Remote Collaboration and Evidence-Based Care

 

Welcome to this presentation. I am going to take you through the development of an evidence-based care plan for Caitlynn Bergan who is a pediatric patient with cystic fibrosis currently receiving remote care at the hospital (Capella, n.d.). According to Ong et al. (2021), cystic fibrosis is a complex and chronic condition that affects pediatric patients like Caitlynn Bergan, requiring a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to care. We will also examine the challenges of remote collaboration and the benefits of interdisciplinary teamwork to optimize Caitlynn's health outcomes.

Evidence-Based Care Plan Proposal

The proposed care plan for Caitlynn involves regular chest physiotherapy to help clear mucus from her lungs, monitoring her respiratory distress symptoms to detect early signs of complications, and maintaining close communication with her local pediatrician, Dr. Benjamin (Berg et al., 2020). Additionally, we will consider alternative treatments such as vibrating vests to support airway clearance, and as Caitlynn grows older, we will encourage her to learn huff coughing techniques to help her manage her symptoms independently (Ong et al., 2021). Moreover, it would have been useful to have more information on Caitlynn's specific lung function and the severity of her symptoms to tailor the care plan further. Access to data on her adherence to previous treatments, her nutritional status, and her psychosocial well-being could also have informed our decisions (Sutarsa et al., 2022).

Application of the EBP Model

I applied the Iowa model of evidence-based practice as recommended by Hanrahan et al. (2019) to guide the care plan development for Caitlynn. This model is a systematic approach to evidence-based decision-making that helps identify relevant research, prioritize clinical issues, and implement appropriate interventions based on the best available evidence. Following the Iowa model, the first step involved formulating a clinical question related to Caitlynn's care then I searched for and appraised the relevant evidence. After synthesizing the evidence, I integrated it into the care plan ensuring that the proposed interventions are evidence-based and aligned with Caitlynn's needs (Hanrahan et al., 2019). To evaluate the positive benefits of the care plan on patient outcomes, we will establish specific, measurable goals related to Caitlynn's respiratory function, symptom management, and overall quality of life. Regular telemedicine consultations and assessments of Caitlynn's progress will enable us to track her progress toward these goals, make necessary adjustments to the care plan, and ultimately assess the effectiveness of our evidence-based approach (Ong et al., 2021).

Relevant Evidence

The most relevant evidence collected to inform this care plan included a study by Berg et al. (2020) on assessing the severity of pediatric pneumonia and a study by Ong et al. (2021) on remote monitoring in telehealth care delivery for cystic fibrosis patients. The former study provided insights into the clinical manifestations of respiratory distress in pediatric patients, which helped us identify the necessary interventions for Caitlynn's respiratory management. The latter study highlighted the effectiveness of remote monitoring and telehealth in managing cystic fibrosis patients, which informed our approach to Caitlynn's remote care. The rationale for selecting these studies was based on their relevance to Caitlynn's condition, their methodological rigor, and their alignment with our care plan objectives. I considered the study populations, interventions, and outcomes to ensure that the evidence was directly applicable to Caitlynn's situation according to the recommendations of evidence-based practice by McClinton (2022).

Benefits of Interdisciplinary Collaboration

Collaboration between healthcare professionals such as nurses, medical doctors, nutritionists, and immunologists is essential for comprehensive care planning (Sutarsa et al., 2022). This ensures that all aspects of Caitlynn's condition are addressed and that she receives the best possible care. According to Sutarsa et al. (2022), interdisciplinary collaboration offers numerous benefits, including the sharing of expertise, improved communication, and the development of comprehensive care plans that address all aspects of a patient's condition. In Caitlynn's case, the collaboration between healthcare professionals such as nurses and respiratory therapists is essential to ensure she receives the best possible multifaceted care that addresses all her needs.

Challenges of Remote Team Collaboration

Remote team collaboration can be challenging due to communication barriers, time zone differences, and limited access to resources (Capella, n.d.). To mitigate these challenges, we propose the following strategies: regular virtual meetings to discuss Caitlynn's progress, updates, and concerns; clear communication channels and protocols for sharing information; and leveraging technology to facilitate collaboration and access to resources (Ten, 2022). In future care situations, interdisciplinary collaboration could be better leveraged by implementing more robust telemedicine platforms to facilitate seamless communication and data sharing among team members. Additionally, fostering a culture of collaboration and mutual support among healthcare professionals can enhance the effectiveness of the care provided, ultimately improving patient outcomes (Sutarsa et al., 2022).

