Comprehensive And Effective Care To Patients With Alcohol Use Disorders
Alcoholism is a chronic disease characterized by uncontrolled drinking and a preoccupation with alcohol. It refers to a form of a chronic disease that affects an individual’s ability to regulate the amount of alcohol that they ingest and can have severe medical, social, and psychological impacts on the affected person and even the family (National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, 2020)Comprehensive And Effective Care To Patients With Alcohol Use Disorders. This interferes with the cognitive and physical abilities of the affected person and also brings changes in family functioning, thereby resulting in, among other things, loss of jobs, depression, and broken relationships. The issue is endemic and necessitates comprehensive strategies for its management and treatment. This assessment explores how healthcare technology, coordination of care, and community resources can be applied to address the health problem defined.
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Health Care Technology
The use of healthcare technology has the potential to impact the management and treatment of AUD significantly. There has been an emphasis on research based on wearable technology among individuals with alcohol use disorders. In contrast to the gold standard measure of blood alcohol content (BAC), traditionally measured intermittently by breathalyzer or blood draw, the ubiquitous biosensors passively provide continuous readings (Davis-Martin et al., 2021). Initially, the transdermal devices were created to assist in the monitoring of court-ordered abstinence among offenders with alcohol use disorder. Recent research has begun investigating the potential of physiological arousal sensors and physical activity trackers to inform behavioral interventions to prevent relapse. Wearable sensors can observe behavior and physiological constructs and integrate them with location tracking. The geographic location can generate pre-programmed text messages to alert individuals to hazardous areas, such as those close to alcohol-serving establishments. Self-monitoring perspiration and gait can provide feedback on abstinence and intoxication (Kruse et al., 2022)Comprehensive And Effective Care To Patients With Alcohol Use Disorders. Therefore, research has commenced to illustrate the effectiveness of wearable devices in reducing alcohol consumption among individuals who are attempting to reduce their alcohol intake.
Mobile applications, together with telemedicine, can be employed in the case of alcohol use disorders and supporting patients in their treatment. Computer-aided online technology plays a crucial role in AUD treatments, particularly with the rise of smartphone apps and telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic. Websites like www.alcoholcheckup.com, www.downyourdrink.org.uk, and www.soberistas.com provide tools to assess alcohol abuse, willingness to seek therapy, and suggest beneficial treatments (Kelemen et al., 2022). Soberistas, for example, offers comprehensive support through personal stories, forums, expert webinars, and real-time chat rooms. These online platforms provide an informal, anonymous setting that reduces the stigma and embarrassment often associated with in-person therapies like CBT and AA. They also lower the costs and logistical barriers associated with traditional treatments, such as transportation and scheduling—programs like A-CHESS further support long-term recovery by preventing relapse post-therapy. Online interventions offer a flexible, cost-effective, and accessible alternative for treating AUD (Kelemen et al., 2022). However, these technologies also have issues, such as how to educate patients and their reluctance to adopt them.
Technology intervention is highly diverse in the current dialogue of evidence-based practice in nursing. Occasionally, patients are okay with engaging with health care technology, which empowers and is helpful to them in terms of their condition. Some participants described such challenges as inadequate access to devices, low technical competence in care delivery, and organizational culture that opposes innovative techniques. Indeed, the literature backs these observations as such calls for developing specific interventions to address these challenges (Blake et al., 2023)Comprehensive And Effective Care To Patients With Alcohol Use Disorders. This means that some common areas that may hinder the efficient use of healthcare technology are the cost of these devices, insurance coverage, and the need for proper access to the internet, which is mandatory, especially in cases of telehealth or app-based technology. Also, it will only be accepted by patients familiar with technology or reluctant to immerse themselves in the digital space.
Coordination of Care
Care coordination involves organizing patient care activities and sharing information among all participants concerned with a patient’s care to achieve safer and more effective care. Effective care coordination ensures that patients receive comprehensive, continuous care tailored to their needs. This helps coordinate the patient’s care since all the healthcare providers involved in the patient’s care process are aligned to the same objectives. This increases patient satisfaction because it eliminates a lot of fragmented care systems and reduces the number of medical errors. According to Kools et al. (2022), synchronizing extensive cross-sectional teams is important in handling such intricate health complications as AUD. In practice, there are a lot of barriers to care coordination, including communication breakdown, lack of resources, and varying levels of engagement by the human actors involved in delivering care. Multidisciplinary coordination implies that all the healthcare givers involved in the patient’s care should coordinate effectively. It entails frequent interactions, treatment plans clearly outlined, and comprehensive patient-centered approaches Comprehensive And Effective Care To Patients With Alcohol Use Disorders.
