Abstract This paper describes and discusses the concept of self care in the health sector. It provides a history of self care in nursing practice and discusses its importance. The paper then discusses the importance of knowledge and education for self care and looks at the process of gaining information. The paper also looks at barriers to self care. Finally, the paper presents a case study that discusses the issues relating to self care and the role of the nurse.
Table of Contents:
Introduction to the Concept of Self Care Definition
Description
History of Self Care Self Care in Nursing Practice
Self Care in Education
Self Care in Research
Self Care in the Future
The Importance of Self Care Philosophical and Theoretical Application of Self Care Self Care Deficit Theory of Nursing
Self Care and the Nurse-Patient Relationship
Barriers to Self Care Case Example
From the Paper "The role of the nurse in this situation would be to design a plan for self care which addresses the current self care deficits. For example in this situation, the plan may include education from a specialist into ways in which Claudia can more effectively self manage her diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis. This may contribute significantly to reducing the self care deficit and may allow Claudia to fully participate in self care individually. However this may not fully address the deficit, so the involvement of Claudia's family may also be included in the plan. This may involve providing education to the family with regards to helping Claudia in monitoring her diabetes, or may involve discussion about actions which could be taken by Claudia's family to extend their participation in self care. In this instance, Claudia requires only a supportive educative agency, although the situation would need to be monitored as the requirement may change in the future to a partly or wholly compensatory nursing system should the self care deficit increase for any reason (Kumar, 2007)."
Tags: health care provider, functioning responsibility
Abstract This paper, based in sociological and social psychology concepts, identifies the causal factors for the gap between lower-income Americans and members of visible minorities in the United States and more affluent Americans and members of the majority segment of the population with respect to health care access. The author concludes, after an extensive review of the literature, that a universal system of health care entitlement is required in the United States. The author suggests that an extensive education is required for low-income persons and members of visible minorities to know the benefits and function of health care services, and health care providers require education in the social mores of the diverse populations they must serve.
Table of Contents
Problem Delineation
Background on the Problem
Statement of the Problem
Research Questions
Review of Relevant Social Psychology Theory and Literature
Introduction
Sociological Theory and Health Care The Welfare State
Accessing Contemporary Health Care Role of Ethics in Accessing Health Care Alternative Health Care Delivery Systems
Chapter Conclusions
Social Functioning of Low-Income and Visible Minority Population Groups
Introduction
HIV/AIDS Related Behavior
Initiatives to Improve Health Care Access and Behaviors
The American Health Care System and The Health Care Experiences of Low-Income and Visible Minority Population Groups
Introduction
The American Health Care System
Delivery of Health Care to the Poor
Care Quality
Alternative Approaches to Delivery
Bioethical Issues
Problems of Accessibility
Initiatives to Improve Access
Chapter Conclusions
Assessment of the Problem
Discussion
Recommendations for Further Research
Annotated Bibliography
From the Paper "One of the major impediments to the attainment of universal access to healthcare in the United States is the functioning of for-profit Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) and managed care organizations (MCOs). These organizations are investor-owned organizations that are in business to make a profit on healthcare delivery. Non-for-profit healthcare organizations also must earn a profit on their operations in order to be able to compensate and train staff, acquire new technology, and generally improve the quality of their services. Unlike investor-owned healthcare companies, however, non-for-profit organizations are not driven by share prices and the bottom-line mentality of for-profit companies. Thus, patient-centered care in not-for-profit healthcare organizations may be contrasted with the investor orientation of the for-profit healthcare companies. Recent decisions by for-profit healthcare companies to drop their Medicare healthcare groups because of substandard profit growth illustrates as no amount of rhetoric can the precedent of investor concerns over patient concerns in the for-profit healthcare companies."
