NSG 4055 Week 5 Project Creating a Plan of Care

NSG 4055 Week 5 Project Creating a Plan of Care

The identified health problem is depression in adults. Depression is a common problem that is affecting adults in the USA. The current statistics show that about 17.3 million adults in the US have experienced at least a major depressive episode. The population of adults with a history of major depressive episodes constitutes 7% of the adults in the US. The rate of depression is reported to be higher in females (8.7%) when compared to males (5.3%). The prevalence is also higher in adult individuals aged between 18 and 25 years (13.1%) when compared to any other age group of adults (NIMH, n.d.). I chose to write about depression among the adult population because of its severe health impacts on people. Depression is associated with severe impairment in adults. Accordingly, it is estimated that 11 million adults aged above 18 and above experienced episodes of significant impairment associated with severe impairment (NIMH, n.d.). Depression is also associated with the decline in the quality of life of patients. The evidence shows that depression increases the costs of care incurred by patients and their significant others to seek the care they need. It also lowers the productivity of the affected populations (CDC, 2019).

Healthy Vision 2030 Topic

The selected Healthyvision 2030 topic is mental health and mental disorders. Mental health and mental disorders are a critical concern in the US, as seen from the fact that about half of the US population will be diagnosed with a mental disorder in their lifetime. The topic of mental health and mental disorders was selected because it affects people of all ages as well as ethnic groups. Mental health problems also affect the ability of individuals to function optimally in their societies. They also contribute to premature disability and mortality. Part of the aims of the Healthypeople 2030 is increasing the proportion of adults with depression that get the needed treatment. As a result, it is important to explore the issues related with depression in adults to increase the understanding of the need for interventions to prevent and optimize its management.

Holistic Plan of Care

A diagnosis with depression can be devastating to patients, their families and community at large. The impacts of the diagnosis are high in communities characterized by stigma and stereotypes towards depression. Initially, patients enter into a stage of denial following their diagnosis with depression. As a result, there is an increased need for holistic mental care to the patient and their significant others to facilitate their acceptance. Psychiatric nurse practitioners have a role to play in facilitating acceptance among patients with diagnosis and their families. They provide evidence-based information to the patients that will facilitate their informed decision-making. The information focuses on aspects such as causes, effects, symptoms, and management of depression. Patient and family education empowers them to explore the available support systems that they can explore to facilitate the effective management of depression. PMHNP also prioritize the needs, beliefs, values, and practices of the patient and their families in the care process to increase their acceptance of the diagnosis and facilitate the provision of culturally appropriate care.