Identify a vulnerable population or a community health issue (COVID-19 in health professionals) and use what you have learned during this course using EBP to guide health technology, community resources, screening, outreach, referral and follow up to improve health outcomes in the community. Must address all of the topics. At least 200 words minimum 300 words maximum. APA format, including a minimum of two references within a 5 year span.
COVID-19 has had an unprecedented impact on global health, with health professionals being particularly vulnerable due to their continuous exposure to the virus. This vulnerable population is in urgent need of interventions that utilize evidence-based practice (EBP) to guide health technology, community resources, screening, outreach, referral, and follow-up in order to improve health outcomes. This assignment will discuss how EBP can be utilized to address the health needs of health professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic.
One of the key ways in which EBP can guide health technology for health professionals is through the development and implementation of mobile health (mHealth) applications. These applications can provide health professionals with real-time updates on COVID-19 statistics, guidelines, and practice recommendations, enabling them to make informed decisions while providing care to patients. For example, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has developed the CDC COVID-19 mobile app, which provides health professionals with the latest information on testing, case management, and infection control measures. Such mHealth applications can be crucial in ensuring that health professionals have access to up-to-date information that can guide their practice and protect their health.
Additionally, community resources can be effectively utilized to support the health needs of health professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic. EBP can guide the identification and establishment of support networks and organizations that can provide mental health support, counseling, and resources for health professionals experiencing burnout, stress, and anxiety. Community resources such as helplines, support groups, and counseling services can be instrumental in addressing the mental health and well-being of health professionals, who are facing unprecedented challenges in the current pandemic.
Moreover, EBP can guide the implementation of screening measures to identify health professionals who are at a higher risk of contracting COVID-19. This can involve regular health assessments, temperature measurements, and symptom screenings to monitor the health status of health professionals. Screening measures can help in early detection of potential COVID-19 cases among health professionals, enabling prompt action such as isolation, testing, and treatment to prevent further transmission within healthcare settings. EBP can guide the development of screening protocols and ensure that they are evidence-based, feasible, and effective in identifying at-risk health professionals.
In addition to screening, EBP can inform the development of effective outreach strategies targeted towards health professionals. This can involve the use of educational campaigns, webinars, and online resources to disseminate information about COVID-19 guidelines, personal protective equipment (PPE) usage, and infection control practices. Outreach efforts can also involve providing virtual training sessions on proper hand hygiene, respiratory etiquette, and safe patient care practices. By utilizing EBP to guide outreach activities, health professionals can be better equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to prevent the spread of COVID-19 within healthcare settings.
Furthermore, EBP can inform the establishment of referral systems to ensure that health professionals have access to timely and appropriate healthcare services if they contract COVID-19. Referral systems can facilitate the prompt assessment, testing, and treatment of health professionals, ensuring that they receive the care they need in a timely manner. EBP can guide the development of standardized referral protocols, ensuring that the process is evidence-based, efficient, and equitable for all health professionals. Additionally, EBP can inform the establishment of follow-up mechanisms to monitor the health outcomes of health professionals who have contracted COVID-19, ensuring that they receive appropriate care and support throughout their recovery.
In conclusion, health professionals are a vulnerable population during the COVID-19 pandemic, requiring targeted interventions to improve their health outcomes. By utilizing EBP to guide health technology, community resources, screening, outreach, referral, and follow-up, health professionals can be better supported in their efforts to provide care while protecting their own health. The use of mHealth applications, community resources, screening measures, outreach strategies, referral systems, and follow-up mechanisms can be instrumental in addressing the health needs of health professionals during this challenging time. By incorporating evidence-based practices into the care of health professionals, it is possible to improve health outcomes and ensure the well-being of this important and vital population.
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). CDC COVID-19 Mobile Application. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/mobile/mobileapp.html
Chatterjee, S., & Sarkar, S. (2020). Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on pre-existing mental health problems. Asian Journal of Psychiatry, 51, 102071. doi:10.1016/j.ajp.2020.102071