NURS FPX 4900 Assessment 2 Assessing the Problem Quality Safety and Cost Considerations

Name

Capella University

NURS-FPX 4900 Capstone project for Nursing

Prof. Name

Date

Assessing the Problem Quality, Safety, and Cost Considerations

In my capstone project, I aim to explore the multifaceted impact of obesity on patient outcomes, healthcare costs, and safety. This assessment explores how obesity complicates care delivery of patients like Mr. Henry’s, which requires intensive management and specialized interventions due to complications such as uncontrolled hypertension, poorly managed type 2 diabetes, and severe joint pain. Effective strategies guided by nursing standards and healthcare policies, such as those from the American Nurses Association (ANA) and the Affordable Care Act (ACA), are crucial. They aim to mitigate risks associated with obesity, including more extended hospital stays and increased complication rates like infections and respiratory issues. These efforts are pivotal in enhancing care quality, patient safety, and cost-efficiency in obesity management.

Obesity Impact on Quality of Care, Patient Safety, and Costs

Obesity profoundly affects patient outcomes, including quality of care, safety, and healthcare costs. Mr. Henry presented with severe complications, including uncontrolled hypertension, poorly managed type 2 diabetes, and severe joint pain, severely limiting his mobility and quality of life. This complex health profile necessitated intensive medical management, frequent hospital admissions, and specialized care interventions, directly impacting his overall health trajectory. Studies have shown that obesity is associated with a higher risk of adverse outcomes during hospitalization, including more extended hospital stays and increased rates of complications such as wound infections and respiratory issues (Fusco et al., 2021).

Patient safety is significantly compromised due to obesity-related challenges. The physical demands of caring for obese patients increase the risk of musculoskeletal injuries among healthcare providers during patient handling and treatment procedures. Additionally, obese individuals are more prone to anesthesia-related complications and difficulties in monitoring vital signs during surgical procedures. Research highlights that obese patients undergoing surgery have higher rates of postoperative complications, including cardiovascular events and wound infections, which prolong recovery and increase healthcare costs (Boureima et al., 2022).

Economically, obesity imposes a substantial burden on both individuals and the healthcare system. Annual healthcare costs attributable to obesity-related conditions continue to rise, encompassing expenses related to medical treatment, medications, and indirect costs such as lost productivity. A study by Shekar & Popkin (2020) estimates that obesity accounts for 21% of total US healthcare expenditures, with costs associated with treating obesity-related diseases exceeding $190 billion annually. In nursing practice, these impacts are evident through the allocation of resources toward managing obesity-related complications, implementing rigorous safety measures during patient care, and addressing the financial implications for patients and healthcare institutions alike. I also face increased physical demands and potential workplace injuries when caring for obese patients. By addressing obesity proactively through evidence-based interventions and preventive strategies, nurses play a pivotal role in enhancing patient outcomes, optimizing safety standards, and reducing long-term healthcare costs. This approach aligns with healthcare policies aimed at promoting population health and mitigating the broader societal impact of obesity-related diseases (McClean et al., 2021).

Impact of Nursing Standards and Healthcare Policies on Obesity

State board nursing practice standards and governmental policies such as those established by the American Nurses Association (ANA), Nutrition Labeling and Education Act (NLEA), and Affordable Care Act (ACA) significantly influence the impact of obesity on care quality, patient safety, and healthcare costs. The ANA sets forth guidelines that ensure nurses adhere to evidence-based practices in managing obesity-related complications like hypertension and diabetes, thereby enhancing care quality through standardized protocols and comprehensive patient assessments (Long, 2021). The NLEA, enacted to provide standardized nutrition information to consumers, indirectly supports patient safety by promoting informed food choices that can aid in managing obesity and related conditions. By requiring clear and accurate food labeling, the NLEA empowers patients like Mr. Henry to make healthier dietary decisions, potentially reducing the incidence of obesity-related illnesses and associated healthcare costs (Frisvold & Lensing, 2020).

