The purpose of this assignment is to examine a patient case of a middle-aged man with multiple health issues due to poor lifestyle choices in relation to Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) model. Three strategies will be discussed to assist the patient based on EBP: providing education and evidence-based information, assessing and addressing personal beliefs and experiences, and continuously monitoring and adjusting the treatment plan. The conclusion is that EBP is a health promotion model that is useful for helping patients and improving their health outcomes.
A patient I looked after was a middle-aged man with several health problems due to bad lifestyle choices. He smoked, consumed a diet deficient in nutrients, and refrained from engaging in physical activity, all of which have led to his obesity and high blood pressure. His whole health and well-being have been significantly impacted by these decisions and a lack of healthy routines. He mentioned having trouble climbing the stairs and feeling exhausted. Although his physical condition was worsening, he frequently refused to take prescription medication and turned to alternative therapies like herbal supplements. His decisions further compromised his ability to control his blood pressure, increasing his vulnerability to cardiovascular disease.
The patient’s choices can be compared with the EBP model. This health promotion model is one of the key models used in improvement science (ISRN, n.d.) Implementing evidence‐based practice (EBP) by health professionals is an important tactic for enhancing patient care and healthcare workers’ performance (Compendium of Research Instruments, n.d.). EBP gives priority to integrating the best available information from well-designed studies with a clinician’s experience, patient history, physical data, resource utilization, and patient preferences when making decisions about patient care (Eccleston et al., 2021). In this case, it is possible that the patient relied on personal beliefs and experiences with alternative treatments and did not understand the evidence-based advantages of the prescriptions. Therefore, strategies stemming from EBP could have been used to guide the patient toward healthier choices and, ultimately, towards better health outcomes.
The first strategy to assist the patient based on EBP is providing the patient with education and evidence-based information about the recommended medication and other treatment options. If this strategy had been executed correctly, the patient would have been able to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of various healthcare options. Thus, it is evident that healthcare professionals can assist patients in understanding the evidence-based justification for their treatment plan and the likely results by delivering the best available information.
The second strategy would evaluate and address the patient’s beliefs and experiences with alternative medicine and any obstacles to taking the recommended medication. This would make it easier for the medical professional to comprehend the patient’s concerns and why they were hesitant to take their recommended prescription. The healthcare professional can then support the patient in choosing a treatment plan that aligns with their values and preferences by dispelling these misconceptions.
As for the final strategy, the patient’s blood pressure control would be regularly monitored. The treatment plan will be modified based on the best available research. This would ensure the patient’s treatment strategy is successful and their blood pressure is controlled. By routinely assessing the patient’s progress and altering the treatment plan as required, healthcare practitioners can ensure the patient receives the finest care possible and meets their health objectives.
In conclusion, the EBP model’s prioritization of best evidence with patient preferences can improve patient outcomes and overall healthcare quality. The patient in the case is a middle-aged man with health problems caused by poor lifestyle choices. Despite his declining physical condition and mobility issues, he refused prescribed medication and relied on alternative remedies. The EBP model can be applied to help the patient make informed decisions about their health by providing education, addressing personal experiences, and continuously monitoring and adjusting the treatment plan.
References
Compendium of Research Instruments. (n.d.). In Improvement Science Research Network. Web.
Eccleston, S.D., Binder, H.M., Callahan, L., Hodge, N.S., & McCarthy, M.S. (2019). Interprofessional evidence-based practice education: Impact on organizational culture in healthcare settings. Multicolors: The International Journal of Educational Research and Theory, 12–23. Web.
What is improvement science? | ISRN. (n.d.). Web.