Mitigating Challenges in Remote Collaboration

To address the challenges in remote collaboration, I propose several strategies, including the use of telemedicine platforms and Skype for consultations, connecting with Valley City on telemedicine equipment, and providing educational materials through local resources (Sutarsa et al., 2022). This approach will enable seamless communication and information sharing among healthcare professionals and with the patient's family. Additionally, utilizing technology to facilitate remote collaboration can help overcome geographical barriers and time zone differences, ultimately improving the quality of care provided to Caitlynn (Ten, 2022).

Involvement of Local Healthcare Providers

Involving local healthcare providers like Dr. Benjamin and the McHenry clinic is crucial to ensure that Caitlynn receives consistent care locally. Their participation will help bridge the gap between remote healthcare professionals and the patient, allowing for more accurate assessments and personalized interventions (McClinton, 2022). Furthermore, we will connect the Bergans with support groups in nearby Sheyenne to help them cope with the stress of managing a chronic illness (Capella, n.d.). These support networks can provide emotional, social, and practical assistance, ultimately improving the family's overall well-being (Ong et al., 2021).

Monitoring and Evaluation

Continuous monitoring and evaluation are essential components of an effective care plan hence we will monitor Caitlynn's progress through telemedicine consultations, assessing her response to treatments, and making necessary adjustments to her care plan as needed (Sutarsa et al., 2022). Regular assessments will help identify potential complications early, allowing for timely interventions and ultimately improving Caitlynn's long-term outcomes. Additionally, evaluating the effectiveness of our remote collaboration strategies and interdisciplinary approach will enable us to refine our processes and better serve Caitlynn and other patients in similar situations (Hanrahan et al., 2019).

Future Considerations and Adjustments

 We will need to reevaluate and modify Caitlynn’s care plan accordingly as she grows and her condition changes. This may include the introduction of new treatments, medications, or therapies to optimize her quality of life (Ten, 2022). Regular follow-ups with Caitlynn and her family will help us stay informed of her progress and ensure that her care plan remains relevant and effective. Additionally, we must remain up-to-date with the latest evidence and advancements in cystic fibrosis management to provide the most appropriate care (Hanrahan et al., 2019). We also need to adapt our remote collaboration strategies to maintain effective communication and coordination among healthcare professionals and with the patient's family as technology continues to evolve (Sutarsa et al., 2022).

Conclusion

In conclusion, the evidence-based care plan developed for Caitlynn Bergan aims to improve her safety and outcomes while managing cystic fibrosis. It is possible to address the challenges of remote care and ensure Caitlynn receives the best possible care by using the Iowa Model, incorporating relevant evidence, and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration (Hanrahan et al., 2019). The strategies proposed in this presentation, such as the use of telemedicine, involvement of local healthcare providers, and continuous monitoring and evaluation, are crucial to overcoming the barriers associated with remote healthcare delivery. As we move forward, we must remain vigilant in adapting and refining our approach to Caitlynn's care, ensuring that she has the best opportunity for a healthy and fulfilling life.

References

Berg, A. S., Inchley, C. S., Fjaerli, H. O., Leegaard, T. M., & Nakstad, B. (2020). Assessing severity in pediatric pneumonia: Predictors of the need for major medical interventions. Pediatric Emergency Care, 36(4), e208–e216. https://doi.org/10.1097/PEC.0000000000001179

Capella. (n.d.). Vila Health: Remote collaboration on evidence-based care. Retrieved May 7, 2023, from https://media.capella.edu/CourseMedia/nursfp4030element17273/wrapper.asp?sso=true

Hanrahan, K., Fowler, C., & McCarthy, A. M. (2019). Iowa model revised: Research and evidence-based practice application. Journal of Pediatric Nursing, 48, 121–122. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pedn.2019.04.023

McClinton, T. D. (2022). A guided search: Formulating a PICOT from assigned areas of inquiry. Worldviews on Evidence-Based Nursing, 19(5), 426–427. https://doi.org/10.1111/wvn.12598

Ong, T., Van Citters, A. D., Dowd, C., Fullmer, J., List, R., Pai, S.-A., … Sawicki, G. S. (2021). Remote monitoring in telehealth care delivery across the U.S. cystic fibrosis care network. Journal of Cystic Fibrosis, 20, 57–63. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcf.2021.08.035

Sutarsa, I. N., Kasim, R., Steward, B., Bain-Donohue, S., Slimings, C., Hall Dykgraaf, S., & Barnard, A. (2022). Implications of telehealth services for healthcare delivery and access in rural and remote communities: Perceptions of patients and general practitioners. Australian Journal of Primary Health, 28(6), 522–528. https://doi.org/10.1071/PY21162

Ten, W. (2022). Assisting nurses with evidence-based practice: A case for the knowledge-to-action framework. Health SA Gesondheid, 27(7), 2118–2118. https://doi.org/10.4102/hsag.v27i0.2118