Point of Care Testing Clinical Issues - Assignment Example

Point of Care Testing Clinical Issues Introduction The medical fraternity has to deal with a lot of clinical problems. The problems range from increased prevalence of certain diseases to the general challenges that are evident in the course of medical practice. The critical steps of Evidence-Based Practice are meant to counter such problems by giving nurses a platform from which they can diagnose and implement solutions for the prevalent problems after careful deliberation and analysis. Problem Identification and its Relevance in the Current Healthcare Environment This impending problem is identified with regard to the situation in the U.S. Obesity has been a menace in the country for a long time. The victims are majorly the young and part of the adult population. This problem is relevant in the world of healthcare service provision. The reason for its relevance is the fact that its ever increasing prevalence and incidence rates warrant immediate clinical intervention. Therefore, to get rid of the health complications brought about by obesity, and to counter the prevalence of the problem, the appropriate healthcare action must be taken (Hain & Kear, 2015). The Critical Steps of Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) EBP is an analytical and problem solving-approach on matters pertaining to healthcare. The approach is based on evidence or proof that is obtained from the analysis of available patient records or results from previous studies. This is a procedural process that must involve the relevant clinical expertise and the patients’ preferences. There are seven basic steps in the EBP clinical problem-solving approach. Step 0: Develop a Spirit of Inquiry This is the initial step of the EBP. It involves the medical practitioners being persistently inquisitive. The questions that require answers are formulated because they are the basis of the impending problem. In this case, the identified problem is obesity among the American population. The series of questions keep the healthcare personnel aware of diverse ways of dealing with the problem and how to improve their practice to ensure that the desired results are obtained. Therefore, some of the possible questions in this case would be: What proportion of the population is affected by obesity and the specific age bracket? What are the social and medical effects of obesity on the affected individuals? Which medical intervention practices should be applied to the situation? How can obesity be countered to reduce its prevalence in the country? Step 1: Establish the Prevailing Clinical PICOT Question A PICOT question structure is composed five questioning formats. Questions are formulated basing on the population dynamics like age, Intervention, comparison with other interventions, the outcome of the intervention and the timeframe. For instance, the focus here is on obesity. The relevant PICO question format may appear in a set of specific sentence structures since the events are interrelated. Therefore, the question would be; among obese adults and children in America (P), does the regulation of eating habits and the choice of food (I) compared to the banning of junk food (C) have any effect reduction of the prevalence of obesity (O). The question follows the PICO format and addresses all the relevant measures leveled against the obesity outlining the affected individuals (Melnyk & Fineout-Overholt, 2011). Step 2: Find the Necessary Evidence Solutions to problems cannot be sought on the basis of information that is not viable. Therefore, the information used in EBP must be backed up with the relevant evidence through critical analysis of various parameters or indicators. Appropriate evidence forms proper ground for a workable solution to be sought. Information on obesity can be obtained through the analysis of patient diagnostic history, relevant records from the government’s medical wing and from credible internet sources. For instance, in the US, about two-thirds of the adult population is affected by obesity. Efforts put forward by the government and medical practitioners have so far been ineffective. Educational campaigns on proper eating habits and the importance of exercise have also been carried out but the number of obese individuals has been doubled over the past couple of years (Voss., Masuoka., Webber., Scher & Atkinson, 2013). From such information, there is enough credible evidence to believe that obesity is a menace among the American population and relevant intervention actions must be taken. Step 3: Critical Evidence Appraisal After the collection or the formulation of the pertinent evidence, the assessment and evaluation is imperative. The appraisal of evidence assessment process can be time-consuming but the basics can be achieved by ensuring the validity, reliability and applicability of the results that constitute the evidence. The