, S. K. (2019). Informed consent in biomedical research. Computational and Structural Biotechnology Journal, 17, 463-474. Web.
Title II. The Role of Public Programs focuses on helping the states improve community-based care, CHIP insurance for children, costs of prescription drugs, and subsidizing care for the uninsured citizens. For example, under this title, CHIP is preserved, which is an insurance program designed for children ( Affordable Care Act Title II: Role of Public Programs, n.d.). The main idea of this title of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is to describe the specific programs that can help improve the quality and access to care services. This presentation will address the key concepts in Title II. The Role of Public Programs, how this section should improve care, access, and affordability, and I will discuss whether the current healthcare system meets these requirements.
Summary
Important concepts of this title include the expansion of care coverage for people with low income, which is the focus of subtitle A ( Affordable Care Act Title II: Role of Public Programs, n.d.). Next, Subtitle B focuses on explaining the governments support for their insurance programs designed for children. For example, this title outlines how the enrollment process for CHIP and Medicaid should be simplified to allow more people to have access to these programs. The themes of other subtitles are the improvements of the Medicaid program. For example, subsection D explains family-based nursing services, birth center services, and child care ( Affordable Care Act Title II: Role of Public Programs, n.d.) The states become eligible for the improvement of the long-term care programs, which are necessary for people with disabilities or chronic conditions that require consistent attention from medical professionals. Finally, an essential aspect of this title is the reduction of costs for prescription drugs.
Title II. The Role of Public Programs should improve care by reducing the burden of costs on several populations and communities. Mainly, low-income families that fit the eligibility requirements can get insured, and this title expands the set of requirements, meaning that more people can gain access to services through ACA. In turn, this reduces the healthcare costs burden since vulnerable populations can still receive care. The main focus of this title is access, which is improved for several groups of people, mainly: African-Americans with disabilities and people who have conditions that require long-term home-based care. These outcomes are achieved by strengthening the role of community-based care ( Affordable Care Act Title II: Role of Public Programs, n.d.). Moreover, subtitle K focuses on outlining programs for Native Americans and Alaskan Natives.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Title II aims to explain the specific steps and programs of the government that should help more Americans access care services. For example, this title extends funding for CHIP, which provides insurance coverage for children. Currently, I think that the healthcare system is not meeting these requirements since people with no insurance, vulnerable populations, and minorities still do not receive the same quality of care as others. COVID-19 has been a prominent example of this, with some reports pointing out the fact that minorities have a higher percentage of complications and deaths (Sze et al., 2020). Hence, although currently, the healthcare system is not meeting the requirements set by Title II, this legislation can help make vital improvements to this system.
Sze, S., Pan, D., Nevill, C., Gray, L., Martin, C., & Nazareth, J. (2020). Ethnicity and clinical outcomes in COVID-19: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Eclinicalmedicine, 29-30, 100630. Web.
Patients may be significantly impacted by mergers and acquisitions in the healthcare industry. While these business agreements may benefit the hospital financially and present opportunities, they may also have a negative impact on the standard of treatment and the patient experience. The possibility of lowered access to care is one specific issue surrounding mergers and acquisitions that directly impacts patients. Patients in the community may have fewer options as a result of the closure of smaller community-based healthcare facilities that have been acquired by larger healthcare organizations. In addition, service consolidation brought on by mergers may result in lengthier wait times and less access to specialized treatment.
Perhaps higher patient healthcare bills are another problem. Hospitals may be able to negotiate better reimbursement rates with insurers if they merge since they will likely have more negotiating power. Patients can subsequently be charged more out-of-pocket expenses and insurance premiums as a result of these higher rates (Stavroulaki, 2023). The company must effectively communicate its mission, vision, and values if it is to maintain the patient as its primary emphasis. This can be accomplished in a number of ways, such as by establishing a patient advisory board, asking patients for their opinions, and including patients in the decision-making process.
