Assignment: NURS 5050 Advocating for the Nursing Role in Program Design and Implementation

Assignment: NURS 5050 Advocating for the Nursing Role in Program Design and Implementation

Assignment: NURS 5050 Advocating for the Nursing Role in Program Design and Implementation

Osteoporosis and low bone density affect approximately 54 million Americans making it a growing health issue in the United States. Osteoporosis affects a significant proportion of the aged American population, according to statistics. The implication is that a sizable proportion of the population is predisposed to increased rate of bone fractures and breakage that might not be easy to heal. Osteoporosis prevention and reduction programs have been implemented in the United States (Lieberman et al., n.d.). This paper aims at looking in nursing role in osteoporosis reduction program implemented in my practice.

What is the Cost and Projected Outcome of the Program?

The Osteoporosis Prevention Program is a program that has been implemented in my practice to address high incidences of post knee and hip bone surgeries. The Texas government created the OPP program with the goal of preventing and reducing osteoporosis rates in the state. Implementation of the OPP program was necessitated by the fact that close to one-third of the population in Texas was suffering from recurrent bone fractures in 2015. This program is guided by a number of principles. They include addressing the social determinants of health that contribute to osteoporosis, increasing resource availability, and transforming environments to promote physical activity and healthy eating.

In order to meet the program’s objectives, a number of activities have been implemented.

They include expanding possibilities for healthy eating, encouraging active living through the construction of healthy settings, and providing community and clinical preventive interventions for people who are at risk of becoming bone fractures. The initiative also improves the chances of children and elderly populations at risk having a healthy lifestyle, as well as public health efforts aimed at preventing osteoporosis (Osteoporosis Treatment & Prevention in Houston, Texas, n.d.). The program’s implementation costs are paid for with public funds. Projected outcomes include a decrease in the state’s bone fracture rate, a decrease in morbidity and mortality rates, and increased access to healthy foods and environments for the population (des Bordes et al., 2020). It is also expected to improve Texans’ health and well-being, as evidenced by increased awareness, lifestyle, and behavioral changes on health-related issues.

What is the target Population?

According to the research, the program targets all of the populations in Texas that are at risk of or affected by osteoporosis and low bone density associated with post knee and hip bone surgeries. The state’s population includes children, adults, and the elderly. The program addresses the social inequalities that contribute to the state’s osteoporosis problem. It also broadens the population’s access to healthy living options, regardless of background.

What is the role of the nurse in providing input for the design of this healthcare program? What are the examples?

My experience and research have taught me that nurses play a variety of roles in providing input for the design of the OPP program. The first role they play is to ensure that the program’s strategies align with the expected goals and objectives. They ensure, for example, that the strategies adopted are relevant to the needs of the populations affected and at risk of bone fractures and osteoporosis. The nurses’ other role in contributing to the design of OPP is to ensure that the needs of the target population are incorporated into the program.

For example, they conduct needs assessments to identify health-related aspects that should be prioritized in the project, thereby increasing the project’s relevance to the population (Curry et al., 2018). Another way nurses influence the design process is by assisting in determining the program’s resource requirements. Adequate resources, such as financial and human resources, are required for the program’s successful implementation. As a result of their experience with public health programs, nurses can contribute insights into the resources that are required.

What is your role as an advocate for your target population for this healthcare program? Do you have input into design decisions? How else do you impact design?

My responsibilities as an advocate for populations at risk of or affected by the OPP program are diverse. One of them is to ensure that adequate public awareness of the program’s importance and use of its strategies is generated. Health education is required to ensure that those at risk of or affected by osteoporosis understand the lifestyle and behavioral interventions required for their health and well-being. My other role as an advocate is to ensure that all members of the community have equal access to and use of the program initiatives. I ensure that all affected and at-risk populations have improved access to program resources to promote their health. I address issues such as costs associated with the population’s use of the program. I also connect people with the resources they require. For example, I assist them in gaining access to community support groups where they can obtain the assistance, they require in managing and preventing osteoporosis and bone fractures. I had a say in the design. I collaborate with other program stakeholders to define the program’s goals, strategies, and objectives. In addition, I help to determine the program’s resource requirements.

What is the role of the nurse in healthcare program implementation? How does this role vary between design and implementation of healthcare programs? Can you provide examples?

