Introduction
This paper aims to promote increased evidence-based professional practice knowledge related to the concept of Health Promotion and Maintenance of Health, which has been identified as a deficiency in current clinical practice. The NCLEX-RN examination is a standardized test that is used to evaluate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of entry-level registered nurses in the United States. The examination blueprint categorizes the content of the examination into four major categories: Safe and Effective Care Environment, Health Promotion and Maintenance, Psychosocial Integrity, and Physiological Integrity. The category of Health Promotion and Maintenance is focused on identifying and addressing the health needs of individuals and communities, promoting healthy behaviors and lifestyles, and preventing illness and injury. In this paper, we will examine the content and structure of the Health Promotion and Maintenance category of the NCLEX-RN examination blueprint and explore how it relates to the promotion and maintenance of health. Specifically, we will discuss the key concepts and topics that are covered in this category, how they are related to health promotion and maintenance, and the importance of this content for nursing practice. By understanding the relationship between the NCLEX-RN examination blueprint and Health Promotion and Maintenance, nurses can better prepare for the examination and provide high-quality, patient-centered care that promotes health and prevents illness.
Importance
The priority concept of Health Promotion and Maintenance of Health is critical to professional nursing practice. It involves promoting healthy behaviors and lifestyles, preventing illness and injury, and identifying and addressing the health needs of individuals and communities (Sibeudu, 2022). By prioritizing health promotion and maintenance, nurses can help individuals and populations achieve better health outcomes and prevent the onset of chronic diseases. If the priority concept of Health Promotion and Maintenance of Health is unresolved, it can have negative effects on professional practice (Sibeudu, 2022). Nurses may fail to identify and address health needs and provide inadequate patient education, resulting in poor health outcomes for patients. Additionally, nurses may miss opportunities to prevent illness and injury, resulting in increased healthcare costs and decreased quality of life for individuals and populations.
Unresolved Health Promotion and Maintenance of Health can also have negative effects on patient populations. Failure to prioritize health promotion and maintenance can lead to increased rates of chronic diseases, decreased life expectancy, and decreased quality of life (Sibeudu, 2022). Populations with limited access to healthcare or resources may be especially vulnerable to the negative effects of unresolved Health Promotion and Maintenance of Health (Sibeudu, 2022). The concept of Health Promotion and Maintenance of Health is critical to professional nursing practice and the health status of patient populations (Sibeudu, 2022). Failure to prioritize this concept can have negative effects on both professional practice and patient outcomes (Sibeudu, 2022). It is essential for nurses to prioritize Health Promotion and Maintenance of Health in their practice to promote the health and well-being of individuals and populations.
Healthcare Disparities, Inequalities, and Interventions
Patient populations that may be negatively influenced by the priority concept of Health Promotion and Maintenance of Health if unresolved include those with chronic illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease, as well as those with mental health conditions, substance abuse disorders, and individuals with limited access to healthcare. Healthcare resources to support evidence-based professional practice related Health Promotion and Maintenance of Health include clinical practice guidelines, evidence-based research, health promotion programs, and community-based interventions (Brown et al., 2019). Potential healthcare disparities and inequalities related to diverse populations regarding the priority concept of Health Promotion and Maintenance of Health include individuals from low-income and underserved communities, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and the elderly.
An evidence-based solution for addressing healthcare disparities related to the priority concept of Health Promotion and Maintenance of Health is to implement a community-based approach to healthcare delivery (Brown et al., 2019). The approach involves engaging with community organizations and healthcare providers to provide education, prevention, and early intervention services to at-risk populations (Brown et al., 2019). Three evidence-based practice interventions for addressing the priority concept of Health Promotion and Maintenance of Health include implementing regular health screenings and check-ups, promoting healthy lifestyle behaviors such as physical activity and healthy eating, and providing education and resources to patients and families to manage chronic illnesses.