The ACA encompasses a range of provisions aimed at improving healthcare access, quality, and affordability, which includes initiatives to address obesity prevention and management. These provisions promote preventive care services, such as obesity screenings and counseling, as part of essential health benefits. The research underscores the effectiveness of ACA-related policies in improving patient outcomes by expanding access to obesity-related services and promoting preventive measures (Kelly, 2021). As a nursing student, these standards and policies inform and guide my interventions in addressing care quality, patient safety, and healthcare costs related to obesity, particularly for patients like Mr. Henry. By aligning my practice with ANA guidelines, advocating for patient education under the NLEA, and supporting ACA initiatives for comprehensive obesity care, I aim to enhance Mr. Henry’s health outcomes through evidence-based interventions and holistic care approaches.

This proactive approach ensures that nursing interventions are within scope and contribute to the broader goals of promoting health equity and reducing disparities in obesity management (Long, 2021). Local, state, and federal policies or legislation, such as those under the ACA, shape my nursing scope of practice by providing regulatory frameworks that support patient-centered care and evidence-based interventions (Kelly, 2021). These policies enable me to deliver comprehensive care that addresses the multifaceted challenges of obesity, from nutritional counseling to collaborative care planning with interdisciplinary teams. By advocating for policy changes that prioritize obesity prevention and management, I can contribute to improving care quality, enhancing patient safety, and optimizing healthcare costs within healthcare settings.

Proposed Strategies for Obesity

Strategic leadership is pivotal in implementing effective interventions to enhance the quality of care, patient safety, and costs associated with obesity management for Mr. Henry. Leaders prioritize promoting individualized care plans, such as the Obesity Management Program (OMP), which tailors treatment to Mr. Henry’s specific needs. The research underscores the effectiveness of personalized care in improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare expenditures by addressing obesity-related comorbidities widely. Effective obesity management can lead to a 20-30% reduction in costs associated with obesity-related comorbidities (Bolognese et al., 2020). Define roles in facilitating patient-centered care for Mr. Henry, ensuring that interdisciplinary teams collaborate seamlessly.

Integrated Care Models foster collaboration among healthcare professionals to streamline care delivery and enhance patient safety through coordinated management of obesity-related conditions (Koetsier, 2023). Effective collaboration and communication strategies are crucial for success. Promote regular case conferences and utilize health information exchanges (HIEs) to share Mr. Henry’s data and insights across teams. These practices improve care coordination, minimize service duplication, and optimize resource utilization in obesity management. For instance, studies have shown that healthcare organizations utilizing regular case conferences and HIEs have seen a 25% reduction in service duplication and a 15% improvement in resource utilization efficiency compared to those not using these strategies (Haque et al., 2023).

NURS FPX 4900 Assessment 2 Assessing the Problem Quality Safety and Cost Considerations

Change management strategies are essential to navigating organizational shifts towards evidence-based obesity management. Implement community-based health literacy and education programs, like the CDC’s Nutrition Education and Obesity Prevention Grant Program, to empower Mr. Henry with the knowledge to make informed health decisions, foster proactive management, and reduce preventable healthcare costs by up to 20% (Kahin, 2020). Furthermore, leverage the integration of technology for remote monitoring, including telehealth platforms and wearable fitness trackers, to enhance access to care and support Mr. Henry’s ongoing engagement.

These technologies enable real-time monitoring of his health metrics, facilitating early intervention and personalized care adjustments, thereby improving Mr. Henry’s outcomes, reducing unnecessary healthcare utilization by up to 25%, and improving patient adherence to treatment plans by 30% (Vajravelu & Arslanian, 2021). Implementing cohesive strategies is essential for effective leadership in obesity management for Mr. Henry. Promoting Individualized Care Plans, fostering collaborative care coordination, enhancing health literacy, and integrating technology-enabled solutions can drive measurable improvements in care quality, patient safety, and healthcare costs, supported by evidence-based research.

