Topic: Effectively Managing Behavioral health/Mental Health Illness on a medical/surgical unit
The strategy and methods assignment is an informal paper draft of the strategy or methods that will be used for the DNP project. The paper may be, but is not required to be, written in APA (7th ed.) format. The paper should include a reference list for citations contained in the draft. 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 may include, but is not required to include:
- 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 staff, IT, the management team, etc.)
Title: Effectively Managing Behavioral Health/Mental Health Illness on a Medical/Surgical Unit
Introduction: The effective management of behavioral health and mental health illness on a medical/surgical unit is a critical aspect of patient care. Patients in medical and surgical settings often experience psychological distress related to their illnesses, and addressing these issues is essential for improving overall patient outcomes. This strategy and methods assignment outline the initial steps for a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project that aims to enhance the management of behavioral health and mental health issues in a medical/surgical unit. The project will involve a multi-faceted approach encompassing education, advocacy, and intervention.
- General Approach to the Problem: The general approach to addressing behavioral health and mental health issues on a medical/surgical unit will encompass a combination of educational initiatives, advocacy efforts, and the development of targeted interventions. This multifaceted approach recognizes that a comprehensive strategy is required to address the complex needs of patients in these settings. It also acknowledges that the interplay of educational, advocacy, and interventional components is essential to create a holistic program that can be integrated into routine healthcare practices.
- Specific Application of the Approach: A. Education:
- Develop and implement a series of educational modules for healthcare providers (nurses, physicians, and support staff) that focus on recognizing, assessing, and addressing behavioral health and mental health issues in patients on the medical/surgical unit.
- Create patient-focused educational materials to increase awareness of available mental health support services.
- Conduct regular training sessions and workshops to ensure that all healthcare providers are up-to-date with the latest evidence-based practices for managing these issues.
B. Advocacy:
- Establish a dedicated behavioral health liaison team that advocates for patients’ mental health needs, liaises with external mental health resources, and promotes policies that prioritize behavioral health on the unit.
- Collaborate with the hospital administration to advocate for the allocation of additional resources for mental health support within the medical/surgical unit.
- Engage in community outreach to reduce the stigma associated with mental health issues and promote access to services.
C. Intervention:
- Implement routine mental health screenings for all patients upon admission to the medical/surgical unit.
- Develop a comprehensive care plan for patients with identified behavioral health and mental health needs, including access to psychotherapy, counseling, and psychiatric consultation.
- Introduce support groups and coping mechanism programs for patients with chronic medical conditions to address the psychological impact of their illnesses.
- Stakeholders Involved in Operationalization: A. Patients: Patients are key stakeholders in the project’s operationalization, as they are the recipients of the care and support provided. Their active participation in their own mental health management is crucial.
B. Healthcare Providers: Nurses, physicians, and support staff play a central role in the project’s success. Their involvement is vital in implementing the educational and interventional components.
C. Management Team: Hospital administrators and unit managers are responsible for providing the necessary resources and support for the project. They will also be involved in policy development and advocacy efforts.
D. IT Department: Information technology personnel are needed to support the implementation of electronic health records and digital tools for mental health assessments.
E. Behavioral Health Liaison Team: This dedicated team will be responsible for advocating for patients and collaborating with external mental health resources.
F. External Mental Health Services: Collaborating with community mental health providers is essential for referring patients and ensuring access to specialized mental health care.
Conclusion: The DNP project’s strategy and methods for effectively managing behavioral health and mental health illness on a medical/surgical unit involve a multifaceted approach that includes education, advocacy, and intervention. The involvement of patients, healthcare providers, the management team, IT personnel, a behavioral health liaison team, and external mental health services is crucial for the successful operationalization of this project. As the project progresses, the methodology will be refined to ensure optimal patient outcomes and quality of care.