Some of the essential community interventions in AUD include support groups, home care services, and transport services. Self-help groups are where people get to speak to and from others who are also struggling with similar problems and hear how others handle their issues (NHS, 2022). It minimizes the patient’s mobility from home to the hospital or clinic, making it easier for patients with complications in movement or severe medical conditions that call for constant attention. Transportation services act as a means capable of ensuring that patients do not face problems as far as physical movement is concerned so that they can attend their appointments and receive the necessary treatments. Support groups help people in need by giving them emotional and social support that may be important in the recovery process. Home care services allow patients to receive proper care all the time, and transportation services help patients get to healthcare facilities. These community resources would then assist in improving the quality of life of patients with AUD and their families while assuaging the caregiving ordeal. Nevertheless, certain limitations are usually faced when searching for such opportunities:
- Individuals need information regarding service availability.
- Cultural perceptions that may discourage a person from seeking assistance.
- Physical challenges such as transportation.
It is imperative to overcome these barriers by providing timely, culturally appropriate, comprehensive educational programs, counseling services, and transportation systems.
Analysis of Nursing Standards and Policies
State board nursing practice standards and organizational or governmental policies ensure that nursing practice is aligned with best practices and legal requirements, ultimately enhancing patient care quality, safety, and cost-effectiveness. A notable case in this regard is the use of Screening and Brief Intervention (SBI) for substance-related issues, such as AUD (Green et al., 2022; The Community Guide, 2022). Such protocols are helpful in primary care contexts regarding the promotion of timely detection and treatment, which affect patients’ outcomes positively. Adherence to these standards means that nurses can give steady and holistic care, which is essential in treating chronic illnesses such as AUD. These standards help the nurses use the available technology as follows: It provides the nurses with the necessary guidelines to incorporate gadgets such as blood pressure cuffs, pulse oximeters, and telehealth into a patient’s needs. Moreover, it is critical to note that the state board standards frequently contain provisions addressing the time-limited education and competence in utilizing those technologies, guaranteeing that the nurses will stay current with the newest trends.
Organizational and governmental policies also significantly impact nursing practice. For instance, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) has expanded access to substance abuse treatment services by mandating insurance coverage. This policy reduces financial barriers and improves patient outcomes by allowing patients to receive necessary care without cost constraints (Mulia et al., 2022). Governmental policies also influence the availability and integration of community resources in patient care. For example, federal funding for community health programs can enhance the support services available to patients with AUD. These services might include support groups, home care services, and transportation assistance, which are crucial for comprehensive care. Policies promoting electronic health records (EHRs) and health information exchanges (HIEs) also facilitate better care coordination by ensuring that all healthcare providers have access to up-to-date patient information, improving continuity of care and reducing the risk of errors.
At the local, state, and federal levels, the policy significantly impacts how the nurse’s role is defined and the level of discretion granted to the nurse in terms of the use of technology, coordination of client care, and support within communities. For instance, the state laws that allow independent practice of NPs can sufficiently address managing chronic diseases like AUD. As stated by Mulia et al. (2022) and in previous studies, greater state scope of practice continues to improve the NP practice readiness to deal with chronic diseases because NPs can directly adopt the patient-centered and full practice legal scopes offered by the higher-level state scope of practice. It also has a bearing on the kind and quality of services available in the community and the support obtained from them. For example, local health departments may have plans to implement programs that target persons with AUD, which includes enrolling them in counseling support groups, among many others. Such local processes are often supported by state and federal funds, highlighting the contingency of policy implications at various stages of healthcare.
Nursing ethical principles are inherent in the ordering and providing healthcare technology, care organization, and management of resources in the community. For example, patient privacy and data security are essential considerations when working with telemedicine and electronic health records. It was established that all technologies must be explained to the patient and with the patient’s permission to use them. Enrolling patients in care coordination needs to be an informed process that involves disclosing inherent risks. The professional regulation of justice calls for fairly dealing with all patients regardless of their social status. This postulate can be discussed in the context of the ACA and Medicaid expansion as it seeks to increase patient access to healthcare services to narrow health inequalities. With these ethical standards, nurses can deliver quality patient-centered care while upholding the dignity of every patient.
Part 2: Practicum Experience
During my practicum hours, I met with the Bricker family and consulted with addiction specialists. These interactions highlighted the significant emotional and financial strain on the family. Mr. Bricker’s alcoholism has led to recurring hospitalizations, job losses, and strained family relationships. The specialists provided valuable insights into the comprehensive impact of AUD and emphasized the need for holistic care approaches.