Nurses play a variety of roles in healthcare program implementation. One of the roles of nurses in the implementation of healthcare programs is that of implementers. Nurses help to carry out the program’s strategies. They put the strategies developed to bring the program to life into action. Another role of nurses in program implementation is to coordinate the process. Nurses can help ensure that the program’s strategies are followed as planned. They also make certain that the allocated resources are used to their full potential in order to achieve the program’s objectives. Working with the project management team to evaluate resource utilization versus plan to identify any deviations and implement changes is one example (Pinheiro et al., 2020). However, the roles differ in program design and implementation. Nurses are involved in the development of program plans. During the implementation phase, they carry out the plans.

The design phase is also hands-off because it includes strategy development, whereas the implementation phase is hands-on because it includes the actual use of strategies in practice.

Who are the members of a healthcare team that you believe are the most needed to implement a program? Can you explain why?

Registered nurses, dieticians, and physicians are the members of the healthcare team I believe are most needed to implement the OPP program. Registered nurses perform tasks such as screening, health education, and follow-up on patients. Dieticians perform tasks such as nutritional assessment and counseling for the at-risk patients. Finally, doctors diagnose and treat these patients.

Conclusion

The osteoporosis prevention program is a successful one to help curb the increased incidences of post knee and hip bone surgeries. The program aims to educate those who are impacted by osteoporosis and those who are at risk of developing the condition in future life about how to live a better lifestyle. Nurses are vital in the planning and implementation of programs. All stakeholders involvement is crucial to the success of the program.

 References

Curry, S. J., Krist, A. H., Owens, D. K., Barry, M. J., Caughey, A. B., Davidson, K. W., Doubeni, C. A., Epling, J. W., Kemper, A. R., Kubik, M., Landefeld, C. S., Mangione, C. M., Phipps, M. G., Pignone, M., Silverstein, M., Simon, M. A., Tseng, C.-W., & Wong, J. B. (2018). Screening for Osteoporosis to Prevent Fractures. JAMA, 319(24), 2521. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2018.7498

des Bordes, J., Prasad, S., Pratt, G., Suarez-Almazor, M. E., & Lopez-Olivo, M. A. (2020). Knowledge, beliefs, and concerns about bone health from a systematic review and metasynthesis of qualitative studies. PLOS ONE, 15(1), e0227765. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0227765

Lieberman, I. H., MD, MBA, & FRCSC. (n.d.). Osteoporosis Prevention Plan. SpineUniverse. https://www.spineuniverse.com/conditions/osteoporosis/how-start-your-osteoporosis-prevention-plan-today

Osteoporosis Treatment & Prevention in Houston, Texas. (n.d.). Texas Endocrinology Group. Retrieved October 24, 2021, from https://www.txendocrine.com/services/osteoporosis/

Pinheiro, M. B., Oliveira, J., Bauman, A., Fairhall, N., Kwok, W., & Sherrington, C. (2020). Evidence on physical activity and osteoporosis prevention for people aged 65+ years: a systematic review to inform the WHO guidelines on physical activity and sedentary behaviour. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 17(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12966-020-01040-4

As their names imply, the honeyguide bird and the honey badger both share an affinity for honey. Honeyguide birds specialize in finding beehives but struggle to access the honey within. Honey badgers are well-equipped to raid beehives but cannot always find them. However, these two honey-loving species have learned to collaborate on an effective means to meet their objectives. The honeyguide bird guides honey badgers to newly discovered hives. Once the honey badger has ransacked the hive, the honey guide bird safely enters to enjoy the leftover honey.

Much like honeyguide birds and honey badgers, nurses and health professionals from other specialty areas can—and should—collaborate to design effective programs. Nurses bring specialties to the table that make them natural partners to professionals with different specialties. When nurses take the requisite leadership in becoming involved throughout the healthcare system, these partnerships can better design and deliver highly effective programs that meet objectives.

In this Assignment, you will practice this type of leadership by advocating for a healthcare program. Equally as important, you will advocate for a collaborative role of the nurse in the design and implementation of this program. To do this, assume you are preparing to be interviewed by a professional organization/publication regarding your thoughts on the role of the nurse in the design and implementation of new healthcare programs.

To Prepare:

Review the Resources and reflect on your thinking regarding the role of the nurse in the design and implementation of new healthcare programs.

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Select a healthcare program within your practice and consider the design and implementation of this program.

Reflect on advocacy efforts and the role of the nurse in relation to healthcare program design and implementation.

The Assignment: (2–3 pages)

In a 2- to 3-page paper, create an interview transcript of your responses to the following interview questions:

Tell us about a healthcare program, within your practice. What are the costs and projected outcomes of this program?

Who is your target population?

What is the role of the nurse in providing input for the design of this healthcare program? Can you provide examples?

What is your role as an advocate for your target population for this healthcare program? Do you have input into design decisions? How else do you impact design?

What is the role of the nurse in healthcare program implementation? How does this role vary between design and implementation of healthcare programs? Can you provide examples?

Who are the members of a healthcare team that you believe are most needed to implement a program? Can you explain why?

Spirituality is the way to find meaning, hope, comfort, and inner peace in life. Many people find spirituality through religion. Some people find it through music, art, or a connection with nature. Others find it in their values and principles. Spirituality involves the recognition of a feeling or sense or belief that there is something greater than myself, something more to being human than sensory experience, and that the greater whole of which we are part is cosmic or divine in nature.

Healthy spirituality gives a sense of peace, wholeness, and balance among the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual aspects of our lives. However, for most people, the path to such spirituality passes through struggles and suffering and often includes experiences that are frightening and painful. Positive beliefs, comfort, and strength gained from religion, meditation, and prayer can contribute to well-being. It may even promote healing. Improving your spiritual health may not cure an illness, but it may help you feel better.

Patients who are spiritual may utilize their beliefs in coping with illness, pain, and life stresses. Some studies indicate that those who are spiritual tend to have a more positive outlook and a better quality of life (Bogue, 2020).

Similar to other caring activities and procedures, spiritual care improves people’s spiritual well-being and performance as well as the quality of their spiritual life. Spiritual care has positive effects on individuals’ stress responses, and spiritual well-being such as the balance between physical, psychosocial, and spiritual aspects of self, a sense of integrity and excellence, and interpersonal relationships. Spiritual well-being is important for an individual’s health potential and the experience of illness/hospitalization can threaten the optimum achievement of this potential. Professional nursing embraces spiritual care as a dimension of practice.

Nurses’ practice patterns in the area of spiritual care can be grouped into two categories including religious and nonreligious interventions. Religious interventions include treating patients’ religious beliefs without prejudice, providing them with opportunities for connecting with God and expressing their values and beliefs, helping them practice their religion, and referring them to clerical and religious leaders (O’Brien, et al., 2019). Nonreligious interventions include nurses’ presence for patients and their families, making direct eye contact when communicating with patients, sympathizing with patients and their families, listening to patients and their families attentively, and having love and enthusiasm for patients.

Although spiritual care is meant to help people, I frequently gain as a nurse. Interpersonal trust and a connection with the patient require high emotional intelligence. It’s important to realize that spirituality isn’t always theological care (Ross et al., 2018). Whereas the healthcare industry easily incorporates spirituality into therapy, spiritual care is essential in all sectors of operation. For the sake of our clients, we as caregivers must respect spiritual support, learn the required skills, and schedule time to satisfy these needs.

 References

Bogue, D. W., & Hogan, M. (2020). Practicing dignity: An introduction to Christian values and decision making in Health Care. Retrieved from https://lc.gcumedia.com/phi413v/practicing-dignity-an-introduction-to-christian-values-and-decision-making-in-health-care/v1.1/#/chapter/1

O’Brien, M., Kinloch, K., Groves, K., & Jack, B. (2019, August 9). Meeting patients’ spiritual needs during end of life care: A qualitative study of nurses’ and healthcare professionals’ perceptions of spiritual care training. Edge Hill University. Retrieved from https://research.edgehill.ac.uk/en/publications/meeting-patients-spiritual-needs-during-end-of-life-care-a-qualit-2

Ross , L., McSherry, W., Giske, T., Van Leeuwen, R., Schep-Akkerman, A., Koslander, T., Hall, J., Ostergaard Steenfeldt , V., & Jarvis, P. (2018, August). Nursing and midwifery students’ perceptions of spirituality, spiritual care, and spiritual care competency: A prospective, Longitudinal, correlational European study. Nurse education today. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29763841/

The Role of the RN/APRN in Policy Making

There are many ways that registered nurses (RNs) and advanced practice nurses (APRNs) can get involved in policymaking. One of those ways is by becoming involved in the policy design process (Milstead & Short, 2019). Nurses are considered professional experts and are asked to serve as panel members or consultants on committees that provide input to policymakers (Milstead & Short, 2019).  Being a member of a professional nursing organization provides us the opportunity to advocate in large numbers for change. When someone is an expert in their field, they may not be aware of issues in other areas or other fields because they do not participate in those areas or know of any issues within that area. By making policymakers aware of healthcare issues that they may not have known existed, we can help bring about change.

Education is key. By further educating those in politics, we are providing insight into the challenges that we face as professionals, but also as patients. Most lawmakers do not have a full understanding of the nursing profession and lawmakers appreciate being educated by nurses (Schaeffer & Haebler, 2019).

Challenges

There are just as many challenges as there are opportunities in policymaking. Lack of education on both ends. As a nurse, my focus is on my patient care and also having the knowledge and skills to perform my duties safely. Politics are not my focus. Therefore, I have a greater knowledge of nursing than I do of politics. The same can be said for policymakers. They have knowledge in many areas, but mostly a general knowledge. They do not know the difficulties that nurses face on a daily basis. Nurses can educate new and returning legislators on the scope of our work and our everyday challenges (Schaeffer & Haebler, 2019).

Another challenge that policymakers can face is budget. It is essential to consider the cost of the change (Barzegar et al., 2020). Things need to be considered, such as the cost of the new policy, will the impact be greater than the impact that it has on the healthcare facilities and their funds? Government need to be aware of the impacts that the new policy will have on not just the healthcare system, but also on the citizens that the communities serve (Barzegar et al., 2020).

Strategies to Overcome

Joining and maintaining membership in a professional nursing organization will help to educate nurses on the current legislation and give nurses the opportunity to collaborate with fellow nurses to help establish or gather information to present areas that are in need of reform. Being a member of these organizations allows for a bigger voice to be heard.

Another would be by writing a letter to the editor of the local newspaper or commenting on social media outlets. In this day and age, just about everyone uses social media and there are times with things go viral and the news spreads far and wide.  By putting our concerns in writing, we are helping to spread the word about important issues and helping to get other nurses involved (American Nurses Association, 2020). Voicing these concerns can help to correct and clarify facts in a recent news story, comment on the actions of a presidential candidate, direct attention to a problem, spur coverage of an issue that is being overlooked, or urge readers to support your cause and this is especially effective in local communities (American Nurses Association, 2020).

References

American Nurses Association. (2020). How to get involved. https://documentcloud.adobe.com/link/track?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:a555a7e3-b596-4860-bcb7-1a6f55f2753f#pageNum=1

Links to an external site.

Barzegar Safari, M., Bahadori, M., & Alimohammadzadeh, K. (2020). The related factors of nurses’ participation and perceived benefits and barriers in health policymaking. Journal of Nursing Research: JNR, 28(4), e103. https://doi.org/10.1097/jnr.0000000000000385

Links to an external site.

McCready, T. (2007). Portfolios and the assessment of competence in nursing: A literature review. International Journal of Nursing Studies, 44(1), 143–151. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2006.01.013

Links to an external site.

Milstead, J.A. & Short, N.M. (2019). Health policy and politics: A nurse’s guide (6^th ed.). Burlington MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning

Schaeffer, R. & Haebler, J. (2019). Nurse leaders: Extending your policy influence. Nurse Leader, 17(4), 340–343. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mnl.2019.05.010

Advocating for the Nursing Role in Program Design and Implementation on Diabetic Education program

The primary aim of healthcare providers and organizations is to improve the health and wellbeing of the populations they serve by reducing disease incidences and severity. Diabetes is one of the chronic conditions that affects millions of Americans and nurses are a core aspect of the healthcare delivery system have a duty to design and implement diabetic education programs to help patients and their families navigate the delicate situation for patient based on severity (Laureate Education, 2018). Newly developed healthcare programs on diabetes education can improve outcomes and the quality of care and life for those with the chronic condition. Based on an interview, this essay summarizes the role of nurses in designing and implementing a diabetic education program for patients with diabetes.

Tell us about a healthcare program, within your practice.

The healthcare program within the facility by nurses is the designing and implementing a diabetic education program. Diabetes continues to be a serious public health concern and efforts to offer education to diabetic patients can improve adherence to medication, and self-care management (Powers et al., 2020). The diabetes self-management education and support offers the foundation to help people with the disease navigate decisions that they must make daily and activities to improve health outcomes (Milstead & Short, 2019). Through the education program, diabetic patients will have knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for improved self-care.

What are the costs and projected outcomes of this program?

The program focuses on providing resources and educational interventions at the convenience of a patient who visits the facility and would like to enhance their self-management approaches to diabetes. The institution will provide access to information through its online portal, physical materials to those visiting the facility, and one-on-one sessions with patients and their families to demonstrate the efficacy of the program. The health facility will save on workforce and resource costs since patient only need access to the portal. For those accessing the materials from the facility, the cost will be minimal based on the level and type of diabetes disease.

The projected outcomes from the program are varied. These include increased and better adherence to diabetes self-management protocols, lower or reduced costs of diabetes management, improved knowledge and abilities for patients and their families. The implication is that this program will enhance awareness and abilities among patients to self-manage and self-care for themselves.

Who is your target population?

The program’s main target is diabetic individuals and their families who shall benefit from the information and resources offered by the facility. The program also targets nurses working in the facility to enhance their knowledge and abilities to care for these patients in an effective manner.

What is the role of the nurse in providing input for the design of this healthcare program? Can you provide examples?

Nurses play a critical role in care provision that includes designing healthcare programs like education program for diabetic patients. In this case, the nurse will offer interventions that can improve care and self-management for patients with different types of diabetes. The nurse will also guide the inclusion of self-management aspects that align with best evidence-based practice (EBP) interventions in the facility. For example, the nurse will identify strategies to enhance adherence to blood sugar monitoring and taking insulin medication at appropriate time.

What is your role as an advocate for your target population for this healthcare program? Do you have input into design decisions? How else do you impact design?

Nurses are patient advocates and in this instance, education programs are necessary for patients to improve care outcomes. In this regard, the role of a nurse as a patient advocate is to ensure that the program meets patient needs, is easy to understand and can be implemented at home in collaboration with patients’ families. Nurses have a chance to directly influence policies because of their unique positions in healthcare system. Imperatively, having input in designing the diabetic education program is essential for effective success of the initiative. In this regard, I impact the design by ensuring that the initiative addresses key patient concerns and issues aimed at improving their overall management of diabetes. My input also includes having a monitoring system that allows providers to interact better with the patients.

What is the role of the nurse in healthcare program implementation?

Nurses play a critical role in the implementation of healthcare program. At the core of this role is coordination where they work collaboratively with both patients and other providers to ensure the success of the program. Nurses also undertake roles of initiating the program by being educators and offering lessons to diabetic patients.

How does this role vary between the design and implementation of healthcare programs? Can you provide examples?

The design and implement roles differ since the two stages are also different. The design stage entails having research, effective structures and collaboration, and laying the foundation for the program. The design stage also entailed identifying different roles and duties that each nurse should play and keeping them abreast with all aspects of the initiative (Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, 2018). However, the implementation stage is the real working and being on the ground to execute the interventions. For instance, in implementation, one must execute the interactions with patients to attain their feedback and customize the education program to their needs. Implementation also entails working with community leaders and patient families to carry out the various interventions meant to enhance self-management.

Who are the members of a healthcare team that you believe are most needed to implement a program? Can you explain why you think this?

The most important members of the healthcare team to implement this initiative include nurses, nurse managers, and social workers as well as physician dealing with particular customers. Nurses are patient advocate and understand the different aspects of their needs (Tomaschewski-Barlem et al., 2018). They are also providers dealing with different patients and can work alongside their managers and physicians to deliver quality care. As educators, they can offer lessons to patients with diabetes on the benefits of self-management and care to improve the quality of life.

Conclusion

The inclusion of nurses in designing and implementing diabetic education program illustrates the critical role that nurses play in care delivery. As demonstrated, the program to enhance education will improve quality of life for patients with diabetes. The program will also enable nurses to participate in different initiatives to improve overall care for patients. The implication is that diabetic patients require education programs that will enhance their adherence to medications and self-management decisions.

References

Laureate Education (Producer). (2018). Design and Implementation [Video file]. Baltimore, MD:

Author

Milstead, J. A., & Short, N. M. (2019). Health policy and politics: A nurse’s guide (6th ed.).

Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.

Powers, M. A., Bardsley, J. K., Cypress, M., Funnell, M. M., Harms, D., Hess-Fischl, A., … &

Uelmen, S. (2020). Diabetes self-management education and support in adults with type 2 diabetes: a consensus report of the American Diabetes Association, the Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American Academy of PAs, the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, and the American Pharmacists Association. Diabetes Care, 43(7), 1636-1649. DOI: 10.2337/dci20-0023.

Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. (2018). Nurses Take on New and Expanded

Roles in Health Care. https://www.rwjf.org/en/library/articles-and-news/2015/01/nurses-take-on-new-and-expanded-roles-in-health-care.html

Tomaschewski-Barlem, J. G., Lunardi, V. L., Barlem, E. L. D., Silveira, R. S., Ramos, A. M., &

Piexak, D. R. (2017). Patient advocacy in nursing: Barriers, facilitators, and potential implications. Texto Contexto-Enfermagem, 26(3), e0100014. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/0104-07072017000100014

Advocating for the Nursing Role in Program Design and Implementation  

The promotion of the health of the diverse populations is the critical responsibility of healthcare providers, including nurses. Nurses play an essential role in program development by ensuring that appropriate programs that address the actual needs of their populations are implemented. Nurses also provide input on program implementation for its success. Therefore, this essay is an exploration of a healthcare program within my practice that has been developed for patients with hypertension.  

Tell us about a healthcare program, within your practice. What are the costs and projected outcomes of this program? 

The healthcare program within my practice that has been adopted to improve the health outcomes of patients is the Georgia Hypertension Management and Outreach (HMO) Program Services. The state of Georgia adopted the Outreach (HMO) Program Services to address the care needs of adult patients with hypertension. The program ensures that adult patients with hypertension access the care that they need for the effective management of hypertension and its complications. The services that the members of the program enjoy include blood pressure assessment and screening, referral to physicians, and disease treatment and management. Patients also access health education and counseling services on issues such as healthy eating, physical activity, weight management, tobacco cessation, and medication adherence. Georgia department of health has not shared the costs of the Outreach (HMO) Program Services. However, it has implemented the program in each of the local health departments in its districts that include Athens, Rome, Dublin, Albany, and Augusta (Georgia.gov, n.d.). The benefits or outcomes of the Outreach (HMO) Program Services are enormous. One of them is the increased access to care from low socioeconomic backgrounds with hypertension. The other benefit is the reduction in the costs of care that adult patients in Georgia incur in seeking hypertension-related care. The other benefit is the reduction in complications of hypertension (Zanchetti, 2017). I believe that increased access to care for the adults with hypertension contributes to the reduction in risks such as cardiac arrest, myocardial infarction, and stroke among other complications of hypertension.  

What is your target population? 

As I stated above, the Outreach (HMO) Program Services targets mainly adults in Georgia who are suffering from hypertension. The adult beneficiaries of the program must meet a number of eligible requirements for them to utilize the services of the program. The requirements include being a resident of Georgia, with limited income and not having a healthcare insurance (Georgia.gov, n.d.). The program is non-discriminatory in nature, as all adults can benefit from it, if they meet the above requirements.  

What is the role of the nurse in providing input for the design of this healthcare program? Can you provide examples? 

I believe that nurses play several roles in providing inputs for the design of the Outreach (HMO) Program Services. One of the roles that nurses play in the program is setting goals and objectives of the program. Goals and objectives guide the implementation of any program in health. They provide the basis for strategy development to ensure the needs of the target populations are met. An example of the way in which nurses can influence the design process is developing specific, time bound, measurable, and realistic goals for the Outreach (HMO) Program Services. The other way in which nurses can provide input for the design of the Outreach (HMO) Program Services is assisting in strategy development. Nurses have extensive experience in working with patients from diverse backgrounds and needs. They understand the effective and efficient interventions that can be used to optimize the care outcomes for patients from different backgrounds with varying needs. As a result, they can use their experience to assist in strategy development for the Outreach (HMO) Program Services. An example is their influence through the development of effective strategies for achieving the desired multi-stakeholder engagement in the program design (Drevenhorn, 2018). Therefore, the unique roles of the nurses can be utilized to ensure the successful implementation of the program.  

What is your role as an advocate for your target population for this healthcare program? Do you have input into design decisions? How else do you impact design? 

I play a number of roles as an advocate for the adults with hypertension that benefit from the Outreach (HMO) Program Services. One of the advocacy roles that I play is creating awareness and promoting empowerment among the target population. I utilize interventions such as health education to create awareness among the population on issues related to the management and prevention of complications associated with hypertension. Health education helps those at risk live a healthier life that is associated with reduced risk for complications. The other role that I play as an advocate for the target population is ensuring that the barriers that they experience in accessing the care that they need are eliminated. I adopt interventions such as organizing for hospital transport services and follow-up care for the adult patients with hypertension for the optimum management of their health problems (Shen et al., 2020). I influence the design decisions my ensuring that the needs of the target populations are prioritized in decision-making. I also ensure that the resources that are allocated for the program are adequate to ensure the optimum outcomes for the population.  

What is the role of the nurse in healthcare program implementation? How does this role vary between design and implementation of healthcare programs? Can you provide examples? 

Nurses play a number of roles in program implementation. One of the roles that I have experienced in practice is the actual implementation of the program. Nurses engage in activities that ensure the success of the program. An example is the health education of patients about self-management of hypertension. The other role of the nurses is data collection. They collect information from the patients and other stakeholders on the effectiveness and additional needs of the program. Nurses also facilitate the efficient use of resources in the program. For example, they provide the patients with educational resources needed for patients to learn more about ways of promoting their health. The roles of nurses in implementation differ from those in design phase. The design phase is largely theoretical while implementation phase is practical. The design phase entails the development of goals, objectives, and strategies, while implementation phase is ensuring the use of strategies to achieve the outcomes of the program (Stanhope & Lancaster, 2019). An example of the above difference is that nurses develop strategies in the design phase and use them in practice in the implementation phase.  

Who are the members of a healthcare team that you believe are the most needed to implement a program? Can you explain why? 

The members of healthcare team that I believe are most needed to implement a program include registered nurses, public health officers, physicians, and community nurses. Registered nurses have experience in working with patients from different backgrounds. Their input will be critical in ensuring the successful implementation of programs targeting public health programs. Public health officers also have experience in addressing public health issues in communities. They bring their experience on issues such as public empowerment and data dissemination. Community health nurses also act as linkages between the hospitals and the public. Physicians assist in the diagnosis and treatment of health problems in a program.  

Conclusion 

In summary, healthcare providers play several roles in design and implementation of public health programs. They influence the decisions that are made in the design and implementation of projects. The roles of nurses differ in design and program implementation. Therefore, a focus should be placed on ensuring adequate mix of healthcare providers in the implementation of public health programs.  

References 

Drevenhorn, E. (2018). A Proposed Middle-Range Theory of Nursing in Hypertension Care. International Journal of Hypertension, 2018, e2858253. https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/2858253 

Georgia.gov. (n.d.). Georgia Hypertension Management and Outreach (HMO) Program Services. Georgia Department of Public Health. Retrieved July 20, 2021, from https://dph.georgia.gov/chronic-disease-prevention/chronic-disease-data/hypertension-management-and-outreach-hmo-program-3 

Shen, Y., Wang, T. T., Gao, M., Hu, K., Zhu, X. R., Zhang, X., Wang, F. B., He, C., & Sun, X. Y. (2020). [Effectiveness evaluation of health belief model-based health education intervention for patients with hypertension in community settings]. Zhonghua yu fang yi xue za zhi [Chinese journal of preventive medicine], 54(2), 155–159. https://doi.org/10.3760/cma.j.issn.0253-9624.2020.02.008 

Stanhope, M., & Lancaster, J. (2019). Public Health Nursing E-Book: Population-Centered Health Care in the Community. Elsevier Health Sciences. 

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