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Assignment: Capstone Paper: Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) Plan
Tashyka Jussome
Walden University
NURS 4220: Leadership Competencies in Nursing and Healthcare
Dr Monica Johnson
August 14, 2021
Assignment: Capstone Paper: Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) Plan
Patient satisfaction is a combination of the factors surrounding the services provided to patients at the healthcare facility and the attitudes of the providers towards patients (Fortin et al., 2018). In this particular case, where the focus is on mental health patients, satisfaction is a delicate matter because the mental health condition is tied to emotion and ultimately their reaction towards the services received. Mental health patients will require special attention and care. Tenderness and attention in care helps to improve patients’ mental status and also influence a positive perception towards the healthcare services provided (Zienawi, 2019). Collected data from the previous paper showed that a patient satisfaction rate of 50% implying that of every six patients three are unsatisfied with the process. Most mental health patients already have experienced mental trauma and therefore this level of dissatisfaction is worrying and risks worsening their already poor mental state. The chief nursing officer however pointed out several factors that could be a result of this. Waiting time, method of payment, and treatment outcome were some of the factors stated.
The first step to addressing the problem of dissatisfaction by mental health patients is recognizing the problems faced by this group of patients and their causes (Gallo & Barlow, 2018). From the analysis of evidence and data collected using questionnaires, dissatisfaction mainly stems from mental health patients’ misdiagnosis, discrimination, and non-adherence to medication. To develop an evidence-based practice plan I used the question ‘How can the satisfaction rate of mental health patients be improved?’
Patient dissatisfaction is a health problem that can be solved using an evidence-based approach in the management of physical and mental health problems. Evidence-based practice entails utilizing current evidence and research in solving a health-related problem while including clinical expertise and upholding patients’ values. Some of the practices include time management and appropriate allocation of visits to all patients. When patients receive frequent services waiting time will be reduced and satisfaction rate improved because each patient will be assigned sufficient time for care. The feeling of bias and lack of attention from the providers will be reduced with frequent services. Creating a schedule for mental healthcare days for these patients, grouping them, and assigning them particular days for visits will also reduce the disparities (Gallo & Barlow, 2018). Also, continuity of care, monitoring, and follow-up will improve the patients’ satisfaction with the process. The patients must also be involved in the treatment process and in every step while receiving information on the benefits of medication and the management process.
Good communication between the patients and the providers will also improve the satisfaction rates. Developing good rapport with patients shows professionalism and provides patients with a communication platform where they can explain their mental status and whether they are improving or not (Bakker et al., 2016). Clinical experience also highlights the determinants of the satisfaction of a patient. As healthcare providers, previous experience with patients gives a better understanding of the physical and mental status of future patients despite individual variability. Some patterns are recognizable by the provider, for instance, a patient that does not adhere to medication can easily be identified based on their health status and tests which will indicate non-adherence.
Another step to solving the problem of low satisfaction rates among mental health patients is through incorporating patients’ preferences in managing their conditions. Healthcare givers’ preference for the style of management may not be the best with regard to the preference of the patient. Through dialogue and involving the patient in decision-making, providers can win the trust of patients and treat them according to their desires (Zienawi, 2019). In instances where patients prefer the doctor’s choice of treatment, it is important in involving them in the decision-making process and ensuring that they are well informed of their medication schedules.
After establishing the root causes of the patient’s lack of satisfaction, it becomes easier to design the specific care of the patient from the time of diagnosis to full recovery. Through evidence-based research, patient care can be improved and the level of satisfaction with the management process enhanced.
References
Bakker, D., Kazantzis, N., Rickwood, D., & Rickard, N. (2016). Mental health smartphone apps: review and evidence-based recommendations for future developments. JMIR Mental Health, 3(1), e4984.
Fortin, M., Bamvita, J. M., & Fleury, M. J. (2018). Patient satisfaction with mental health services based on Andersen’s Behavioral Model. The Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, 63(2), 103-114.
Gallo, K. P., & Barlow, D. H. (2018). Factors involved in clinician adoption and non-adoption of evidence‐based interventions in mental health. Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice, 19(1), 93.
Zienawi, G., Birhanu, A., Demeke, W., Haile, K., & Chaka, A. (2019). Patient satisfaction and associated factors towards outreach mental health services at health centers Addis Ababa, Ethiopia 2017. Austin Journal of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, 6(1), 1-7.