Scenario: Health Systems: Daniel, a DNP prepared ED NP identified that patients seen in the ED for various reasons had undiagnosed HTN. He observed that the patient’s chief compliant was well addressed but the HTN was not. He has approached the hospital system about the problem and suggested an outpatient clinic adjacent to the ED to address the HTN and other coincidentally found problems. What AP roles, core competencies and support are needed to make this happen? 1- Purchase the answer to view it

Introduction

Undiagnosed hypertension (HTN) is a common problem among patients seen in the emergency department (ED). In order to address this issue, Daniel, a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) prepared Emergency Department Nurse Practitioner (ED NP), identified the need for an outpatient clinic adjacent to the ED to provide comprehensive care for patients with HTN and other coincidentally found problems. This paper will discuss the advanced practice (AP) roles, core competencies, and support necessary to successfully implement this initiative.

AP Roles and Core Competencies

To establish an outpatient clinic adjacent to the ED, various AP roles with specific core competencies are required. The three main AP roles that are crucial for the success of this initiative are Nurse Practitioners (NPs), Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNSs), and Nurse Educators.

1. Nurse Practitioners (NPs):
Nurse Practitioners play a vital role in the provision of comprehensive care for patients with HTN and other health problems. They possess the knowledge, skills, and clinical judgment to diagnose, manage, and treat HTN effectively. NPs are clinically trained to provide primary care services, including physical assessments, ordering and interpreting diagnostic test results, prescribing medications, and counseling patients regarding lifestyle modifications. Their core competencies include advanced health assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, and patient education (American Association of Nurse Practitioners [AANP], 2015). By integrating NPs into the outpatient clinic, patients with undiagnosed HTN can receive timely care and appropriate management to prevent further complications.

2. Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNSs):
Clinical Nurse Specialists are advanced practice registered nurses who have specialized knowledge and expertise in a specific patient population or clinical area. CNSs possess advanced clinical assessment skills and have in-depth knowledge of evidence-based practice, research, and leadership. By incorporating CNSs into the outpatient clinic, they can play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of care provided to patients with HTN. Their core competencies include advanced health assessment, clinical decision-making, evidence-based practice, and leadership (National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists [NACNS], 2019). CNSs can provide education and consultation to NPs and other healthcare providers, ensuring that best practices are being followed for the management of HTN.

3. Nurse Educators:
Nurse Educators play a critical role in the development and delivery of educational programs for healthcare providers, patients, and the community. They possess advanced knowledge in nursing science and adult learning theories, which enables them to design and implement effective educational interventions. By incorporating Nurse Educators into the outpatient clinic, they can provide education and support to patients with HTN and their families. Their core competencies include curriculum development, teaching strategies, patient education, and health promotion (National League for Nursing [NLN], 2012). Nurse Educators can develop educational materials and provide counseling on lifestyle modifications, medication adherence, and self-management strategies for patients with HTN.

Support Needed for Implementation

To successfully implement an outpatient clinic adjacent to the ED for the management of HTN, various support systems are required. These include administrative support, interprofessional collaboration, and information technology (IT) infrastructure.

1. Administrative Support:
Administrative support is crucial for the development, implementation, and sustainability of the outpatient clinic. This includes obtaining financial resources for the clinic’s establishment, ensuring appropriate staffing levels, and creating policies and procedures for the clinic’s operation. The support of hospital administrators and policymakers is essential in addressing any regulatory and logistical challenges.

2. Interprofessional Collaboration:
Interprofessional collaboration involves the cooperation and coordination of healthcare professionals from different disciplines to optimize patient care. In the context of the outpatient clinic, collaboration between NPs, CNSs, Nurse Educators, physicians, pharmacists, and other healthcare providers is necessary to ensure comprehensive and coordinated care for patients with HTN. This collaboration can be facilitated through regular interdisciplinary team meetings, shared electronic medical records (EMRs), and standardized guidelines or protocols for the management of HTN.

3. Information Technology Infrastructure:
An effective IT infrastructure is vital for the smooth operation of the outpatient clinic. This includes electronic health records (EHRs) systems that allow for seamless communication and sharing of patient information among healthcare providers. Additionally, telehealth and telemedicine technologies can be utilized to provide remote consultations and follow-up care for patients with HTN.

Conclusion

The establishment of an outpatient clinic adjacent to the ED can effectively address the issue of undiagnosed HTN among patients seen in the ED. The integration of NPs, CNSs, and Nurse Educators with their respective core competencies, along with the necessary administrative support, interprofessional collaboration, and IT infrastructure, is essential for the successful implementation of this initiative. By providing comprehensive care and education to patients with HTN, the outpatient clinic can greatly improve health outcomes and reduce the burden on the ED.