NURS FPX 6011 Assessment 3 Implementing Evidence-Based Practice
NURS FPX 6011 Assessment 3 Implementing Evidence-Based Practice
Name
Capella university
NURS-FPX 6011 Evidence-Based Practice for Patient-Centered Care and Population Health
Prof. Name
Date
Implementing Evidence-Based Practice
Background of the Clinical Problem
Hypertension remains a significant global health concern characterized by persistently raised blood pressure. Hypertension increases the risk of cardiovascular conditions, strokes and more serious complications. The problem seems to be worse in most rural areas of West Virginia (WV), where the challenge of managing hypertension is exacerbated by limited access to healthcare services, poor health literacy, and socioeconomic disparities.
Around 43.4% of WV’s population is impacted, with 17.1% of women in the state suffering from high blood pressure (America Health Rankings, 2024). Major contributing factors include unhealthy habits, hereditary tendencies, inadequate knowledge regarding modern technology and failure to adhere to treatment plans. In WV, clinical care providers face challenges following standard guidelines due to staff shortages, technology gaps, and difficulties in rural settings.
PICOT Question
“In adults aged 40-65 with hypertension in rural WV communities (P), how does the implementation of telehealth-based hypertension management programs with virtual health consultation (I), compared to conventional in-person healthcare (C), influence the management of hypertension and patient adherence to treatment plans (O) over twelve months (T)?”
This question aims to measure the effectiveness of telehealth-based hypertension management programs with virtual health consultations compared to traditional in-person healthcare. Focusing on telehealth solutions, it seeks to understand how these platforms can enhance hypertension management and patient adherence to treatment regimens. This analysis will propose an advanced approach to improving hypertension care for adults aged 40-65. Furthermore, this assessment will highlight the use of technology in supporting patient-centered approaches in the management of hypertension.
Action Plan to Implement the Evidence-Based Project
An evidence-based initiative to improve hypertension management for adults aged 40-65, I have established a strategic plan in rural WV communities. This plan integrates evidence-based proposals for practice transformation to improve hypertension management. Integrating home blood pressure monitors connected to a telehealth platform enables patients to transmit their readings and promptly receive feedback, requiring fewer clinic visits. Telehealth monitoring and follow-up programs considerably enhance the outcomes of patients with hypertension by allowing ongoing remote monitoring and virtual check-in services (Coman et al., 2024). Moreover, mobile applications that connect with Electronic Health Records (EHRs) to send progress notifications ensure real-time data sharing between patients and providers and improve hypertension management. It allows for timely care adjustments.
Telehealth-based educational programs focusing on lifestyle modifications such as balanced diet, exercise and stress management empower patients to take an active role in their care (Coman et al., 2024). Culturally appropriate virtual workshops encourage peer learning and community support, encouraging participation among the rural population. The integration of behavioral health into telehealth programs allows patients to access virtual counseling and behavioral therapy sessions to manage stress, a significant contributor to hypertension (Pasha et al., 2021). For instance, mindfulness and relaxation training tailored for rural communities enhances stress management. Additionally, telehealth supports medication adherence through automated reminders, digital tools like pill dispensers, and virtual pharmacist consultations, providing education and motivation for consistent treatment (Pasha et al., 2021).
Proposed Timeline for Implementation
- Months 1-2: Develop and test educational resources for home-based blood pressure monitoring, including video guides and written materials. Select and set up remote guidance and train healthcare providers to use the telehealth platform.
- Months 3-4: Start registering eligible patients aged 40-65 in the telehealth program. Provide initial training sessions on how to use the platform and remote monitoring tools. Conduct baseline health evaluations, such as blood pressure readings, to establish initial patient data. Initiate virtual health consultations with patients.
- Months 5-8: Implement the telehealth-based hypertension management program, including regular virtual check-ins and ongoing coaching. Encourage consistent use of home blood pressure monitoring devices and track data through the telehealth system. Schedule follow-up virtual consultations to monitor adherence and adapt treatment plans.
- Months 9-12: Conduct a mid-point review to evaluate patient progress, treatment adherence, and patient satisfaction with the telehealth service. Gather feedback through patient surveys and healthcare provider assessments to identify program strengths and areas for improvement. Use collected data and feedback to refine and optimize the program.
Tools or Resources Required
High-quality, validated blood pressure monitors are reliable, user-friendly tools integrated with a telehealth platform to measure blood pressure accurately at home. Comprehensive educational resources such as virtual consultations and guides on managing hypertension, healthy lifestyle options, and medication adherence are available for patients. Additionally, healthcare providers receive a structured training program that develops their ability to use the telehealth system and interact with their patients remotely (Khanijahani et al., 2022). Moreover, technical assistance assists with any issues related to the telehealth platform or monitoring devices, further supporting patients.
