The patient who referred to Sabatia Health Center for medical treatment was diagnosed with diabetes. The clinical assessment of the patient revealed a low insulin level and poor response to the insulin injections which resulted in the constant thirst, feeling of hunger, and urinary incontinence. Along with the physiological problems, the disease provoked the psycho-emotional disturbance as the patient gained weight and became more diffident due to the poor health condition.
The desired outcomes for the identified physiological problems include stabilization of insulin level, normalization of eating habits, loss of excess weight gained throughout disease progression, and elimination of the consequent symptoms such as permanent hunger and involuntary urination. Stabilization of insulin level is the basic goal of the intervention because the hormonal misbalance may be regarded as the cause of all other identified health problems (Dunning, 2009). It is possible to say that the improvement of hormonal functioning will lead to the reduction of complications such as kidney failures, eating disorders, and gain excess weight.
The desired outcomes for the intervention of the psychological condition are the reduction of stress and depressive symptoms that will be manifested in the social-emotional well-being of the patient and the development of a positive mindset. The intervention of psycho-emotional condition is important because mental health and the adopted positive mental structures and beliefs may substantially facilitate the course of medical treatment and impact the patient’s social performance in a good way (Goh, Rusli, & Khalid, 2014).
Holistic Nursing Intervention
It is observed that diabetes is associated with a high risk for the development of mental health problems and vice versa, and the diagnosed individuals are prone to the occurrence of mental problems in two times more often than those without diabetes (Patterson & Moxham, 2016). The findings make it clear that the holistic approach to treatment is required.
The nurse-led diabetes intervention and care management is an effective method of treatment for the acute problems caused by the illness and prevention of the potential adverse outcomes such as the development of heart disease, blindness, and lower-limb amputations (Beecher & Apple, 2013). The holistic nursing intervention includes the patient’s support in managing the medication intake, adoption of healthier dietary habits, coordination of physical activity, and weight loss.
The intervention should involve cognitive-behavioral therapy aimed to improve the psychological condition of the patient and increase his awareness regarding diabetes-related issues. Through participation in the course of cognitive therapy, patients practice the stress management activities that may help to achieve the long-term reduction of distress and anxiety and stimulate the behavioral changes increasing the efficiency of medical treatment (Iordache, Cioca, & Popa-Velea, 2014).
It is important to apply the culturally sensitive approach as well. Since the patient strongly identifies himself with Christianity, addressing his religious needs during the intervention may have favorable impacts on the outcomes of self-care management. Social and cultural backgrounds are regarded as essential sources of support in coping with illness (Cattich & Knudson-Martin, 2009). Through communication within the religious community and family, the patient may increase his confidence and decrease depressive symptoms and distress.
Evaluation Criteria
The short-term criteria for the evaluation of intervention effectiveness include the level of patient involvement in the cooperation with a nurse during treatment. Based on the patient’s attitude towards the implementation of the treatment plan it will be possible to predict his readiness for changes and improvement. The long-term criteria are the reduction of negative psychological symptoms stimulated by the change of lifestyle and practice of stress management activities.
The patient will also demonstrate the enhancement of physical health indicators manifested in the normalization of insulin level and weight loss. The ultimate positive result of intervention will be manifested in better health conditions and improvement of the psycho-emotional and social performance of the patient.
References
Beecher, G. P., & Appel, S. J. (2013). An algorithm for care: Managing type 2 diabetes. Nursing, 43(6), 14-17. Web.
Cattich, J., & Knudson-Martin, C. (2009). Spirituality and relationship: A holistic analysis of how couples cope with diabetes. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 35(1), 111-24. Web.
Dunning, T. (2009). Care of people with diabetes: A manual of nursing practice. Chichester, UK: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing.
Goh, S. G., Rusli, B. N., & Khalid, B. A. (2014). Diabetes quality of life perception in a multiethnic population. Quality of Life Research, 24(7), 1677-1686. Web.
Iordache, M., Cioca, I., & Popa-Velea, O. (2014). The impact of a cognitive-behavioral intervention on the relapse rate of type 2 diabetes depressive patients. Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 76(6), 506. Web.
Patterson, C., & Moxham, L. (2016). Diabetes and mental health: A holistic approach is needed. Australian Nursing and Midwifery Journal, 23(9), 42. Web.