Abstract This paper examines the American health care system and suggests methods of creating universal access to health care. The paper explains that health care should be considered a right for all citizens; a constitutional amendment would make this proposition mandatory. The paper points out that, at its root, the lack of health care for all in America is fundamentally a moral issue. The paper suggests that the United States follow its industrialized, wealthy counterparts and demand universal health care. It explains that the desire for universal health care is apparent and cites examples of states which are implementing a near-universal health care system. The writer proposes that the U.S. pass the United States National Health Insurance Act, or the Expanded and Improved Medicare for All Act. The writer further explains that this act establishes the United States National Health Insurance (USNHI) Program to provide all individuals residing in the United States and in U.S. territories with free health care, including all medically necessary care, such as primary care and prevention, prescription drugs, emergency care, and mental health services.
Outline:
Universal Healthcare in Other Countries
United States National Health Insurance Act
The Uninsured: College Students
Children's Health Care Preventative Health Care Eliminating Disparities
Conclusion
From the Paper "More health care clinics geared toward minority populations could also be beneficial; citizens would feel more comfortable in settings that recognize their specific needs. Cultural and linguistic competence is mandatory. More classes in medical school concerning minority health care issues should be implemented. More minority members should be in the health care system. This would increase patient participation in care processes, ensuring grater satisfaction and adherence to treatment. The regulations in the system should be transparent and open to the public. A department in the government should be primarily focused on minority health care. The heath care system should be as diverse as our country."
Tags: primary, care, prescription, drugs, emergency, care, mental, health, services
Abstract This paper analyzes the Jean Watson theory of human caring, used in the nursing curriculum. The paper explains that, according to Watson, the theory of human caring is a focus for the future of nursing practice and provides the standards that should guide nurses in every aspect of their role in the health care field. The paper looks at how, as time has evolved, the issues with which nurses have been confronted have caused a shift in the approach to nursing that is based on quality care. The paper then points out that, although Watson is specific as to the realm of caring that can be applied to nursing and the delivery of service to the patient, it is evident that Watson intended for the caring perspective to be apparent in every facet of nursing and used to understand all issues that affected the individual's health and well being. In conclusion, the paper shows that the theory of human caring should be a vital instrument for all nursing professionals and students, serving nursing through a foundation for care that returns the profession to a focus specifically on the patient and quality care.
Outline:
Define Theory of Human Caring.
Analyze the Jean Watson Theory of Human Caring.
Use of Jean Watson Theory of Human Caring Use in Guiding All Nursing Programs.
Applicability of Jean Watson Theory of Human Caring to Undergraduate Level Nursing Practice.
Applicability of Jean Watson Theory of Human Caring to Graduate Level Nursing Practice.
Conclusion
From the Paper "To care for the complete human means to care for each element of the individual's life that is either positively or negatively impacting him or her. Treating the illness without considering the psychological issues that may be evident will slow recovery time and may hinder the effectiveness of the treatment. Recommending treatments that are not feasible in the life of an impoverished individual or that the person cannot be transported to, will prevent the complete recovery of the person. And advocating surgery for a patient that elects only to utilize Chinese Traditional Medicine for the health care needs, prevents the patient from receiving care that is applicable to the individual's life."
Tags: health, care, needs, patient, surgery, medicine
Abstract This paper compares and contrasts continuity of care and continuum of care and shows how each one may impact a patient's care. It gives descriptions of the different facets of continuity of care and continuum of care and how each is important to quality patient care.
From the Paper "Continuity of care is defined as the continuation of care of a patient over time by multiple health care providers ..."
Tags: continuum of care, continuity of care, patient
Abstract The author of this paper reviews professional literature relating to hospice care workers and the occurrence of work burn out. The author postulates that the hospice care field is one that is young in the medical field, as well as one that currently employs a small percentage of nurses within the nation. The author further contends that when hospice care nurses decide to leave hospice care to either change professions or work in another area of health care altogether, the impact on the hospice is detrimental to the success of the hospice program. The author states that examining the research to determine the causes of job burnout for hospice care nurses is important to develop an understanding of what needs to change in health care in order to retain nurses as valuable members to the hospice health care team.