Reviewing evidence-based practice documents and websites such as those provided by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) reinforced the importance of integrating family therapy and motivational interviewing into treatment plans. McCrady (2021) emphasizes that including family members in therapy sessions leads to better treatment outcomes by addressing family dynamics and providing a supportive environment for the patient. The practicum experience underscored the fragmented nature of care received by patients with AUD. Mr. Bricker’s recurring hospitalizations and the associated costs highlighted the need for a coordinated care plan. This experience prompted a revision of the care plan to include more robust care coordination and the use of community resources. Effective care coordination and community resources can improve patient outcomes, reduce hospital readmissions, and lower healthcare costs.
Conclusion
Addressing AUD requires a multifaceted approach that includes healthcare technology, coordinated care, and community resources. The practicum experience has highlighted the importance of these elements in improving care quality, patient safety and reducing costs. By adhering to nursing standards and leveraging supportive policies, nurses can provide comprehensive and effective care to patients with AUD. Integrating technology, care coordination, and community resources can improve patient outcomes, reduce hospital readmissions, and lower healthcare costs. As healthcare professionals, it is essential to stay informed about the latest evidence-based practices and continuously seek ways to improve patient care Comprehensive And Effective Care To Patients With Alcohol Use Disorders.
References
Blake, H., Adams, E. J., Chaplin, W. J., Morris, L., Mahmood, I., Taylor, M., Langmack, G., Jones, L., Miller, P. D., & Coffey, F. (2023). Alcohol prevention in urgent and emergency care (APUEC): Development and evaluation of workforce digital training on screening, brief intervention, and referral for treatment. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(22), 7028–7028. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20227028
Davis-Martin, R. E., Alessi, S. M., & Boudreaux, E. D. (2021). Alcohol use disorder in the age of technology: A review of wearable biosensors in alcohol use disorder treatment. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2021.642813
Green, P. P., Cummings, N. A., Ward, B., & McKnight-Eily, L. R. (2022). Alcohol screening and brief intervention: Office-Based primary care physicians, U.S., 2015–2016. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 62(2), 219–226. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amepre.2021.07.01
Kelemen, A., Minarcik, E., Steets, C., & Liang, Y. (2022). Telehealth interventions for alcohol use disorder: A systematic review. Liver Research, 6(3), 146–154. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.livres.2022.08.004
Kools, N., Dekker, G. G., Kaijen, B. A. P., Meijboom, B. R., Bovens, R. H. L. M., & Rozema, A. D. (2022). Interdisciplinary collaboration in the treatment of alcohol use disorders in a general hospital department: A mixed-method study. Substance Abuse Treatment, Prevention, and Policy, 17(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13011-022-00486-y
Kruse, C. S., Betancourt, J. A., Madrid, S., Lindsey, C. W., & Wall, V. (2022). Leveraging mHealth and wearable sensors to manage alcohol use disorders: A systematic literature review. Healthcare, 10(9), 1672. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare1009167
Mulia, N., Lui, C. K., Bensley, K. M. K., & Subbaraman, M. S. (2022). Effects of Medicaid expansion on alcohol and opioid treatment admissions in U.S. racial/ethnic groups. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 231, 109242. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2021.10924 Comprehensive And Effective Care To Patients With Alcohol Use Disorders
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. (2020). Understanding alcohol use disorder | National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA). Www.niaaa.nih.gov. https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/understanding-alcohol-use-disorder#:~:text=Alcohol%20use%20disorder%20(AUD)%20is
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NHS. (2022, January 17). Alcohol support. Nhs.uk. https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/alcohol-advice/alcohol-support/#:~:text=Useful%20contacts%20for%20alcohol%20problems&text=Alcoholics%20Anonymous%20(AA)%20is%20a
The Community Guide. (2022, October 17). New technologies used to reduce excessive drinking | The community guide. Www.thecommunityguide.org. https://www.thecommunityguide.org/news/new-technologies-used-reduce-excessive-drinking.html Comprehensive And Effective Care To Patients With Alcohol Use Disorders
I have included the previous 2 assessments, practicum focus sheet and the scoring guide.
In a 5–7 page written assessment, determine how health care technology, coordination of care, and community resources can be applied to address the patient, family, or population problem you’ve defined. In addition, plan to spend approximately 2 direct practicum hours exploring these aspects of the problem with the patient, family, or group you’ve chosen to work with and, if desired, consulting with subject matter and industry experts. Document the time spent (your practicum hours) with these individuals or group in the Capella Academic Portal Volunteer Experience Form. Report on your experiences during the second 2 hours of your practicum.
As a baccalaureate-prepared nurse, you’ll be positioned to maximize the use of technology to achieve positive patient outcomes and improve organizational effectiveness. Providing holistic coordination of patient care across the entire health care continuum and leveraging community resource services can lead both to positive patient outcomes and to organizational improvements.
In this assessment, you’ll determine how health care technology, coordination of care, and community resources can be applied to address the health problem you’ve defined. Plan to spend at least 2 direct practicum hours working with the same patient, family, or group. During this time, you may also choose to consult with subject matter and industry experts.
