Effectively managing Behavioral Health/ Mental Health illness in a med/surgical unit

The strategy and methods assignment is an informal paper draft of the strategy or methods that will be used for your proposed DNP project. The paper is to be written in APA (7th ed.) format, including a title page, appropriate use of headings to separate the main sections of the body of the paper, proper in-text citations, and a references page. The strategy and methods for this draft should be described in broad strokes and considered the first step in establishing a set process to complete the final project. As the project is refined, the methodology for the project will also be refined. The draft needs to include, but is not limited to, the following elements:
• The purpose of the project, including providing the Aim Statement
• A description of the general approach to the problem (e.g. educational, advocacy, policy, simulation-practice, an intervention, equipment, technology, etc.)
• A description of a more specific application of the approach for this practice, population, and issue (e.g. a reading, an interactive video-class, a new policy, weekly huddles, a kiosk, change in practice process format or timing, a new device, changes in the practice environment, etc.)
• A description of who would be involved in the operationalization of the project (e.g. patients, providers, support

Full Answer Section

    General Approach The general approach to this project will be to develop and implement a home-based telehealth care program for underserved populations in rural areas. This program will be designed to provide patients with access to a variety of healthcare services, including primary care, mental health care, and chronic disease management. The program will be delivered through a combination of video conferencing, telemedicine equipment, and remote monitoring technologies. Specific Application The specific application of this approach for rural, underserved populations will focus on providing access to healthcare services that are not readily available in these communities. For example, the program could provide patients with access to specialized care, such as cardiology, oncology, and psychiatry. The program could also provide patients with access to mental health care, which is often underserved in rural areas. Operationalization The operationalization of this project will involve the following steps:
  1. Needs assessment: Conduct a needs assessment to identify the specific healthcare needs of the target population.
  2. Program development: Develop a home-based telehealth care program that meets the identified needs of the target population. The program should be designed to be accessible, affordable, and effective.
  3. Implementation: Implement the home-based telehealth care program in the target community. This will involve training healthcare providers on how to use the telehealth equipment and technologies, and educating patients about the program and how to use it.
  4. Evaluation: Evaluate the effectiveness of the home-based telehealth care program in improving access to healthcare and reducing disparities in health outcomes.
Stakeholders The stakeholders who would be involved in the operationalization of this project include:
  • Patients: The target population for this project is underserved populations in rural areas. These patients would be the primary beneficiaries of the program.
  • Healthcare providers: Healthcare providers would be responsible for delivering care through the home-based telehealth care program. This could include primary care physicians, specialists, mental health providers, and other healthcare professionals.
  • Support staff: Support staff would be responsible for administering the program, such as scheduling appointments, providing technical support, and billing insurance companies.
  • Community partners: Community partners could include local health departments, rural health clinics, and other organizations that serve underserved populations in rural areas.
Conclusion The development and implementation of a home-based telehealth care program for underserved populations in rural areas has the potential to improve access to quality healthcare and reduce disparities in health outcomes. This project will involve a collaborative approach between healthcare providers, support staff, community partners, and patients. The success of the project will depend on the effective coordination of all stakeholders and the ongoing evaluation of the program's effectiveness. Additional Considerations In addition to the elements outlined above, there are a number of other factors that should be considered when developing and implementing a home-based telehealth care program for underserved populations in rural areas. These include:
  • Broadband access: Home-based telehealth care requires broadband internet access. However, not all rural areas have access to high-quality broadband internet. It is important to develop a plan to address this challenge, such as by partnering with local internet service providers or by providing patients with mobile hotspots.
  • Reimbursement: Some insurance companies do not reimburse for telehealth services. This could make it difficult for patients to afford home-based telehealth care. It is important to work with insurance companies to ensure that the program is covered by insurance.
  • Provider training: Not all healthcare providers are trained in how to deliver telehealth services. It is important to provide training to healthcare providers on how to use the telehealth equipment and technologies, and how to deliver care effectively through telehealth.
  • Patient engagement: It is important to engage patients in the development and implementation of the program. This will help to ensure that the program meets the needs of the target population and that it is user-friendly.
By carefully considering all of these factors, it is possible to develop and implement a home-based telehealth care program that is effective, accessible, and affordable for underserved populations in rural areas  

Sample Answer

   

Title: Developing a Home-Based Telehealth Care Program for Underserved Populations in Rural Areas

Aim Statement: To develop and implement a home-based telehealth care program for underserved populations in rural areas, with the goal of improving access to quality healthcare and reducing disparities in health outcomes.