NURS FPX 4900 Assessment 2 – Assessing the Problem: Quality, Safety, and Cost Considerations
Student Name
Capella University
NURS-FPX4900: Capstone Project for Nursing
Prof.
Date
Assessing the Problem: Quality, Safety, and Cost Considerations
In this capstone project analysis, we will delve deeply into the case of John, a 10-year-old clinically obese patient, to understand the widespread implications of obesity on the quality of care, patient safety, and costs incurred by the patient and the healthcare system. The primary goal of this assessment is to scrutinize obesity from multiple dimensions, such as quality, safety, and economic viewpoints. Furthermore, we will explore the standards of nursing practice and organizational or governmental policies that influence obesity’s impact on care, safety, and financial considerations. It is imperative to grasp how these standards and policies shape the treatment provided to patients like John and the problems they might pose. Lastly, we will propose purposeful strategies to enhance the quality of care, escalate patient safety, and diminish costs for the patient and the healthcare organization, hoping to address cases similar to John’s better. By providing comprehensive, evidence-based care to our patients, we aim to improve their health outcomes and quality of life significantly.
The Impact of Obesity on Care Quality, Patient Safety, and Costs
John’s clinical obesity significantly impacts the quality of care, patient safety, and costs to the healthcare system and his expenses. Indeed, let us delve into a more detailed analysis of this.
Quality of Care
John’s clinical obesity challenges healthcare providers to deliver high-quality care. Obesity often comes with comorbidities such as hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease, requiring a specialized care approach and more comprehensive management strategies (Safaei et al., 2021). This complexity can lead to inconsistencies or delays in care. Furthermore, obesity is often linked to psychosocial issues, including depression and anxiety, inhibiting medical care effectiveness. Research also highlights barriers to accessing care for obese patients, including stigma, discrimination, and inadequately equipped medical facilities (Talumaa et al., 2022). These factors can impede regular check-ups, early diagnosis, and preventive care vital for optimal health.
Patient Safety
Patient safety is significantly compromised with obesity. Obese individuals like John have a higher risk for adverse events such as misdiagnosis due to physical examination limitations, inaccurate drug dosing, complications from surgeries, and increased susceptibility to falls (Appeadu & Bordoni, 2023). A concrete example would be the issues around correct medication dosing. An obese patient may receive an inaccurate dosage due to complexities accounting for body fat, potentially leading to overdosing or underdosing.
System and Individual Costs
The economic burden of clinical obesity is enormous on both healthcare systems and individual patients. Direct medical costs tied to obesity include preventive, diagnostic, and treatment services (Ling et al., 2022). Obesity-related illnesses increase hospital admissions and extended hospital stays, straining healthcare resources. Individually, patients like John bear the burden of high out-of-pocket expenses, including medication costs, additional co-pays, and surcharges on premiums for their increased risk status.
Nursing Practice Standards and Policy Impact on Quality of Care, Safety, and Costs: A Literature Synthesis
The Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) in California has outlined comprehensive standards that significantly influence the quality of care, patient safety, and the costs associated with healthcare. BRN emphasizes the active involvement of registered nurses in preventing and managing diseases in collaboration with other healthcare teams. In the context of obesity, for instance, BRN suggests that nurses maintain ongoing nutrition and weight management education. Still, it also highlights the need to detect obesity-related complications like diabetes or cardiac issues competently (Backstrom, 2019). These standards thus aim to improve the quality of care provided to obese patients while ensuring safety by preventing or managing potential complications. Financial costs can also be maintained, avoiding expensive procedures arising from unmanaged complications.
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) has significantly reduced the financial burdens associated with obesity-related diseases by focusing more on preventive care and chronic disease manage
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