To document the practicum hours spent with individuals like Mr. Henry, I will diligently use the Capella Academic Portal Volunteer Experience Form. This tool allows me to record and validate the time dedicated to direct patient care and interdisciplinary collaboration in obesity management. Accurate documentation of these hours is essential not only for meeting educational requirements but also for ensuring transparency and accountability in my nursing practice. It helps track my involvement in implementing Individualized Care Plans, such as the OMP, which tailors treatment to meet Mr. Henry’s specific needs. By documenting these experiences, I enhance my understanding of patient-centered care and contribute to improving healthcare outcomes through evidence-based interventions.

Conclusion

This assessment underscores the profound impact of obesity on healthcare delivery, emphasizing its implications for patient outcomes, healthcare costs, and safety. By examining cases like Mr. Henry’s, we see firsthand the necessity for intensive management and specialized interventions due to obesity-related complications. Nursing standards and healthcare policies, including those from the ANA and ACA, provide critical frameworks for implementing effective strategies that enhance care quality, promote patient safety, and optimize cost-efficiency in obesity management. Moving forward, integrating evidence-based practices and leveraging policy initiatives will be essential in addressing the complexities of obesity within healthcare settings.

References

Bolognese, M. A., Franco, C. B., Ferrari, A., Bennemann, R. M., Lopes, S. M. A., Bertolini, S. M. M. G., Júnior, N. N., & Branco, B. H. M. (2020). Group nutrition counseling or individualized prescription for women with obesity? A clinical trial. Frontiers in Public Health, 8. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2020.00127

Boureima, R. S., Zhang, Z., Antoine, M. M. L. K., & Frank, C. D. A. (2022). A review on the anesthetic management of obese patients undergoing surgery. BMC Anesthesiology, 22(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12871-022-01579-8

Frisvold, D., & Lensing, C. (2020). Economics of obesity. Handbook of Labor, Human Resources and Population Economics, 1–21. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-57365-6_134-1

Fusco, K., Thompson, C., Woodman, R., Horwood, C., Hakendorf, P., & Sharma, Y. (2021). The impact of morbid obesity on the health outcomes of hospital inpatients: An observational study. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 10(19), 4382. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10194382

Haque, S. N., & Bailey, R. F. (2023). Chapter 23 – Using health information exchange to support public health activities in Western New York: A case study (B. E. Dixon, Ed.). ScienceDirect; Academic Press. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780323908023000150

Kahin, S. A. (2020). The high obesity program: A collaboration between public health and cooperative extension services to address obesity. Preventing Chronic Disease, 17(17). https://doi.org/10.5888/pcd17.190283

Kelly, R. (2021). Preventing obesity: A social ecological exploration of centers for disease control prevention strategies and guidance toward healthy eating, physical activity, and communities. Theses and Dissertations. https://doi.org/10.25772/0MZN-QA40

Koetsier, L. W. (2023). The development and implementation of integrated care for childhood overweight and obesity in the Netherlands. Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. https://research.vu.nl/en/publications/the-development-and-implementation-of-integrated-care-for-childho?trk=public_post_comment-text

NURS FPX 4900 Assessment 2 Assessing the Problem Quality Safety and Cost Considerations

Long, D. (2021). Nursing scope of practice. In Google Books. Universal-Publishers. https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=PHcvEAAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PR13&dq=The+American+Nurses+Association+(ANA)+sets+forth+standards+that+outline+the+scope+of+nursing+practice+in+obesity+management&ots=7NHefSgw31&sig=4tG1Bg8_u6QaZBS1RzEgiMpw6Ac

McClean, K., Cross, M., & Reed, S. (2021). Risks to healthcare organizations and staff who manage obese (bariatric) patients and use of obesity data to mitigate risks: A literature review. Journal of Multidisciplinary Healthcare, Volume 14(14), 577–588. https://doi.org/10.2147/jmdh.s289676

Shekar, M., & Popkin, B. (2020). Obesity health and economic consequences of an impending global challenge. https://documents1.worldbank.org/curated/en/205611580359927371/pdf/Main-Report.pdf#page=95

Vajravelu, M. E., & Arslanian, S. (2021). Mobile health and telehealth interventions to increase physical activity in adolescents with obesity: A promising approach to engaging a hard-to-reach population. Current Obesity Reports, 10. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13679-021-00456-8