Outline one key point where changes can be made for the osteoarthritis individual. The identified changes should encompass the role of the nurse.

QUESTION

Outline one key point where changes can be made for the osteoarthritis individual. The identified changes should encompass the role of the nurse.

Develop an action plan, using evidence-based research, to address osteoarthritis targeting one key area of change that you outlined in the above question A. Here, you will utilize a health promotion planning cycle identifying health promotion and illness prevention strategies in the design.

ANSWER

 Role of Nurses in Promoting Health and Managing Osteoarthritis: A Comprehensive Action Plan

Introduction

Osteoarthritis is a prevalent chronic condition characterized by joint pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. As part of a multidisciplinary healthcare team, nurses play a vital role in managing osteoarthritis and promoting the overall health and well-being of individuals affected by this condition. This essay aims to outline a key area of change where nurses can make a difference and develop an evidence-based action plan utilizing the health promotion planning cycle to address osteoarthritis effectively.

Key Area of Change: Self-management Education and Support

 Assessment

The first step in the health promotion planning cycle is the assessment of the current situation. Nurses should assess the educational needs and self-management abilities of individuals with osteoarthritis (Powers et al., 2016). This can be achieved through comprehensive interviews, questionnaires, and physical assessments to gather information on the patient’s understanding of the condition, pain levels, functional limitations, and psychological well-being.

Goal Setting

Based on the assessment findings, nurses should collaborate with patients to establish realistic and patient-centered goals. These goals should focus on improving pain management, increasing physical activity, enhancing mobility, and promoting overall self-management skills. Goals should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART).

 Planning

Nurses should utilize evidence-based research and guidelines to develop an individualized action plan that addresses the identified goals. The plan should include a combination of pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions, such as:

    Pharmacological Interventions:

      – Collaboration with the healthcare team to optimize pain management through the appropriate use of analgesics, such as acetaminophen or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

      – Ensuring patients understand the potential risks and benefits of medications, including proper dosing, administration, and potential side effects (Wells, 2008).

    Non-pharmacological Interventions:

      – Providing education on joint protection techniques, such as using assistive devices, applying heat or cold therapy, and modifying daily activities to reduce joint stress.

      – Recommending and supervising appropriate exercise programs, including strengthening exercises, low-impact aerobic activities, and flexibility exercises, to improve joint function and reduce pain.

      – Promoting weight management strategies through a balanced diet and encouraging healthy eating habits to minimize the strain on weight-bearing joints.

      – Offering psychological support and counseling to address emotional aspects and help patients cope with the impact of osteoarthritis on their daily lives.

 Implementation

Nurses should actively engage individuals with osteoarthritis in their self-management plan by providing ongoing support, reinforcement, and monitoring. Regular follow-up appointments should be scheduled to assess progress, address concerns, reinforce education, and modify the plan as needed (Dineen-Griffin et al., 2019). Nurses can utilize various teaching methods, such as individual or group sessions, visual aids, pamphlets, or online resources, to ensure patients have access to information and support.

 Evaluation

Evaluation is crucial to determine the effectiveness of the action plan and make necessary adjustments. Nurses should assess patient outcomes based on the established goals, such as improved pain control, increased physical activity, enhanced mobility, and better self-management skills. Patient feedback and satisfaction surveys can be valuable tools to assess the effectiveness of the implemented strategies and identify areas for improvement.

Conclusion

By focusing on self-management education and support, nurses can empower individuals with osteoarthritis to actively participate in their own care, enhance their overall well-being, and optimize their quality of life. Through the health promotion planning cycle, nurses can utilize evidence-based strategies to address osteoarthritis comprehensively, promote health, and prevent further deterioration. By playing a pivotal role in patient education, care coordination, and ongoing support, nurses can significantly contribute to the management of osteoarthritis and improve patient outcomes.

References

Dineen-Griffin, S., Garcia-Cardenas, V., Williams, K. A., & Benrimoj, S. I. (2019). Helping patients help themselves: A systematic review of self-management support strategies in primary health care practice. PLOS ONE, 14(8), e0220116. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0220116 

Powers, M. A., Bardsley, J. K., Cypress, M., Duker, P., Funnell, M. M., Fischl, A. H., Maryniuk, M. D., Wang, J., & Vivian, E. M. (2016). Diabetes Self-management Education and Support in Type 2 Diabetes: A Joint Position Statement of the American Diabetes Association, the American Association of Diabetes Educators, and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Clinical Diabetes, 34(2), 70–80. https://doi.org/10.2337/diaclin.34.2.70 

Wells, N. (2008, April 1). Improving the Quality of Care Through Pain Assessment and Management. Patient Safety and Quality – NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK2658/