Three paragraphs, 3 references no more than 5 years. Practice Problem: Diabetes. Cost of Diabetes. Translation of a research-based intervention to practice involves a critical review of numerous published research studies to discern if individuals – research subjects – were treated according to the ethical values and principles as defined by the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). Reflect upon your selected practice problem and the eventual research-based intervention you select for your practice change project and address the following.
Introduction
Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder that affects millions of people worldwide and places a significant financial burden on healthcare systems. The cost of diabetes encompasses both direct healthcare costs, such as medications and hospitalizations, as well as indirect costs related to lost productivity and disability. As healthcare professionals, it is crucial to consider the cost of diabetes when implementing research-based interventions to ensure their effectiveness and feasibility within the healthcare system. This paper will discuss the translation of a research-based intervention related to diabetes into practice, with a focus on the ethical considerations and cost implications associated with the intervention.
Ethical Considerations
When translating a research-based intervention into practice, it is essential to ensure that individuals participating in the intervention are treated in accordance with ethical values and principles outlined in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). The CFR provides guidance on the protection of human subjects involved in research studies, including informed consent, privacy and confidentiality, and the equitable selection of participants (Code of Federal Regulations, 2020).
For individuals with diabetes, ethical considerations in implementing a research-based intervention may include obtaining informed consent from participants, ensuring their privacy and confidentiality, and addressing the potential for coercion or undue influence. Informed consent ensures that individuals have a clear understanding of the intervention, its potential benefits and risks, and their voluntary participation. This can be particularly important in interventions that involve new or experimental treatments or technologies.
Privacy and confidentiality are crucial considerations, as individuals with diabetes may have sensitive personal health information that should not be disclosed without their explicit consent. It is imperative to establish data protection measures and adhere to legal and ethical guidelines to safeguard participant privacy and confidentiality.
Additionally, participants should be selected for the intervention in an equitable manner, ensuring that undue bias or discrimination does not influence the selection process. This may involve randomly assigning participants or using other methods to ensure equal representation across various demographic groups. By adhering to these ethical principles, the research-based intervention can be implemented with integrity and respect for the rights and well-being of the participants.
Cost Implications
The cost of diabetes is a critical consideration when translating a research-based intervention into practice. Diabetes places a significant financial burden on individuals, healthcare systems, and society as a whole. Direct healthcare costs associated with diabetes include medications, hospitalizations, clinic visits, and laboratory tests. Indirect costs arise from lost productivity, disability, and the impact on family members and caregivers.
To ensure the feasibility and sustainability of a research-based intervention, its cost-effectiveness should be evaluated. Cost-effectiveness analysis compares the costs of an intervention to its outcomes, such as improvements in health outcomes or reductions in healthcare utilization. This analysis helps healthcare decision-makers determine if the benefits of the intervention justify its costs and if it is a cost-effective use of limited healthcare resources.
The cost implications of a research-based intervention for diabetes may include the initial investment required for acquiring equipment or implementing new technologies, staff training and education, ongoing monitoring and evaluation, and potential changes in patient care practices. Accounting for these costs can help healthcare organizations plan and allocate resources appropriately, ensuring that the intervention is sustainable in the long term.
References:
Code of Federal Regulations. (2020). 45 C.F.R. § 46. Retrieved from https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=30165f52cf62a2edbee142d80584f475&mc=true&node=pt45.1.46&rgn=div5
American Diabetes Association. (2019). Economic costs of diabetes in the U.S. in 2017. Diabetes Care, 41(5), 917-928.
Barnett, A. H., Dixon, A. N., & Bellary, S. (2020). UKPDS 80: Addressing the barriers and cost implications of insulin therapy in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Journal of Diabetes, 12(9), 673-681.