The integrated remote monitoring system is an easy-to-navigate patient portal where individuals can review their health records, schedule virtual visits, and communicate with their care team. Advanced data security will ensure the protection of patient information and compliance with privacy standards. For continuing improvement, feedback tools such as surveys and questionnaires are in place to generate patient and provider input (Khanijahani et al., 2022). This action plan is structured to be both feasible and effective. It focuses on critical strategies to advance hypertension management using evidence-based methods. Our goal is to enhance hypertension care in rural communities of WV by integrating telehealth platforms that support virtual consultations and comprehensive patient education.
Stakeholders and Opportunities for Innovation
The success of the hypertension management initiative in rural WV relies on the collaboration of multiple stakeholders. Healthcare experts, including nurses, cardiologists and medical technologists are vital in overseeing and delivering the intervention. The patients aged 40-65 with hypertension are central to the initiative and participate in telehealth consultations and virtual platforms. Administrative teams and IT experts will facilitate telehealth integration. Engaging with insurance providers to obtain coverage for the necessary devices and services is essential. Additionally, dietitians and behavioral health experts will provide important support and knowledge to help make the program more effective (Pasha et al., 2021).
This initiative provides significant scope for innovation by utilizing the sophisticated functionalities of telehealth and virtual visits for live monitoring and individualized care for hypertension. Such technologies can enhance patient engagement, compliance, and health outcomes. For instance, integrating these portals with the hospital’s EHR will allow for seamless monitoring and timely adjustment of treatment plans (Khanijahani et al., 2022). The focus on personalized care, through continuous monitoring and tailored strategies, improves the accuracy of hypertension management. It promotes better health and well-being of rural patients of WV.
Potential Barriers
Several challenges affect the successful implementation of this project. One of the most significant challenges is the unwillingness of patients to embrace new technology. To overcome this, comprehensive training programs and continuous support will be available, including easy-to-understand educational materials and access to technical assistance. Another challenge is that the technology will not be available to all patients. Issues related to privacy and security would be a big challenge that poses the risk of cybersecurity. The digital literacy barrier applies to older adults who struggle to navigate telehealth systems (Smith et al., 2023). Moreover, connectivity issues are rampant in rural areas, as poor internet access limits the use of telehealth services.
Opportunities such as virtual consultations and community-based access points would be considered to ensure inclusiveness. Integration of the telehealth system with existing EHRs could pose problems. Hence, there is a need for close collaboration with IT experts to ensure smooth data synchronization and to train staff. Resource limitations would be another challenge, as would securing funding and forming partnerships for necessary equipment and training. Regular follow-up sessions, reminders, and motivational strategies with incentives or peer support groups will promote ongoing engagement to improve patient adherence to new protocols (Smith et al., 2023). The project on hypertension management will strive to enhance patient care through targeted strategies to introduce effective, innovative practices within rural WV communities.
Outcome Criteria and Measurement for the Evidence-Based Practice Project
Two specific outcome criteria are used to measure the effectiveness of the hypertension management project for WV rural communities. The first one is the change in the hypertension management outcomes as measured by remote blood pressure control. Success will be determined as reducing at least ten mmHg in systolic and five mmHg in diastolic blood pressure over 12 months. This measure will directly assess the impact of the implementation of telehealth-based programs and virtual health consultations on managing hypertension in adults aged 40-65. It will demonstrate the effectiveness of telehealth tools in enhancing patient care and blood pressure control if this reduction is achieved. Positive results will support the argument for wider integration of telehealth and virtual consultations, leading to the development of updated evidence-based practices tailored to rural populations, where access to in-person healthcare services is limited (Pasha et al., 2021).
The second criterion will examine patient adherence to treatment protocols, which include medication compliance, lifestyle modification and involvement in telehealth-based monitoring. Data on patient records will be tracked to observe the patient’s adherence, with an expected achievement of at least 70%. The level of patient engagement and effectiveness in maintaining long-term adherence to the telehealth intervention can be identified through this criterion. High adherence rates will indicate that patients respond well to remote support. It underscores the feasibility and practicality of telehealth in rural healthcare settings (Pasha et al., 2021). Such data will inform future healthcare strategies and guide policy development to ensure that patient-centered approaches are incorporated into the standard of care in rural WV. Successful adherence metrics will reinforce the telehealth program’s potential to positively impact hypertension management, patient satisfaction, and health outcomes.