From the Paper "Munley (1993) developed a book that was the result of two types of study in relation to hospice care. Munley (1993) focused on both the micro world of hospice care and the macro world of hospice. According to Munley (1993) the micro world is associated with the immediate participant's involvement with hospice, while the macro world is the full scope of hospice that is viewed within society (p. 13). Munley(1993) states that one world is consistently impacting the other to create a hospice care system that impacts the type of care that patients and their caregivers come to know (p. 13). In order to examine the micro view of hospice Munley 1993) used direct observation of patients and their caregivers in health care facilities in periods ranging from one to six months. Munley (1993) stated that "The information on the macro-world of hospice was gleaned from reading, research, attendance at hospice meetings, and interviews with people involved in the hospice movement" (p. 13)."
Tags: hospice, care, health, medical, nursing, patients, family, profession, caregivers, die, human, rights
Abstract This is an investigative report on the effects of managed care on the quality of health care. Managed care is a belief that a health care system should work to keep people healthy. However, when people are sick or injured, the health care plan should work to assure the right treatment in the right setting by the right person. There are various forms of managed care.
Abstract This paper discusses the concept of caring, specifically as it manifests between a nurse and his/her patient. The paper discusses five aspects of caring, which are caring and competency; caring and connectedness; caring and critical thinking; caring and healing; and caring and professionalism. The writer mentions his own experiences following surgery.
From the Paper "Caring is a complex issue. Dowling (2004) mentions that there are 35 different definitions of caring, but one of the most useful is caring as an interpersonal interaction. "For caring to occur, both the nurse and the patient must communicate openly with trust and respect for each other" (Dowling, 2004, p. 1291). There are five aspects of caring which consist of: caring and competency; caring and connectedness; caring and critical thinking; caring and healing; and caring and professionalism. These aspects will be discussed. My own experience of surgery was marked by deep anxiety and feelings of loss."
Abstract The paper discusses how the shortage of healthcare and poorer standards of quality have tested the ability of society to provide the medical support that the population needs. The paper relates that the present standard of care has raised concerns among health care providers and patients regarding the implementation of new methods of improving the standard of care. This paper provides an overview of the healthcare industry's standard of care and suggests concepts that hospital management and health care providers could utilize to improve the quality of healthcare overall.
Outline:
Introduction
Standard of Care Conclusion
From the Paper "In the medical profession, the business process perspective refers to internal processes. Metrics based on this perspective allow the managers to know how well their business is running, and whether its products and services conform to patient's requirements. These metrics have to be carefully designed by those who know these processes most intimately, usually includes the identification of mission-oriented processes, and support processes. Mission-oriented processes are the special functions of government offices, whereas the support processes are more repetitive, and easier to benchmark and measure using generic metrics. The patient perspective can be improved by enhancing the quality of care, and perhaps by offering additional services needed by the physicians that are not currently addressed or not stressed enough. The final perspective, financing healthcare, involves timely and accurate funding where the implementation of a corporate database would ideally centralize the majority of the processing of the data in addition to automating the processing of financial data. A hospital or health care provider could successfully implement this perspective by including additional metrics, such as other types of financial related data, such as risk-assessment and cost-benefit data."
Abstract This paper examines the issue of how day care settings affect a child's development has been studied by many child experts and psychologists. It looks at how diverse factors, such as the amount of time a child stays at day care, the behavioral tendencies of a child, the child's bonding with his parents, and the social and environment adaptation capability of a child, are being used as measures in examining whether or not day care causes negative effects to children. Research and studies on the effects of long-term day care still need to consider factors, such as the hereditary genes and the natural behavior of a child. Such factors, if applied, may provide more reliable results in determining whether negative behaviors of a child are actually caused by his long-term attendance in day care.
From the Paper "The emotional and psychological aspects of children are the critical issues in the effects of daycare, especially on those who attended long-term daycare at an age earlier than 5. Researches have shown that these factors in a child's development are weakened by lack of attachment and bonding from a primary environment that must consists of parents and family. The article Daycare describes two studies conducted by Janice Wallerstien (1995) and Karl Zinmeister (1998). Both studies indicate that even daycares with high quality of service are unable to provide the necessary attachment needed by a child in his childhood."