Prioritizing these interventions will depend on the patient population being served, but generally, regular health screenings and check-ups should be prioritized to identify health issues early on, followed by promoting healthy lifestyle behaviors and providing education and resources to manage chronic illnesses (Brown et al., 2019). Two patient education considerations related to the priority concept of Health Promotion and Maintenance of Health include providing culturally appropriate education and materials to patients and families and involving patients and families in the development and implementation of their care plans (Brown et al., 2019). The approach can help to increase patient engagement and improve health outcomes.
Legal & Ethical Considerations and Intervention Challenges
Addressing Health Promotion and Maintenance of Health in professional practice can have both ethical and legal implications. One ethical implication of promoting health is that it may raise concerns about patient autonomy and individual rights (Solberg, 2021). In some cases, patients may not be willing to make lifestyle changes or adhere to preventive measures, which could lead to tension between healthcare providers and patients (Solberg, 2021). On the other hand, failing to address the priority concept of health promotion and maintenance could have legal implications, such as potential malpractice lawsuits if patients experience adverse health outcomes that could have been prevented with appropriate interventions.
One strategy for preventing ethical dilemmas related to the priority concept is to prioritize patient-centered care and shared decision-making. The concept means involving patients in their care, providing them with all relevant information and options, and respecting their autonomy in making decisions about their health (Solberg, 2021). Healthcare providers can also engage in open and honest communication with patients, being transparent about potential risks and benefits of different interventions and treatments. Healthcare providers must adhere to standards of care and best practices established by professional organizations and regulatory bodies to prevent legal consequences related to the priority concept (Solberg, 2021). They must also maintain accurate and thorough documentation of patient care and ensure that all interventions and treatments are within the scope of their licensure and training.
An anticipated challenge to the success of preventing the priority concept of health promotion and maintenance in professional practice is the lack of resources and support from healthcare organizations and systems. In many cases, healthcare providers may not have adequate time or resources to focus on preventive care, such as health education and counseling (Solberg, 2021). Additionally, reimbursement policies may not prioritize preventive care, which could lead to underfunding and limited access to resources. Another anticipated challenge is the issue of health disparities and inequalities. In many populations, access to healthcare and resources for health promotion and maintenance is limited, which could exacerbate existing health disparities (Solberg, 2021). Healthcare providers must be mindful of these disparities and work to provide equitable care to all patients, regardless of their socio-economic or demographic background.
Participants and Interdisciplinary Approach
The implementation of interventions related to the priority concept of Health Promotion and Maintenance of Health requires the involvement of several parties. These parties include the nurses providing direct patient care, nursing management, other healthcare professionals, and the patients themselves (Grabowski et al., 2017). Each of these parties plays a critical role in the successful implementation of the interventions (Grabowski et al., 2017). Nurses providing direct patient care are responsible for delivering evidence-based interventions to their patients. They play a vital role in educating patients about healthy lifestyle choices, screening for diseases, and providing immunizations. Nursing management is responsible for creating a supportive environment that fosters evidence-based practice, providing necessary resources and training to their staff, and monitoring the progress of interventions (Grabowski et al., 2017). Other healthcare professionals, such as physicians, physical therapists, and dieticians, also have a role in promoting health and wellness for their patients by providing additional healthcare services and resources.
In addition to nursing and other healthcare professionals, including members of disciplines outside of nursing, such as social workers and public health professionals, can also contribute to the successful implementation of interventions related to the priority concept. Social workers can provide support and resources to patients to address social determinants of health, such as housing and food insecurity, while public health professionals can provide education and resources related to health promotion and disease prevention on a population level (Grabowski et al., 2017). Including members of these interdisciplinary teams can benefit evidence-based professional practice by providing a more holistic approach to patient care. By incorporating the expertise and perspectives of various healthcare professionals, interventions can be tailored to address the unique needs of patients and promote more comprehensive and effective care (Grabowski et al., 2017). Furthermore, including these interdisciplinary members can help identify and address potential barriers to successful intervention implementation, such as social determinants of health and community-level factors. Interdisciplinary collaboration can enhance the quality of care provided to patients and promote more effective healthcare outcomes.