To prepare for the assessment:
Review the assessment instructions and scoring guide to ensure that you understand the work you will be asked to complete and how it will be assessed.
Conduct sufficient research of the scholarly and professional literature to inform your assessment and meet scholarly expectations for supporting evidence.
Review the Practicum Focus Sheet: Assessment 3 [PDF], Download Practicum Focus Sheet: Assessment 3 [PDF],which provides guidance for conducting this portion of your practicum.
Complete this assessment in two parts.
Part 1
Determine how health care technology, the coordination of care, and the use of community resources can be applied to address the patient, family, or population problem you’ve defined. Plan to spend at least 2 practicum hours exploring these aspects of the problem with the patient, family, or group. During this time, you may also consult with subject matter and industry experts of your choice. Document the time spent (your practicum hours) with these individuals or group in the Capella Academic Portal Volunteer Experience Form. Use the Practicum Focus Sheet: Assessment 3 [PDF] Download Practicum Focus Sheet: Assessment 3 [PDF]provided for this assessment to guide your work and interpersonal interactions.
Part 2
Report on your experiences during the second 2 hours of your practicum.
Whom did you meet with?
What did you learn from them?
Comment on the evidence-based practice (EBP) documents or websites you reviewed.
What did you learn from that review?
Share the process and experience of exploring the effect of the problem on the quality of care, patient safety, and costs to the system and individual.
Did your plan to address the problem change, based upon your experiences?
What surprised you, or was of particular interest to you, and why?
The assessment requirements, outlined below, correspond to the scoring guide criteria, so be sure to address each main point. Read the performance-level descriptions for each criterion to see how your work will be assessed. In addition, note the additional requirements for document format and length and for supporting evidence.
Analyze the impact of health care technology on the patient, family, or population problem.
Cite evidence from the literature that addresses the advantages and disadvantages of specific technologies, including research studies that present opposing views.
Determine whether the evidence is consistent with technology use you see in your nursing practice.
Identify potential barriers and costs associated with the use of specific technologies and how those technologies are applied within the context of this problem.
Explain how care coordination and the utilization of community resources can be used to address the patient, family, or population problem.
Cite evidence from the literature that addresses the benefits of care coordination and the utilization of community resources, including research studies that present opposing views.
Determine whether the evidence is consistent with how you see care coordination and community resources used in your nursing practice.
Identify barriers to the use of care coordination and community resources in the context of this problem.
Analyze state board nursing practice standards and/or organizational or governmental policies associated with health care technology, care coordination, and community resources and document the practicum hours spent with these individuals or group in the Capella Academic Portal Volunteer Experience Form.
Explain how these standards or policies will guide your actions in applying technology, care coordination, and community resources to address care quality, patient safety, and costs to the system and individual.
Describe the effects of local, state, and federal policies or legislation on your nursing scope of practice, within the context of technology, care coordination, and community resources.
Explain how nursing ethics will inform your approach to addressing the problem through the use of applied technology, care coordination, and community resources.
Document the time spent (your practicum hours) with these individuals or group in the Capella Academic Portal Volunteer Experience Form.
Support main points, assertions, arguments, conclusions, or recommendations with relevant and credible evidence.
Apply APA style and formatting to scholarly writing.
Format: Format your paper using APA style. APA Style Paper Tutorial [DOCX] is provided to help you in writing and formatting your paper. Be sure to include:
A title page and reference page. An abstract is not required.
Appropriate section headings.
Length: Your paper should be approximately 5–7 pages in length, not including the reference page.
Supporting evidence: Cite at least five sources of scholarly or professional evidence that support your central ideas. Resources should be no more than five years old. Provide in-text citations and references in APA format.
Proofreading: Proofread your paper, before you submit it, to minimize errors that could distract readers and make it more difficult for them to focus on its substance.
By successfully completing this assessment, you will demonstrate your proficiency in the following course competencies and scoring guide criteria:
Competency 4: Apply health information and patient care technology to improve patient and systems outcomes.
Analyze the impact of health care technology on a patient, family, or population problem.
Competency 5: Analyze the impact of health policy on quality and cost of care.
Analyze state board nursing practice standards and/or organizational or governmental policies associated with health technology, care coordination, and community resources and document the practicum hours spent with these individuals or group in the Capella Academic Portal Volunteer Experience Form.Competency 6: Collaborate interprofessionally to improve patient and population outcomes.
Explain how care coordination and the utilization of community resources can be used to address a patient, family, or population problem.
Competency 8: Integrate professional standards and values into practice.
Support main points, assertions, arguments, conclusions, or recommendations with relevant and credible evidence.
Apply APA style and formatting to scholarly writing
