Area of Interest in NP

 

 

Over the course of the next eight weeks, we will be examining concepts related to nursing research and the translation of evidence to practice. To help you better understand the process, you will be identifying a practice issue for nurse practitioners. You will develop a PICOT question associated with the issue, find evidence to support a change in practice, and present your recommendations for change to your peers. This week, we will work on helping you refine your area of interest so that you will be able to develop a concise question for next week’s assignment. You are encouraged to use the area of interest you chose for the project in NR500NP and/or NR501NP; however, you may choose a different area if you wish.

Select an issue in nurse practitioner (NP) practice that is of interest to you and in which you would like to see a practice change occur. Conduct a review of literature to see what is currently known about the topic. In 1-2 paragraphs, describe the scope and relevance of the issue and your recommended change. Provide reference support from at least two outside scholarly sources to support your ideas. Please pick something you can do as a NP in your practice that is patient focused. Your intervention needs to relate to a measurable patient health outcome. Please avoid anything that would require a policy or law change, such as full-practice authority. Burnout and satisfaction surveys also are not appropriate topics as they are not patient centered.

 

Sample Solution

Issue: The impact of telehealth on the management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in rural populations.

Scope and Relevance: COPD is a significant public health burden, particularly in rural areas where access to specialized care is limited. Telehealth offers a promising solution to improve the accessibility and quality of care for patients with COPD. By leveraging technology, NPs can remotely monitor patients’ symptoms, provide education, and adjust treatment plans as needed. This can lead to better disease management, improved patient outcomes, and reduced healthcare costs.

Recommended Change: Implement a telehealth program for patients with COPD in rural areas, utilizing video conferencing and electronic health records to provide remote monitoring, education, and support. This intervention aims to improve patient satisfaction, adherence to treatment plans, and overall quality of life.

References:

  1. National Institutes of Health (NIH). (2023). Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559281/
  2. Hussain, M. A., Al-Zahrani, S. A., & Al-Olayan, F. M. (2022). Telehealth in the management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A systematic review. Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare, 28(1), 70-79.

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