Tags: genes, parents, bond, environment, care, giver
Abstract The American health care system has been at the center of debate for many years. One of the most pressing issues confronting the health care system involves Medicare and its beneficiaries. This discussion focuses on the ramifications of moving Medicare beneficiaries into managed care organizations (MCOs). The paper illustrates that moving the Medicare beneficiaries into MCOs is a bad idea because there will not to be any real cost savings, and many individuals are likely to be denied needed care.
From the Paper "An article found in American Economic Review explains that Medicare is the second largest government entitlement program in the United States. The cost associated with running this program is astronomical. The article asserts that in 1999 the government spent $230 billion or 13% of its budget on Medicare and its beneficiaries. (Antos and Bilheimer) The major issue with Medicare is that it is expected to grow exponentially in the next few years due to the aging population. It is estimated that 47 million people will be enrolled in the Medicare program. (Antos and Bilheimer)"
Abstract This paper stresses that basic premise of ethical health care is to make sure everyone has an opportunity to be treated, to have his illness cured if possible and not to leave the patient and his family with a huge financial burden. The author points out that, while individuals may complain about the rising costs of health care, it is the shouting of large corporations, who are paying a share of these costs through employee programs, that has alerted the public and government regulators to the high price of health provision. The paper contends that, although many experts may agree that the problem is "market-driven health care", the facts are (1) that it is nearly impossible for a patient to "compare" services and (2) the traditional hospital survive through donations and gifts from philanthropists, while the managed-care facilities must operate on a for-profit basis.
From the Paper "Technology is supposed to reduce the cost by increasing efficiencies. However, many of the traditional hospitals have become so enamored with some of the new technological and surgical machinery and instrumentation that "they have been so pervasively purchased by health care institutions- some of which use them very little that they have increased the costs as well." What has happened is that new technologies, which may include lasers and even plastics, have increased the number of elective surgeries, since the trauma of great pain and lengthy operations and after-care have now been minimized."
Abstract This paper describes and defines holistic care of patients. The writer claims that the provision of suitable nursing care is not possible if the patient is not viewed in a holistic and complete manner. The writer explains that the holistic care of a patient involves the care of the whole person. The writer further points out that even though nurses do often tend to provide what they believe is holistic nursing care, they also tend to forget the spiritual dimension.
From the Paper "It is impossible to provide adequate nursing care if the patient is not viewed holistically. Holistic care refers to care for the whole person. According to the CNO, among the core competencies for the nurse who is performing assessment, she "considers the psychosocial, emotional, ethnic, cultural and spiritual dimensions of health". "
Abstract The writer states that his/her practicum took place at Mount Sinai Mother and Baby Unit, a place where change is used as a catalyst to enhance quality of care. The writer's project was based on the principles of family centered care. The writer's main learning goal was to understand family centered care and to apply nursing and change theory to his/her own practice of family centered care. It was emphasized during the retreat that family centered care is holistic and that patients and families must be respected and treated with dignity.
Abstract This paper evaluates managed care and its negative implications on the patient-physician relationship. The author views managed health care as a serious threat to the trust embodied within the traditional patient-physician relationship. It is further argued that if this trust erodes, there cannot be any assurance about the adequacy of that health care system.
A Physician's Conflicting Loyalties
Managed Care Compromises Patient Autonomy
Ethical Problems Associated with Financial Incentives to Limit Care Solution: Preserving the Physician's Role
From the Paper "The foundation of the physician-patient relationship is the trust embodied within. It is based on the premise that physicians are primarily dedicated toward their patients, who can expect that physicians will honorably serve them even if it means putting the physician's own health at risk. They can rely on physicians to do everything in their power to help them. (Morreim, 23) It is this trust that enables patients to communicate private information and to place their health, and indeed their lives, in the hands of their physicians. No other individual in the health care system is in a position to assume such an important responsibility, such as the one that physicians have towards their patients. It is this trust between physicians and patients which is the backbone of any successful health care system; without it, there can be no assurance about the adequacy of that system."
Tags: Physician, Patient, Healthcare, Managed Care, Conflict, American Medical Association