Alignment with Quadruple Aim
The proposed outcome measures for the hypertension management initiative align closely with the Quadruple Aim framework. It focuses on enhancing patient and provider well-being, lowering healthcare costs and improving healthcare delivery. These measures focus on the critical areas of the Quadruple Aim. It supports decreasing hypertension levels and improving patient adherence to treatment regimens (Arnetz et al., 2020). Moreover, measurable reductions in hypertension will contribute to better health outcomes and patient satisfaction, whereas high adherence rates will indicate strong patient engagement and compliance with care plans. It facilitates superior hypertension management and minimizes the risk of complications and preventable hospital admissions.
For rural WV communities with limited access to healthcare services and specialists, telehealth and virtual consultations will present a hopeful future for closing this gap. Besides this, the outcomes will work towards optimal delivery of health and cost control by reducing the rate of complications requiring expensive treatment and hospital admissions. Demonstrating the positive impact of telehealth and virtual consultations through these metrics will offer compelling evidence to shape evidence-based guidelines and inform policy changes (Khanijahani et al., 2022). For instance, improved data on hypertension management and patient adherence will be instrumental in integrating these methods into clinical best practices and reimbursement frameworks. It will lead to the mass use of evidence-based solutions in hypertension care to support the Quadruple Aim and improve the quality of care of rural WV communities.
Search Strategies and Databases
We adopted an extensive search methodology to collect pertinent literature and evidence to develop the evidence-based hypertension management initiative for rural communities in WV. We searched multiple electronic databases such as MEDLINE, PubMed, CINAHL, the Cochrane Library and Scopus and utilized targeted keywords like “hypertension,” “blood pressure control,” “telehealth platform,” “virtual consultation,” and “mobile applications” to refine our search results. Furthermore, we manually checked the reference lists of seminal articles and relevant journals to ensure a holistic topic search. The search followed strict inclusion and exclusion criteria and focused on studies conducted in rural settings involving adults aged 40-65 with hypertension. We were particularly interested in finding research that assessed the efficacy of innovative strategies for hypertension management and their effects on health outcomes.
Summary of Findings
Several key factors for effective hypertension management emerged from our literature review. Studies repeatedly demonstrated that telehealth platforms and virtual consultations positively impacted blood pressure regulation and patient compliance with the assigned treatment plans (Coman et al., 2024). The approaches were associated with improved outcomes in the management of hypertension and decreased related complications, which align with the goals of increasing patient health and reducing healthcare costs. Moreover, evidence supported the utility of telehealth-based strategies in enhancing patient engagement and adherence, particularly among adults aged 40-65, who often face challenges managing chronic health conditions (Khanijahani et al., 2022).
The analysis of such evidence emphasizes its relevance to our proposed practice change. It validates that incorporating telehealth solutions with virtual consultations into our hypertension management framework can effectively address challenges related to blood pressure control and patient compliance. We can use these insights to adapt telehealth-based platforms that align with current standards and aim to enhance patient outcomes within rural WV communities.
References
America Health Rankings. (2024). Explore High Blood Pressure in West Virginia | AHR. America’s Health Rankings.
https://www.americashealthrankings.org/explore/measures/Hypertension/WV
Arnetz, B. B., Goetz, C. M., Arnetz, J. E., Sudan, S., vanSchagen, J., Piersma, K., & Reyelts, F. (2020). Enhancing healthcare efficiency to achieve the quadruple aim: An exploratory study. BMC Research Notes, 13(1), 1–6. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13104-020-05199-8
Coman, L.-I., Ianculescu, M., Paraschiv, E.-A., Alexandru, A., & Bădărău, I.-A. (2024). Smart solutions for diet-related disease management: Connected care, remote health monitoring systems, and integrated insights for advanced evaluation. Applied Sciences, 14(6), 2351. https://doi.org/10.3390/app14062351
NURS FPX 6011 Assessment 3 Implementing Evidence-Based Practice
Khanijahani, A., Akinci, N., & Quitiquit, E. (2022). A systematic review of the role of telemedicine in blood pressure control: Focus on patient engagement. Current Hypertension Reports, 24(7). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11906-022-01186-5
Pasha, M., Brewer, L. C., Sennhauser, S., Alsawas, M., & Murad, M. H. (2021). Health care delivery interventions for hypertension management in underserved populations in the United States: A systematic review. Hypertension, 78(4), 955–965. https://doi.org/10.1161/hypertensionaha.120.15946
Smith, Ayuk, V., & Scalzo, P. (2023). Barriers to technology adoption by patients and providers in diabetes and hypertension care management. Digital Medicine and Healthcare Technology, 2. https://doi.org/10.5772/dmht.18