results are valid if they are closer to the truth and the application of the best research methodologies. Reliability depends on whether the intervention would work if the clinicians incorporate it into their practice. Applicability is based on the feasibility of the intervention and the possibility of implementing the proposed solution. Generally, for the intervention to be practicable, the advantages should outnumber the possible disadvantages (Torres, Farley & Cook, 2014). From the assessment of the obesity situation in the country, clinicians should come up with interventions that would work in conjunction with their method of practice. For greater credibility, they should consider the reliability of previous interventions and improve their anticipated course of action. For applicability, research should involve an active participation of the affected individuals to ensure that they are in agreement with the adapted course of action. Step 4: Integration of the Evidence with the Clinical Profession and Patient Specifications to Make a Viable Clinical Decision Step for of the EBP entails the incorporation of the clinical profession and the patient’s preference. The final decision should be implementable given the level of expertise among the medical staff. Decision making is an essential process that requires the consent of the relevant patients (Athwal et al., 2014). It would be unethical for medics to make decisions on behalf of the patient without involving him or her. Medics may decide to give obese patients certain forms of medications or advised to engage in rigorous physical activity. However, before the application of the medications, the patient’s approval must be sough because some patients may be afraid of the side effects that arise from the use of drugs that suppress obesity. The patient’s consent assists the medical personnel in implementing interventions that suit both the patients and the medical practice. Step 5: Evaluation of the Outcomes of the Change of Practice Based on the Availed Evidence The step is associated with the evaluation of the results of the medical action taken on a specific patient. Evaluation enables clinicians to determine whether the evidence-based change in practice was effective and yielded the desired results. The assessment is carried out as an indicator of whether the change would produce the appropriate results if applied in the real medical practice. Step 6: Dissemination of the Evidence-Based Practice Change Outcomes This is the final IBP step. It applies if the results of the change in practice are obtained are credible and positive. The change can only be effective if the clinicians share the outcome with other healthcare institutions and with fellow professionals within the same facility. Given the fact that obesity is a pandemic that has extended in different regions in the US, the counter-action should also extend to all the regions for its prevalence rate to be suppressed. The pertinent information can be shared verbally and through journals and other medical publications (Flynn-Makic, Rauen, Jones & Fisk, 2015). Conclusion Evidence-based practice is founded on the basis of systematic steps. Each step is important and must be followed to ensure that the final outcome is reliable, valid and applicable. The process of changing the clinical practice based on certain evidences is a sole responsibility of the clinicians. The patient preference should be considered. After the research is complete, the outcome should be shared with other stakeholders in the medical fraternity. For Americans to tackle the obesity disorder, the EBP approach is a viable method that would ensure that the disease is effectively suppressed. References Athwal, L., Marchuk, B., Laforêt-Fliesser, Y., Castanza, J., Davis, L., & LaSalle, M. (2014). Adaptation of a Best Practice Guideline to Strengthen Client-Centered Care in Public Health. Public Health Nursing, 31(2), 134-143. doi:10.1111/phn.12059 Flynn Makic, M. B., Rauen, C., Jones, K., & Fisk, A. C. (2015). Continuing to Challenge Practice to Be Evidence Based. Critical Care Nurse, 35(2), 39-50. doi:10.4037/ccn2015693 Hain, D. J., & Kear, T. M. (2015). Using Evidence-Based Practice to Move Beyond Doing Things the Way We Have Always Done Them. Nephrology Nursing Journal, 42(1), 11-21. Melnyk, B. M., & Fineout-Overholt, E. (2011). Evidence-based practice in nursing & healthcare: A guide to best practice. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. Torres, C., Farley, C. A., & Cook, B. G. (2014). A Special Educator’s Guide to Successfully Implementing Evidence-Based Practices. Teaching Exceptional Children, 47(2), 85-93. Voss, J. D., Masuoka, P., Webber, B. J., Scher, A. I., & Atkinson, R. L. (2013). Association of elevation, urbanization and ambient temperature with obesity prevalence in the United States. International Journal of Obesity, 37(10), 1407-1412. doi:10.1038/ijo.2013.5 Read More