The institution should also place a high priority on accountability and openness. They should be willing to acknowledge and correct any flaws or failings and should report on their progress toward attaining their stated goals on a regular basis. The credibility of the hospital could suffer greatly if it starts to do business contrary to its stated mission, vision, and values (Stavroulaki, 2023). Patients and their families might stop trusting the hospital and go elsewhere for their care, which would result in a loss of income and reputation. Hence, it is imperative that the hospital uphold its declared beliefs and principles and put the interests of the patient first.
Reference
Stavroulaki T. (2023). Healthcare, quality concerns and competition law. Bloomsbury Publishing.
Bacterial meningitis is a severe condition that results from the membranes being infected. The function of the membranes is to protect the brain and the spinal cord. When the meninges get infected, they get swollen, which leads to them pressing on the spinal cord or the brain, thus causing life-threatening issues. There have been cases of people getting infected by bacterial meningitis and dying quickly, with the death occurring a few hours after the infection (Sharew et al., 2020). However, the majority of patients diagnosed with the disease recover even though they may have permanent disabilities that include the loss of hearing, damage to the brain, and learning disabilities. Understanding the pathophysiology, symptoms, diagnostic mechanisms, and treatment of bacterial meningitis is essential for saving a persons life as well as preventing adverse health implications that affect life quality.
The first step to identifying bacterial meningitis is differentiating between the viral and bacterial types of the infection. Importantly, viral meningitis represents the most widespread type of meningitis in both adults and older children and can be the result of various viruses, which include herpes simplex, enterovirus, or the shingles virus (Meningitis Research Foundation, 2019). Among the viruses, enterovirus is the most likely cause of viral meningitis. While the infection presents with similar initial symptoms to bacterial meningitis, it is never life-threatening. Diagnostic testing is essential for differentiating between the two types of meningitis by identifying the presence of bacteria, which can include S. pneumoniae, Group B Streptococcus, Neisseria meningitidis, Haemophilus influenzae, Listeria monocytogenes, and several others.
The pathophysiology of bacterial meningitis entails a complicated relationship between pathogens virulence factors and the immune response of the host. Most of the damage caused by the infection tends to result from cytokines release within the cerebrospinal fluid as the host has an inflammatory response to the bacteria. The infection manifests through such symptoms as high fever, severe and ongoing headaches, as well as the inability to place the chin to the chest as a result of neck stiffness. In adults and older children, there may be such symptoms as irritability and confusion as well as increased drowsiness (Cleveland Clinic, 2019). In severe cases, seizures and stroke can take place as a result of the infection if it remains untreated.
Laboratory investigations for diagnosing bacterial meningitis include blood cultures and spinal taps. A blood culture is necessary to conduct to determine whether there are any bacteria and microorganisms present in the sample. A spinal tap implemented in people with meningitis is likely to show a low level of sugar as well as an elevated number of white blood cells and proteins (Troendle & Pettigrew, 2019). As soon as the results of the lab tests are available and a diagnosis of bacterial meningitis is made, it should be treated immediately using intravenous antibiotics and sometimes corticosteroids. Rapid treatment is necessary to facilitate recovery and lower the risks of complications, which can include seizures and brain swelling. Notably, the choice of a specific antibiotic or their combination relies on the type of bacteria that has been found to cause the infection. In some instances, early treatment is initiated before the specific cause of meningitis is known using a broad-spectrum antibiotic (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2023). Finally, it may be recommended to drain the infected sinuses or mastoids to relieve the pressure on them.
In New Jersey, guidelines and recommendations for practitioners are approved by the states Division of Consumer Affairs and are in open access in their recourses. The organization responsible for developing the documentation is the Health Care Association of New Jersey (HCANJ), a non-profit task group of long-term medical workers (Health Care Association of New Jersey [HCANJ], n. d.). On website, various recourses for practitioners are listed, including the Pain Management Guideline. The recommendations were developed to address the pain assessment, tools, treatment, pharmacological intervention, education, and quality improvement (HCANJ, n. d.). The guideline is based on current legislation for practitioners prescribing rights and evidence from healthcare-related studies and experiences.
