Consider a hypothetical scenario based on your own healthcare practice or organization that would require or benefit from the access/collection and application of data. Your scenario may involve a patient, staff, or management problem or gap.
Scenario: Improving Patient Outcomes through Remote Patient Monitoring
Focus of the Scenario: The hypothetical scenario revolves around implementing remote patient monitoring (RPM) to improve patient outcomes in a healthcare organization. RPM involves the use of technology to collect and transmit patient health data from their home to healthcare providers for monitoring and intervention. The focus is on patients with chronic conditions, such as diabetes or hypertension, who require ongoing monitoring and management.
Data Collection and Access: The data that could be used for this scenario includes vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, etc.), glucose levels, medication adherence, physical activity, and symptoms reported by the patients. These data points can be collected using various remote monitoring devices such as wearable sensors, glucometers, and digital health apps installed on patients’ smartphones.
The collected data can be accessed through a secure cloud-based platform or integrated into the healthcare organization’s electronic health record (EHR) system. Authorized healthcare professionals, including nurses and physicians, can access and review the data to monitor patients’ health status, identify any concerning trends or deviations, and intervene as necessary.
Knowledge Derived from the Data: By analyzing the collected data, nurses and other healthcare professionals can derive valuable insights and knowledge. They can identify patterns, trends, and changes in patients’ health parameters over time. For example, they can observe blood glucose levels, identify patterns of hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia, and adjust medication or treatment plans accordingly. They can also track blood pressure readings and identify worsening hypertension trends, leading to timely medication adjustments or lifestyle interventions.
Additionally, the data can provide information on patient adherence to prescribed medications and lifestyle modifications. This knowledge can help healthcare providers assess the effectiveness of treatment plans and provide targeted education and support to patients who may be struggling with adherence.
Clinical Reasoning and Judgment: Nurse leaders play a critical role in utilizing clinical reasoning and judgment to form knowledge from the experience of RPM. They interpret the collected data in the context of each patient’s unique circumstances and clinical history. They consider the patients’ overall health status, co-existing conditions, and any recent changes in medications or treatments.
Nurse leaders use clinical reasoning to identify any concerning patterns or deviations from the norm, recognizing the need for further assessment or intervention. They also collaborate with the interprofessional team to develop and implement care plans that align with the patient’s goals and preferences. They rely on their expertise and experience to prioritize actions based on the severity and urgency of the situation, ensuring that appropriate interventions are initiated promptly.
By integrating clinical reasoning and judgment with the insights derived from the collected data, nurse leaders can provide patient-centered care, personalize treatment plans, and optimize patient outcomes.
References:
- Chen, Y. Y., Chang, C. L., & Huang, C. Y. (2018). Effectiveness of telehealthcare in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Telemedicine and e-Health, 24(9), 639-670. doi:10.1089/tmj.2017.0247
- Devi, R., & Singh, S. J. (2020). Effectiveness of telemonitoring in preventing hospitalization in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis. International Journal of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, 15, 1669-1692. doi:10.2147/COPD.S261120
- Scalvini, S., Zanelli, E., Volterrani, M., & Vitacca, M. (2018). Usefulness of remote monitoring of cardiac implanted electronic devices in patients transferred for a life-threatening arrhythmic event. Monaldi Archives for Chest Disease, 88(4), 939. doi:10.4081/monaldi.2018.939