Nancy is a case manager for a long-term care facility that has recently opened a rehabilitation unit. Nancy’s role includes identifying patient education needs prior to discharge and implementing a plan of action to prevent reoccurring admissions. Nancy is concerned because she continues to see an increase in admissions in patient with diabetes. Typically, Nancy refers these patients to the local health department for diabetic education. Nancy calls the agency and is informed that due to budget cuts, the diabetic education classes they use to offer have been discontinued. The health department director Kevin states, “Sorry Nancy, wish I could help, perhaps you can provide education for the diabetic patients at your facility. That is what other organizations are doing.” Nancy has completed her budget proposal for the year and has submitted it to the organization. She had allocated $1,000 for staff development, $15,000 for new equipment, including new diabetic glucometers, and $5,000 for unforeseen needs. Nancy does not see any room in her budget to justify a new PTE to teach education courses for the diabetics who no longer have access to the classes.
1) Do you feel the addition of a diabetic education seminar is needed at the facility?
2) How can Nancy address this issue and adhere to her proposed budget?
3) Could the addition of an education seminar possibly influence the cost of health care at this facility?
1. Your pap should be:
- One (1) page or more
- Typed according to APA Writing Stylefor margins, formatting and spacing standards.
- Typed your pap in a Microsoft Word document, save the file, and then upload the file.
Title: Addressing the Need for Diabetic Education in a Long-Term Care Facility
Introduction: Nancy, a case manager in a long-term care facility, is witnessing an increase in admissions among patients with diabetes. Unfortunately, the local health department can no longer provide diabetic education classes due to budget cuts. Nancy is concerned about the lack of resources and the impact on patient outcomes. This paper aims to address the need for a diabetic education seminar at the facility, propose potential solutions within Nancy’s budget constraints, and explore the potential influence of such a seminar on healthcare costs.
- The Need for a Diabetic Education Seminar: Given the rising number of admissions related to diabetes, it is evident that a diabetic education seminar is needed at the facility. Diabetic patients require comprehensive knowledge about managing their condition, including diet, medication, monitoring, and lifestyle modifications. Education plays a vital role in empowering patients to take charge of their health, prevent complications, and minimize hospital readmissions. By providing education within the facility, Nancy can ensure that patients receive the necessary support before discharge, leading to better self-management and overall outcomes.
- Addressing the Issue within Budget Constraints: Considering Nancy’s proposed budget, it is important to explore cost-effective options to address the diabetic education needs. Here are some potential solutions:
a) Utilize existing staff: Instead of hiring a new patient education (PTE) instructor, Nancy can identify healthcare professionals within the facility who are knowledgeable in diabetes management. They could be trained to deliver educational sessions to diabetic patients, utilizing their expertise and reducing additional costs.
b) Partner with community resources: Nancy can reach out to local organizations, such as diabetes support groups, community health centers, or nonprofit organizations, to seek collaboration and assistance in delivering diabetic education. By forming partnerships, the facility can leverage external resources without incurring substantial expenses.
c) Online resources and technology: In the digital age, online resources, educational videos, and interactive platforms can be utilized to provide diabetic education to patients. Nancy can allocate a portion of the budget to invest in suitable software, applications, or subscriptions to reputable online educational platforms, allowing patients to access educational materials conveniently.
- Influence of Education Seminar on Healthcare Costs: The addition of a diabetic education seminar can positively influence the cost of healthcare at the facility. While there may be upfront costs associated with implementing the seminar, the long-term benefits are substantial. By equipping patients with the knowledge and skills necessary to manage their diabetes effectively, the facility can potentially reduce hospital readmissions, emergency room visits, and costly complications arising from uncontrolled diabetes. Additionally, proactive education can foster a culture of prevention, leading to improved health outcomes and decreased reliance on acute care services in the future.
Conclusion: Given the increasing admissions of diabetic patients and the discontinuation of local health department education classes, a diabetic education seminar is necessary at the long-term care facility. Despite budget constraints, Nancy can address this issue by utilizing existing staff, partnering with community resources, and leveraging online platforms. The implementation of such a seminar has the potential to positively impact patient outcomes, reduce healthcare costs in the long run, and empower individuals with diabetes to lead healthier lives.