Posted: June 14th, 2023

Discussion #1: Identification of a Population in a Selected Community

Must answer all components of the assignment and be at least 250 words in length for each discussion At least two APA cited references should be included in the initial post. 3 Different discussion posts, each is 250 words
Example, if you pick diabetes as the risk population, all discussions posts must be regarding diabetes population
Discussion #1: Identification of a Population in a Selected Community For this discussion, you will choose an at-risk population in a selected community. The chosen population will also be used for Discussions #2 and #3. A few indicators when choosing a population would be those identified as vulnerable or those at risk, such as the homeless, adolescents, pregnant, elderly, and those with associated health problems such as diabetes, STDs, malnutrition, cancer, obesity, cardiovascular disease, lung disease, etc. To start your search and interest you might look at information in your local public health department websites, the CDC, (CDC Wonder databases and Healthy People 2020, 2030) and other evidence-based websites that the CDC supports. Address the following points: Briefly describe the selected community and practice setting that nurses may encounter patients of the chosen population. Describe and define the disparities related to health risks and problems that the chosen population experiences. How does this group define health and illness? How does this group express pain or illness? What is this group’s attitude towards preventative health measures such as immunizations? What are attitudes that this group has towards mental illness? What language(s) are spoken by this group? Is there a religion or faith to which this group adheres? Who are the decision makers in this group (ex. elders)?
Discussion #2: Evidence-Based Practice and Evaluation Through Measurable Goals For this discussion, you will answer based on your chosen at-risk population from Discussion #1. Address the following points: Identify three health disparities that your chosen population experiences and create a SMART goal for each disparity The SMART goals should be evidence-based, culturally appropriate, and measurable. Be sure to include nursing interventions that help your population members maintain an optimal state of health. Identify if your interventions are primary, secondary, or tertiary levels of prevention. After formulating three SMART goals, answer the following questions: Is there a possibility of changing the behavior or social determinants of health to improve conditions? How would you advocate for the changes you are suggesting? What type of change might be expected? How will you know when a change has taken place? What might be some obstacles/barriers the population might experience and what would be needed to overcome these?
Discussion #3: Collaboration, Care Coordination, and The Role of the Nurse For this discussion, you will answer based on your chosen at-risk population from Discussions #1 and #2. In the previous discussion, SMART goals and nursing interventions were identified for your population. Now, discuss collaborations and partnerships that the nurse will seek for assisting the client/population over the long term. Examples of collaborations and partnerships might be with a hospice, Senior Center, Head Start Center, shelters, meal services, American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, American Lung Association, etc. Address the following points: Identify three agencies/organizations and describe their services that are beneficial to your specific patient/population for long term care. State the number of persons/populations that are served and how the organization/agency is funded. List specific examples of how the nurse can collaborate with the agency/organization Describe the role of the nurse as an advocate and agent of change for your population
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Discussion #1: Identification of a Population in a Selected Community

For this discussion, I have chosen the elderly population living in nursing homes as an at-risk population. The practice setting that nurses may encounter patients of this population is nursing homes or long-term care facilities.

The elderly population in nursing homes faces many disparities related to health risks and problems. Many of them suffer from chronic health conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, dementia, and heart diseases. They are also more prone to falls, fractures, and infections. The elderly population often experiences social isolation, loneliness, and depression, leading to mental health problems.

The elderly population defines health as a state of physical, mental, and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. They tend to express pain or illness as a natural part of aging and are reluctant to report it. This group has positive attitudes towards preventive health measures such as immunizations as they believe in maintaining their health and independence. However, they may have negative attitudes towards mental illness due to societal stigma.

The elderly population in nursing homes mainly speaks English, but some may also speak other languages depending on their cultural backgrounds. Religion or faith may vary among individuals, and they may not adhere to any specific religion. The decision-makers in this group may be the elderly residents themselves or their families.

Discussion #2: Evidence-Based Practice and Evaluation Through Measurable Goals

Three health disparities that the elderly population in nursing homes experiences are social isolation, falls, and medication errors. SMART goals for each disparity are:

Social isolation: Increase the elderly residents’ social interactions with peers and staff by 50% by the end of six months. Nursing interventions could include facilitating group activities, encouraging family visits, and providing opportunities for the elderly residents to engage in meaningful conversations.

Falls: Reduce the number of falls among the elderly residents by 25% by the end of three months. Nursing interventions could include conducting fall risk assessments, implementing fall prevention strategies, and educating the residents and staff on fall prevention measures.

Medication errors: Reduce medication errors among the elderly residents by 30% by the end of six months. Nursing interventions could include conducting medication reconciliation, improving communication among healthcare providers, and educating residents and staff on medication safety.

All three SMART goals are evidence-based, culturally appropriate, and measurable. The nursing interventions are secondary and tertiary levels of prevention as they aim to prevent further health deterioration and maintain the elderly residents’ optimal state of health.

There is a possibility of changing behavior and social determinants of health to improve conditions. To advocate for the changes suggested, nurses can collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, community organizations, and policymakers to address social determinants of health and promote healthy behaviors. Changes in the form of increased funding for social programs, improved healthcare policies, and better care coordination can be expected. Changes can be evaluated by monitoring the progress towards the SMART goals and conducting periodic assessments.

Some obstacles/barriers that the elderly population might experience are lack of social support, limited access to healthcare, and physical disabilities. Overcoming these barriers would require the nursing team to work closely with families, social workers, and healthcare providers to provide tailored care and support.

Discussion #3: Collaboration, Care Coordination, and The Role of the Nurse

Three agencies/organizations that could benefit the elderly population in nursing homes for long-term care are:

Senior Centers: Senior centers offer a variety of programs and services such as social activities, health and wellness programs, and educational classes. These services can help reduce social isolation and improve the quality of life for the elderly population.

American Heart Association: The American Heart Association provides education and resources to promote heart health, which is crucial for the elderly population, given their increased risk for heart disease.

Hospice: Hospice provides end