Another organization involved in combatting the opioid epidemic in New Jersey is the Academy of Family Physicians (NJAFP). Their mission is to improve family health care via proper education for providers; thus, their website includes a broad scope of learning sources and guidelines for pain management and prescription regulation (New Jersey Academy of Family Physicians [NJAFP], n. d.). NJAFPs recourses explain the states legislation for opioid use and include the strategies to maximize benefits in treatment considering the current evidence and limitations.
The use of opioids is appropriate for severe and chronic pain management, and states developed their regulations to help practitioners assess patient conditions and make the correct prescription. However, there is no approved evidence suggesting that the limitation on drug use does not harm individuals because there are thousands of cases where patients suffer from pain requiring more opioids than legally appropriate (Moride et al., 2019). According to New Jerseys guidelines, opioids should be prescribed for acute pain, in the smallest dose and for the shortest period possible (HCANJ, n. d.). Practitioners choice depends on the diagnosis, pain assessment, and overall patient conditions; their main aim is to address all risks of long-term opioid use.
New Jersey Laws on Controlled Substance Prescribing for The Nurse Practitioner
In New Jersey, the Administrative Codes Title 13 regulates the advanced practice nurses (APNs) rights and outlines the limitations. The statute (n. d.) states that an APN has prescriptive authority and is required to have a joint protocol with a collaborating physician licensed in New Jersey, prior to prescribing any medication or device (p. 62). Another chapter of the states Administrative Code, developed by the Board of Nursing, describes Schedule I-V controlled substances regulations. For instance, Schedule II drug prescriptions cannot be refilled, while Schedule III and IV are allowed to be re-prescribed up to five times within six months (New Jersey Administrative Code, n. d). The prescription conditions are also listed in the regulation, divided by their Schedule, and include a description of the collaboration between pharmacies and practitioners.
The documentation requirements are crucial for the legislator and evidence of correct use of opioids; thus, multiple regulations exist to manage practitioners in this aspect. An APN must fill out the Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP) database form and make a pain-management agreement for a patient to sign, where conditions, treatment plan, and alternatives are outlined (New Jersey Administrative Code, n. d.). New Jerseys PMP work is based on the daily reports provided by the states pharmacies, and the data from there must match the patient information and prescription practitioner used in their documentation (New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs, n. d.). The practitioners may also be asked to fill the forms in the PMP to receive approvals before assigning a drug with the selected dosage and treatment period.
New Jersey Prescription Drug Monitoring Program
New Jerseys Prescription Monitoring Program includes databases and recourses, such as prescription blanks and report templates for pharmacies and health care organizations. The states regulators developed the Drug Control Unit Reporting System (DCURS) to merge all the related documentation and operations, and it can be used at website (New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs, n. d.). The system is accessible only after the registration at the PMP AWARxE program by providing professional license, Federal DEA, and NJ State CDS Registration numbers (New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs, n. d.). The database is reliable because all contributors are validated and convenient to use because it is updated daily. The standard for practitioners and pharmacies to fill the forms makes the PMP a valuable source of information about the drugs availability, prescription statistics, and regulation to notice and address overuse.
New Jersey Laws on Medical Devices Prescribing for The Nurse Practitioner
Medical devices prescribed for nurse practitioners in New Jersey are possible if they are certified by the states Board of Nursing and comply with the current regulations. Indeed, according to New Jerseys Administrative Code, APNs with full license and joint protocol collaboration with a physician has the authority to prescribe medical devices from the registered suppliers (New Jersey Administrative Code, n. d.). The regulations for providers are outlined in paragraphs 10:54-5.30, and the prescription rights are merged with the substance-related legislation in chapter 37 of the Code. There are no specific conditions and documentation required from APNs to prescribe DME; however, the suppliers must be certified by the states Medical Assistance Customer Center to work with health care organizations (New Jersey Administrative Code, n. d.). Medical device prescription authority is essential for New Jerseys advanced nurse practitioners because it positively impacts healthcare quality and expands the treatment options.