Quality Improvement
Health Promotion and Maintenance of Health within the clinical environment can lead to numerous benefits in patient outcomes. By focusing on prevention and health maintenance, patients may experience a decreased incidence of chronic diseases and conditions, improved physical and mental health, and an increased quality of life (WHO, 2018). The implementation of evidence-based interventions and patient education strategies can also lead to better patient engagement and adherence to healthy behaviors, ultimately improving their overall health outcomes. In addition to improved patient outcomes, addressing the concept of Health Promotion and Maintenance of Health can also have a positive impact on the nursing profession (WHO, 2018). By emphasizing the importance of prevention and health maintenance, nurses can expand their role beyond just treating illness and injury, and take a more holistic approach to patient care (WHO, 2018). The advancement can lead to increased job satisfaction, professional growth, and a greater sense of fulfillment in their work.
A variety of resources can be utilized to promote improved patient outcomes in the clinical environment. For example, electronic health records can facilitate the tracking and management of patients’ health metrics, allowing for earlier identification and intervention in potential health concerns (WHO, 2018). Patient portals can also be utilized to facilitate patient engagement and communication, allowing patients to take a more active role in their own health maintenance. Resources such as continuing education programs, conferences, and professional organizations can be utilized to increase professional nurse knowledge promoting improved clinical professional practice (WHO, 2018). These resources can provide up-to-date information on evidence-based interventions and strategies for addressing the priority concept of Health Promotion and Maintenance of Health. Additionally, collaboration with interdisciplinary team members can lead to the sharing of knowledge and ideas, ultimately promoting improved clinical professional practice.
Conclusion
The purpose of this paper is to promote increased evidence-based professional practice knowledge related to the concept of Health Promotion and Maintenance of Health, which has been identified as a deficiency in current clinical practice. It is important to address this priority concept as it impacts patient outcomes and evidence-based professional practice. Neglecting health promotion and maintenance interventions can result in negative health consequences for patient populations, and can also lead to healthcare disparities and inequalities. Addressing this priority concept is crucial in promoting the health and well-being of patients and improving overall healthcare outcomes. Several resources have been identified to support improved evidence-based professional practice related to the priority concept of Health Promotion and Maintenance of Health. These include but are not limited to clinical guidelines and protocols, patient education materials, interdisciplinary collaboration, and ongoing professional development and training for healthcare providers. By utilizing these resources, healthcare providers can promote evidence-based interventions for health promotion and maintenance and improve patient outcomes.
Addressing Health Promotion and Maintenance of Health matters for patient outcomes and evidence-based professional practice as it is essential in promoting the health and well-being of patients. By implementing evidence-based interventions, healthcare providers can help prevent and manage chronic diseases, reduce healthcare disparities, and ultimately improve overall healthcare outcomes. Additionally, addressing this priority concept can benefit the nursing profession by promoting the use of evidence-based practice and increasing nurse knowledge and competency in promoting health promotion and maintenance interventions.
Reference(s)
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Grabowski, D., Aagaard-Hansen, J., Willaing, I., & Jensen, B. B. (2017). Principled promotion of health: implementing five guiding health promotion principles for research-based prevention and management of diabetes. Societies, 7(2), 10. https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4698/7/2/10
Sibeudu, F. T. (2022). Health Promotion In Primary Health Care IntechOpen. https://www.intechopen.com/chapters/80299
Solberg, B. (2021). The Ethics of Health Promotion: From Public Health to Health Care. Health Promotion in Health Care–Vital Theories and Research, 23-32. https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-030-63135-2_3
World Health Organization (WHO). (2018). Improving the quality of health services: tools and resources. https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/310944/9789241515085-eng.pdf
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