Understanding the role technology plays in advanced primary care to vulnerable populations is vital to ensure proper and timely diagnosis and treatment to improve healthcare outcomes for the patient. The purpose of this assignment is to evaluate one global burden of disease OR risk factor in the family population (pediatric, adult, or geriatric) and explore one current evidence-based technology use that can offer improvement of outcomes and access to the population chosen.
- Generate knowledge from clinical practice to improve practice and patient outcomes (EOPSLO# 4, 9).
- Leads practice inquiry, individually or in partnership with others (EOPSLO# 2, 3, 4, 7).
- Translates research and other forms of knowledge to improve practice processes and outcomes (EOPSLO# 9).
- Evaluate the relationships among access, cost, quality, and safety and their influence on healthcare (EOPSLO# 3, 6, 9).
- Collaborates in planning for transitions across the continuum of care (EOPSLO# 2, 7).
- Integrates ethical principles in decision-making (EOPSLO# 6, 9).
- Integrates appropriate technologies for knowledge management to improve healthcare (EOPSLO# 5).
- Evaluate the effectiveness of the plan of care for the family, as well as the individual, and implement changes (EOPSLO# 8). choose one global burden of disease and one population (adult, pediatric, or geriatric). Once the population is chosen, find one evidence-based technology to help support the improvement of outcomes in the global burden of disease chosen.
You are to write a three-to-five-page paper in APA format 7th edition with the following sections and level 2 headings:
Introduction:
Brief overview of the health of the population chosen
-Introduce the global burden of disease OR risk factor chosen
-Importance of improving the condition and its impact on quality of life
Body of the Paper
Global Burden of Disease Condition/Risk Factor
-Describe the disease OR risk factor chosen
-What signs/symptoms are identified in the patient that can be found?
-How is it diagnosed and treated?
Technology and Healthcare
-Describe the paradigm shift in healthcare related to technology
-Elaborate how technology can improve health outcomes in your population
Chosen Evidence-Based Technology Use in Disease or Risk Factor
-Describe and summarize the evidence-based technology identified that has been shown to improve the condition or Risk Factor for your patient population chosen.
-Compare and contrast the positives and negatives of using this technology use chosen.
Conclusion
-Recap points discussed in the paper
-Importance of advancements in technology
Full Answer Section
- Enhanced Patient Engagement: Telehealth platforms can provide educational materials, personalized guidance, and ongoing support to patients, promoting self-management of hypertension and adherence to medication regimens.
- Improved Access to Specialists: Telehealth facilitates access to specialized care, such as consultations with cardiologists or nephrologists, which may be challenging for older adults with limited mobility or residing in remote areas.
- Reduced Healthcare Costs: By reducing the need for frequent in-person visits, telehealth can potentially lower healthcare costs associated with hypertension management.
Chosen Evidence-Based Technology: Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) for Hypertension
Remote patient monitoring (RPM) systems are a critical component of telehealth for hypertension management. RPM systems consist of wearable or home-based devices that track vital signs, such as blood pressure, heart rate, and weight. This data is then transmitted securely to a healthcare provider, who can monitor the patient's progress and adjust their treatment plan as needed.
- Positive Aspects: RPM systems have been shown to improve medication adherence, reduce blood pressure variability, and lower the risk of cardiovascular events in patients with hypertension. They also enhance patient engagement and provide healthcare providers with valuable insights into the patient's overall health status.
- Negative Aspects: Despite its benefits, RPM systems also have limitations. Some patients may struggle with technology or find the monitoring devices uncomfortable or inconvenient. Privacy and data security concerns must be addressed to ensure the responsible use of patient data.
Conclusion:
Telehealth, particularly through remote patient monitoring, offers a promising solution for improving hypertension management in the geriatric population. By providing convenient access to care, facilitating regular monitoring, and enhancing patient engagement, telehealth has the potential to reduce the burden of hypertension and improve health outcomes for older adults. However, it is crucial to address the challenges associated with technology adoption, data security, and privacy to ensure the equitable and effective implementation of telehealth solutions for this vulnerable population.
References:
American Heart Association. (2022). High blood pressure. Retrieved from
https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure
Sample Answer
Leveraging Telehealth to Combat Hypertension in the Geriatric Population
Introduction:
The global burden of chronic diseases continues to rise, significantly impacting older adults. Geriatric populations face unique challenges related to age-related physiological changes, increased susceptibility to illness, and often limited access to healthcare. One prevalent and impactful condition among older adults is hypertension, a major contributor to cardiovascular disease, stroke, and kidney failure. This paper will delve into the global burden of hypertension in the geriatric population, exploring how telehealth technology can improve access to care, diagnosis, and management, ultimately enhancing health outcomes for older adults.
Global Burden of Disease: Hypertension in Older Adults
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a silent killer, often showing no symptoms until complications arise. It is a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease, and its prevalence increases with age. In the United States alone, over 75 million adults have hypertension, and the risk of developing hypertension increases drastically after the age of 65 (American Heart Association, 2022).
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Signs and Symptoms: Many individuals with hypertension experience no symptoms. However, some may notice headaches, dizziness, nosebleeds, or shortness of breath. These symptoms are often non-specific and can be attributed to other conditions, making early detection challenging.
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Diagnosis and Treatment: Hypertension is diagnosed through regular blood pressure checks. Treatment usually involves lifestyle modifications, such as diet changes, exercise, and stress management, as well as medication, if necessary.
The Paradigm Shift in Healthcare: Technology and its Impact on Health Outcomes
Technological advancements are revolutionizing healthcare, offering new pathways to diagnosis, treatment, and management of chronic conditions. Telehealth, in particular, has emerged as a powerful tool for improving access to care, enhancing patient engagement, and driving positive health outcomes.
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Benefits of Telehealth: Telehealth can overcome geographical barriers, reduce travel time, and enhance accessibility to healthcare services, especially for those with limited mobility or living in rural areas. It can also offer patients greater flexibility in scheduling appointments and managing their care, leading to improved adherence to treatment plans.
Telehealth as a Solution for Managing Hypertension in Older Adults
Telehealth can play a transformative role in the management of hypertension in the geriatric population. It offers several key benefits: