Nursing Shortage
Butt, M. (2015). Training Community-Based Nurses in Impoverished Areas of Developing Countries: A Practical Solution to a Rapidly Emerging Global Shortage of Health Workers Force. Middle East Journal of Nursing, 9(2), 31-36.
Problem Statement
The article begins by examining the major challenges affecting the developing world. For instance, many developing nations continue to encounter a shortage of nurse practitioners (NPs), skilled caregivers, and medical doctors (Butt, 2015). The religious and cultural positions of many people in such cultures also dictate how healthcare is practiced (Butt, 2015). The current health worker shortage experienced in the developing world affects the quality of care availed to different patients. This crisis of nurse practitioners explains why different underdeveloped countries are unable to achieve their millennium development goals (MDGs). The existing cultural, social, and economic factors make it impossible for more populations to achieve their health goals (Butt, 2015). That being the case, the study focused on a powerful strategy that can address the rapidly emerging shortage of nurses in various impoverished regions.
Study Purpose
The author’s purpose of undertaking the study was to identify appropriate practices that can empower more nurses to offer evidence-based patient care. The study was also aimed at identifying effective strategies that can address the challenge of the nursing shortage. This obstacle continues to affect the health outcomes of many underserved communities (Butt, 2015). The completed study was also intended to develop a practical model that can be employed in every impoverished society.
Research Question
The qualitative study did not have a specific research question. That being the case, the author focused on the importance of equipping non-formal nurses with quality training. The move was embraced in order “to overcome the current shortage of healthcare workers by training those in the field to improve the quality of healthcare” (Butt, 2015, p. 32).
Literature Review
Many nations in the developing world have been associated with a chronic shortage of nurses, medical doctors, and caregivers. Countries like Pakistan have been male-dominated for many decades. This situation explains why “men tend to accept medical support from male practitioners” (Butt, 2015, p. 33). As a result, more unqualified practitioners have emerged to provide the required medical support. Government resources are usually used to deal with different problems such as poverty and insecurity (Shacklock & Brunetto, 2012). The population of the developing world has also been increasing exponentially. Unfortunately, the people lack appropriate primary and secondary medical care.
The existing gaps in many countries have forced governments to identify appropriate methods that can support the needs of their populations. Butt (2015) promotes “the use of educational programs that equip existing practitioners with appropriate ideas and competencies” (p. 34). Such educational programs have been supported by many practitioners in order to improve the health outcomes of different patients. A proper database should also be retained in order to gauge the skills and competencies of the existing practitioners. The database can then be used to identify the best practices that can produce quality health results. Modern studies have also offered powerful suggestions that can address the issues affecting many people in the developing world. For example, the government can use powerful training practices to empower more caregivers (Shacklock & Brunetto, 2012). Such health workers should also acquire more competencies in order to focus on the best health outcomes. Butt (2005) believes that inequalities and imbalances affect the performance of many nurses and healthcare workers. Proper incentives should therefore be used to tackle such inequalities and imbalances.
Volunteers and Nurse Aids (NAs) can also be equipped with such educational programs. The approach will make it easier for them to understand the needs of many patients. They will also collaborate with the existing practitioners. The move will produce positive practices and eventually support the health needs of many clients. Earlier studies have “outlined new gains in different countries and communities” (Butt, 2015, p. 35). Non-formal nurses tend to lack adequate medical education. The training process can therefore be implemented using local languages. As well, educators can use descriptive images to equip the targeted caregivers with powerful skills. Such competencies will make it easier for them to deal with various health problems.
This literature supports the relevance of new educational opportunities for non-formal nurses. The important thing is to equip them with new concepts and skills. Such competencies will encourage them to support their patients. The approach will eventually improve the speed and quality of healthcare available to every patient in the developing world (Shacklock & Brunetto, 2012). Similar approaches can produce positive outcomes in different regions across the globe.
Theoretical Framework
Nursing is a vital practice because it determines the health outcomes of many patients. Healthcare practice should be guided by various theories and models in an attempt to produce the best outcomes. Caregivers should embrace different ideas and concepts whenever treating their patients. However, individuals who lack such competencies will be unable to deliver the most desirable care. As well, the nursing shortage remains a major problem that affects every nation (Shacklock & Brunetto, 2012). This shortage continues to affect the nature of care and medical support availed to different communities. The developing world faces more challenges due to the existing cultural, religious, and economic factors (Butt, 2015). Numerous health problems affect the lifestyles and health statuses of many citizens.
That being the case, the important goal is to identify a practical solution that can address the above problem. Butt (2015) supports the use of comprehensive training programs in order to equip non-formal healthcare workers with quality competencies. Such workers will use these competencies to address most of the health problems affecting their patients. They will also collaborate with qualified NPs whenever providing care to their respective patients. The decision to train and employ more competent practitioners can deliver the best results. However, the most “efficient and practical strategy that can produce positive results should focus on empowering existing non-formal nurses in every impoverished society” (Butt, 2015, p. 35). The individuals should be trained in order to deliver efficient care to different community members. This strategy might not deal with the problem of nursing shortage. However, it will present better results by supporting the health demands of more people in every underserved community.
Medical Errors and Patient Safety
Athanasakis, E. (2012). Prevention of medication errors made by nurses in clinical practice. Health Science Journal, 6(4), 773-783.
Problem Statement
Medication errors continue to affect the quality of care availed to different patients. The “prescription of medicine to patients in different clinical settings is always associated with a high risk of errors” (Athanasakis, 2012, p. 773). A wide range of factors is associated with such medication errors. For instance, the competencies of the caregivers determine the quality of care availed in different facilities. As well, systemic factors have been closely associated with medication errors. This scenario has encouraged healthcare practitioners and policymakers to identify various strategies that can reduce such medication errors. The identification and implementation of appropriate protective measures can be essential in dealing with various errors. Such errors have been “associated with increased levels of re-hospitalization and hospitalization” (Athanasakis, 2012, p. 774). A powerful approach can therefore reduce errors and improve the health outcomes of many patients.
Study Purpose
It is agreeable that healthcare practitioners and medical facilities use specific methods to deal with errors. Some of these methods continue to support the changing health needs of many clients. Reduction of medication errors can improve the quality of care availed to different patients. The author, therefore, wanted “to explore some of the measures undertaken by healthcare workers to reduce or deal with medication errors in different clinical practices” (Athanasakis, 2012, p. 775). The approach presented a wide range of practices and protective measures that can support the changing health expectations of many clients.
Research Question
The research question used to conduct this study is presented below.
- What protective measures are undertaken by different nurse practitioners (NPs) to prevent medication errors in healthcare delivery systems?
This question made it possible for the researcher to examine the major approaches embraced by different practitioners (Athanasakis, 2012). The author obtained quality information from different databases such as Cochrane Library, Science Direct, and Medline.
Literature Review
Patient safety has always been a major concern for health practitioners and policymakers. This kind of safety becomes more critical whenever a patient is hospitalized. Healthcare professionals must ensure their clients get proper medication and care. However, studies have indicated that “a wide range of errors occur whenever prescribing various drugs to hospitalized patients” (Frith, Anderson, Tseng, & Fong, 2012, p. 289). Most of the “errors reported in various healthcare settings range from falls, wrong medical equipment, sores, hospital infections, and improper provision of care” (Athanasakis, 2012, p. 774).
Past studies focused on the major problems associated with medication errors (Athanasakis, 2012). Some of the “common medication errors include wrong drugs, wrong patients, wrong routes, wrong time, extra dose, and wrong dosage-form” (Athanasakis, 2012, p. 774). These errors have forced medical facilities to identify better practices and strategies that can reduce such challenges. The important goal is to outline the best practices that can produce positive results. Some of the strategies proposed by earlier scholars include “maintaining the best medical practices and training healthcare workers” (Athanasakis, 2012, p. 775).
Medication safety has also become a critical practice aimed at improving the level of patient satisfaction. Such errors have been widely associated with prolonged hospitalizations and negative patient outcomes (Frith et al., 2012). The malpractice can also cause numerous health problems. Disabilities and deaths have also been associated with poor medication (Frith et al., 2012). These challenges have led to new practices and strategies that can improve the processes embraced by different nurses. The first evidence-practice towards dealing with medications errors focuses on the best working environments. Medicines and drugs should also be properly labeled in order to reduce the chances of confusion. Medical practitioners should be undistracted during the process. As well, theorists have encouraged hospitals to countercheck every drug before it is administered. The approach has been observed to reduce medication errors in different healthcare settings. Mandatory “double-checking process by different nurses will prevent every adverse error” (Athanasakis, 2012, p. 775).
Practitioners should also check if different drugs have been administered to the right patients. The approach will make it possible for institutions to identify every error before it becomes a major health threat. The other approach is “ensuring every caregiver has proper dosing calculation skills and nursing education” (Athanasakis, 2012, p. 776). Such skills will ensure every caregiver is aware of different medication terms, abbreviations, and procedures. New training programs should also be introduced in order to improve the competencies of the targeted caregivers. Proper communication processes have also been embraced towards reducing such errors. Caregivers and NPs should use proper communication tools and technologies. The approach will ensure the right information is delivered to the targeted listener. Frequent confirmations should also be done to ensure the targeted patient receives the right medication.
Medication administration policies have produced positive results in many healthcare institutions. This practice should therefore be embraced in different healthcare clinics. Such policies will ensure more nurses focus on the best practices. They will handle different drugs with caution. They will also countercheck every drug before administering it to the targeted client. Patients and family members should also be involved throughout the process (thanasakis, 2012). This strategy will make it possible for many hospitals to support the needs of their clients.
Theoretical Framework
Nurses have a huge role to play in every healthcare setting. Medical practitioners should adopt the best precautions and ideas whenever providing quality care to their respective patients. Nurses should be vigilant “when administering different medicines to their patients” (Athanasakis, 2012, p. 779). Nurse educators and managers should also be involved in the medication process. They must ensure the right drugs are selected, labeled, and administered to the targeted clients. They should also provide new concepts to their caregivers in order to improve the quality of medical care. The outstanding fact is that “healthcare institutions may not protect every patient from medication error” (Athanasakis, 2012, p. 780). However, coordinated efforts and practices will ensure every person focuses on the best practices. The practices presented in the article can play a significant role in improving the safety of many patients.
Healthcare facilities should also implement the best policies to govern how drugs are administered to various clients. The new measure should be embraced to incorporate patients in the treatment process. Proper records should be kept in order to support the health needs of more patients. Proper labeling and handling of medicines can be essential towards dealing with errors (Frith et al., 2012). As well, drugs should be counter-checked before being administered to different patients. New studies should also “be conducted in order to identify evidence-based practices and strategies that can significantly reduce most of the medication errors affecting many institutions today” (Athanasakis, 2012, p. 782). There is no single strategy that can deal with medication errors. This fact should encourage health leaders to identify the most appropriate policies towards dealing with medication errors.
Fall Interventions for Elderly
Tidemann, A., Sherrington, C., Close, J., & Lord, S. (2011). Exercise and Sports Science Australia Position Statement on Exercise and Falls Prevention in Older People. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 14(1), 489-495.
Problem Statement
Falls affect a large number of elderly citizens. Individuals are aged 65 or more years have higher chances of falling every single day. More often than not, falls “result in reduced quality of life, fear, loss of mobility, and disability” (Tidemann, Sherrington, Close, & Lord, 2011, p. 489). As well, the rate of falls continues to increase in different facilities and hospitals. Tidemann et al. (2011) observe that the “risk of falls and associated challenges increase with age” (p. 489). Such falls “will result in various injuries such as permanent disability, death, and hip fracture” (Tidemann et al., 2011, p. 489). Individuals affected by such falls require quality care in order to achieve their health potentials. Governments are forced to incur more costs whenever addressing the needs of different elderly citizens. The economic costs associated with injuries arising from falls continue to increase. This argument shows clearly that falls present a significant challenge to healthcare facilities and physicians. There has been a need to identify various practices and strategies that can be used to reduce the falls recorded in different communities. The elderly require adequate support and care to realize their potential. Proper interventions have the potential to promote the lifestyles and expectations of many elderly patients.
Study Purpose
The purpose of this study by Anne Tiedemann, Catherine Sherrington, Jacqueline Close, and Stephen Lord was to identify the effectiveness of exercises towards preventing falls. The identified exercises would “be used to guide practitioners and professionals whenever identifying the best activities for older community-dwelling people” (Tidemann et al., 2011, p. 489). The study was aimed at outlining various exercises and activities that can deal with falls among elderly citizens.
Research Question
The question presented below was used to guide the study.
- How can practitioners and health professionals prescribe effective exercises for elderly people in an attempt to prevent falls?
The scholars used this research question to identify the best exercises and activities that can reduce falls among the elderly (Tidemann et al., 2011). The question made it easier for scholars to identify specific exercises that can improve the lifestyles of many elderly citizens.
Literature Review
Falls in aged persons might not occur randomly (Tidemann et al., 2011). This argument explains why medical practitioners have been using a number of strategies to predict such falls. For example, some risk factors have been associated with falls among the elderly. Experts have supported the efficiency of powerful interventions towards dealing with falls. According to different scholars, falls “among the elderly can be prevented using well-designed exercise programs” (Clyburn & Heydemann, 2011, p. 403).
Studies have indicated that “the use of exercises can increase the strength of lower-limp muscles, balance, and gait” (Tidemann et al., 2011, p. 489). A study by Clyburn and Heydemann (2011) indicated that many falls could be prevented using a wide range of approaches. Exercises were found to play a significant role in reducing the number of falls among the elderly (Clyburn & Heydemann, 2011). Evidence-based research has supported the use of various programs characterized by long-term exercises. Such programs can make it easier for many individuals to get positive outcomes. As well, some medications can reduce the number of falls. Medications and other non-exercise interventions have been found to improve the health needs of different elderly patients. Tidemann et al. (2011) encourage exercise professionals to embrace the best concepts in order to support the needs of their clients. The approach will produce positive results and make it possible for many people to have enjoyable lifestyles.
As well, falls can result in impaired lifestyles and disabilities. Such falls result in injuries thus making it hard for many caregivers to provide the best medical support. Disabilities and injuries associated with such falls can have numerous economic implications (Clyburn & Heydemann, 2011). Guardians of the injured elderly patients will be forced to incur more expenses. Injured persons will also present new burdens to the wider community. The government will also be forced to implement new policies and initiatives that can empower every elderly patient. Modern studies have presented new practices and approaches that can be used to prevent falls. Tidemann et al. (2011) argue that “many falls among the aging population can be prevented using different strategies” (p. 493). The use of exercises has therefore produced positive results in many settings.
Qualified exercise trainers and professionals should be allowed to supervise the targeted elderly patients. Such exercises should be personalized in an attempt to fulfill the specific needs of the patients. Caregivers should also be ready to support their clients using different exercises. Studies also explain why elderly patients with various morbidity problems should get competent support. Tidemann et al. (2011) observe that active persons will experience or record few falls. Exercises can strengthen the bodies of many patients thus reducing the number of falls. Exercises should therefore be undertaken regularly to get the best results. The use of “exercises will ensure the public health burden of falls and related injuries are reduced significantly” (Tidemann et al., 2011, p. 493). Professional caregivers should be cautious whenever supporting individuals with different medical complications. For instance, “individuals with osteoarthritis require analgesia while those with angina should get appropriate medications” (Tidemann et al., 2011, p. 493). Such approaches can be effective towards reducing falls among the elderly.
Theoretical Framework
Exercises should be used to prevent falls in elderly people. Communities characterized by many aging people can embrace the power of exercise in order to get the best results. The “targeted exercises should be able to challenge balance” (Tidemann et al., 2011, p. 494). Such exercises will play a positive role in preventing different falls. As well, the “targeted exercises should be challenging” (Tidemann et al., 2011, p. 494). This approach will ensure such exercises have the potential to minimize falls. Some non-exercise methods can be used to support the needs of individuals who have various terminal conditions. Hospitalized patients should also be supported in order to achieve their health goals. Psychotropic medications should also be used to empower more patients.
Effective exercises “have the potential to improve lower limb muscle strength, balance, and gait” (Tidemann et al., 2011, p. 489). That being the case, qualified professionals should be equipped with the most appropriate skills to offer the best exercises. Research should also be conducted in order to present new practices that can empower more elderly citizens. Elderly individuals should also be supervised whenever undertaking different exercises. This practice will reduce injuries and eventually support the outcomes of many elderly persons (Tidemann et al., 2011). Reduction of falls will minimize the costs incurred by many family members and caregivers. New interventions and practices will be required in the future in order to deal with falls in older people. The strategy will produce the best health goals and improve the public health of many societies.
References
Athanasakis, E. (2012). Prevention of medication errors made by nurses in clinical practice. Health Science Journal, 6(4), 773-783.
Butt, M. (2015). Training Community-Based Nurses in Impoverished Areas of Developing Countries: A Practical Solution to a Rapidly Emerging Global Shortage of Health Workers Force. Middle East Journal of Nursing, 9(2), 31-36.
Clyburn, T., & Heydemann, J. (2011). Fall Prevention in the Elderly: Analysis and Comprehensive Review of Methods Used in the Hospital and in the Home. Journal of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, 19(1), 402-409.
Frith, K., Anderson, E., Tseng, F., & Fong, E. (2012). Nurse Staffing Is an Important Strategy to Prevent Medication Errors in Community Hospitals. Nursing Economics, 30(5), 288-294.
Shacklock, K., & Brunetto, Y. (2012). The intention to continue nursing: work variables affecting three nurse generations in Australia. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 68(1), 36-46.
Tidemann, A., Sherrington, C., Close, J., & Lord, S. (2011). Exercise and Sports Science Australia Position Statement on Exercise and Falls Prevention in Older People. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 14(1), 489-495.