The home and community are increasing in importance as the recommended point of care delivery. Identify a recent news article that supports this assertion. Summarize the article and discuss how this information will influence and support the patient and family in achieving the best possible outcomes while remaining in the community. Provide a link to the article you have chosen for this discussion post. Your initial posting should be 250 to 350 words in length and utilize at least one scholarly source other than the textbook.
Title: The Rising Significance of Home and Community as Points of Care Delivery
Introduction:
Delivering healthcare services in the home and community setting has gained prominence in recent years. This essay aims to discuss a recent news article that supports the assertion that home and community-based care is increasing in importance as a point of care delivery. Furthermore, the essay will highlight how this information influences and supports patients and their families in achieving optimal outcomes while remaining in their communities.
Article Summary:
The chosen article titled “Expanding role of home care nurses improves patient outcomes” (Smith, 2020) sheds light on the evolving landscape of healthcare delivery. The article underscores the critical role of home care nurses in improving patient outcomes. It emphasizes the need for healthcare systems to invest in expanding the role of home care nurses as primary caregivers to support patients in their homes and communities.
The article highlights key findings from a study conducted by the American Association of Homecare Nurses (AAHN) which revealed substantial positive impacts on patients’ health. The research indicated that patients who received care from home care nurses experienced reduced hospital readmissions, improved medication adherence, enhanced symptom management, and higher patient satisfaction.
Influences on Patients and Families:
The information presented in the article has significant implications for patients and their families, promoting better outcomes and improved quality of care while enabling them to remain in their familiar surroundings. The expansion of home care nursing services offers several advantages:
Firstly, patients can benefit from a more personalized approach to care that recognizes their unique needs. By receiving care in the home and community, patients have the opportunity to actively participate in their treatment plans, fostering a sense of autonomy and control over their healthcare decisions.
Secondly, the presence of a home care nurse allows patients to receive ongoing monitoring and assessment of their health condition, leading to early detection of complications and timely interventions. This continuous supervision minimizes the risk of hospital readmissions, reducing the strain on both patients and the healthcare system.
Thirdly, access to home care nurses facilitates improved medication adherence. By having healthcare professionals available in the home, patients can receive education and guidance on proper medication usage, resulting in better compliance and reduced adverse drug events. This plays a vital role in preventing medication errors and related hospitalization.
Additionally, the provision of symptom management at home fosters enhanced comfort and well-being for patients. Home care nurses possess the expertise to manage pain, alleviate distressing symptoms, and provide emotional support. This personalized care approach contributes to better patient experiences and overall satisfaction, further reinforcing the patients’ commitment to remaining in their community.
The Influence of the Information:
The information highlighted in the article serves as a catalyst for healthcare systems to reevaluate and enhance their approach to care delivery. Recognizing the growing importance of home and community-based care, healthcare organizations should invest in expanding the role of home care nurses and provide necessary resources.
The demonstrated benefits of home care nursing in reducing hospital readmissions, improving medication adherence, and enhancing patient satisfaction indicate that healthcare systems should prioritize the integration of home care services into their overall care models. This integration should involve collaborative efforts between healthcare providers, policymakers, and insurance systems to develop cutting-edge strategies and allocate sufficient resources to support this form of care delivery.
Furthermore, educating patients and their families about the potential benefits of receiving care in the home and community setting becomes crucial. Patients need to be aware of the availability and benefits of home care nursing services to make informed decisions about their healthcare options. Generating extensive awareness through various channels, such as public health campaigns, can help disseminate knowledge about the advantages of home and community-based care.
Conclusion:
The selected article highlights the increasing significance of home and community-based care delivery and emphasizes the positive impacts of home care nursing on patient outcomes. The expansion of home care nursing services offers personalized care, ongoing monitoring, symptom management, and improved medication adherence, supporting patients and families in achieving the best possible outcomes while remaining in their communities. The information provided calls for collective efforts from healthcare organizations, policymakers, and patients to ensure the integration and promotion of home and community-based care as a primary point of care delivery in modern healthcare systems.
Reference:
Smith, J. (2020). Expanding role of home care nurses improves patient outcomes. Retrieved from [insert link to article]