Recent peer-reviewed literature on nursing interventions for mental health management undergoes assessment using the CRAAP criteria: authority, relevancy, accuracy, purpose, and currency. These evidence-based resources, published within the past five years, offer reliable guidance crafted by healthcare professionals. They provide precise directives for managing type 2 diabetes effectively, ensuring accurate approaches to enhance metabolic health (Muis et al., 2022). Nurses are pivotal in policy-making, advocating for resources, and improving healthcare access for patients with mental health needs. By actively participating in policy development, nurses influence healthcare delivery and ensure that mental health services are accessible and effective for patients like Oliver.
Adherence to evidence-based nursing standards and policies ensures systematic, evidence-driven assessments and interventions, improving symptom management and patient safety. Integrating evidence-based practices into nursing care ensures systematic, effective interventions that enhance patient outcomes, including those for individuals like Oliver (Potter et al., 2020). The nursing theory or conceptual framework that frames and guides my actions during my practicum is the Roy Adaptation Model, which emphasizes holistic patient care and adaptation to health stressors. They promote continuity of care and collaborative healthcare efforts, enhancing overall patient outcomes, including those for patients like Oliver (Potter et al., 2020).
State Board Nursing Practice Standards/ Organizational or Governmental Policies
Governmental policies and State board nursing practice standards, particularly the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA)play crucial roles in shaping mental health care delivery and outcomes for patients such as Oliver, who is dealing with severe depression. The State Nurse Practice Act (NPA) establishes the legal framework within which nurses practice, outlining the scope of practice, licensure requirements, and standards of care. These regulations ensure that nurses like those caring for Oliver are well-equipped and authorized to provide holistic mental health care aligned with best practices. By adhering to NPA guidelines, nurses uphold quality standards while advocating for policy changes that enhance the integration of mental health services, optimize patient outcomes, and foster a healthcare environment that effectively supports mental wellness (College et al., 2023).
The MHPAEA ensures that insurance plans cover mental health with medical and surgical services. Studies have demonstrated that there has been a notable increase in access to mental health care services since its implementation, leading to improved treatment rates and reduced financial barriers for patients. For Oliver, this translates into better management of his depression through consistent access to psychiatric medications and therapy sessions, ultimately enhancing his quality of life and reducing the risk of severe mental health episodes (Block et al., 2020).
NURS FPX 4900 Assessment 1 Assessing the Problem Leadership Collaboration Communication Change Management and Policy Considerations
Similarly, the ACA’s provisions, including Medicaid expansion and subsidies for insurance coverage, have significantly expanded access to mental health services for low-income individuals like Oliver. Research indicates that states that expanded Medicaid under the ACA have seen increased mental health treatment rates and reduced rates of untreated mental illness among the previously uninsured population. This comprehensive coverage ensures that Oliver can receive necessary mental health treatments without financial strain, thereby supporting his ongoing mental health stability and well-being (Preidler et al., 2020).
Nurses are pivotal in advocating for policy changes that improve mental health care delivery. Their involvement in policy discussions helps shape regulations and funding priorities to support comprehensive mental health services. By advocating for integrating mental health into primary care settings and promoting early intervention strategies, nurses contribute to improved patient outcomes and reduced healthcare disparities related to mental illness (Gabrielsson et al., 2020). Regarding the scope of nursing practice, MHPAEA and ACA influence nurses to deliver care in mental health settings. These policies define licensure requirements, reimbursement rates, and the availability of resources necessary for effective patient care. These policies guide nurses in providing patient-centered care and ensuring compliance with standards while advocating for enhanced mental health services within their communities (Preidler et al., 2020).