NURS FPX 4900 Assessing the Problem Quality Safety and Cost Considerations Example Introduction

NURS FPX 4900 Assessing the Problem Quality Safety and Cost Considerations Example Introduction

In this capstone research project, I will thoroughly examine John’s case, a 10-year-old dealing with clinical obesity. The primary focus is to grasp how obesity impacts care quality, patient safety, and costs for both the individual and the healthcare system. The objective is to explore various aspects of obesity, considering its effects on care, safety, and financial aspects. Moreover, the paper will explore nursing practice standards and governmental policies that influence the treatment of patients like John. Understanding how these standards and policies shape care delivery and the challenges they present is crucial. Lastly, the paper will propose practical strategies to enhance care quality, elevate patient safety, and cut down costs for both the patient and the healthcare organization. The aim is to refine the overall approach to cases resembling John’s. By delivering comprehensive, evidence-based care, the ultimate goal is to significantly enhance health outcomes, improve quality of life, ensure patient safety, and promote cost efficiency for our patients.

The Impact of Obesity on Care Quality, Patient Safety, and Costs

John’s clinical obesity has a substantial impact on the quality of care, patient safety, and financial aspects for both the healthcare system and his personal expenses. Let’s take a closer look at this.

Quality of Care:

John’s clinical obesity poses a challenge for healthcare providers to deliver top-notch care. Obesity often brings along additional health issues like hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease, requiring a specialized and comprehensive care approach (Safaei et al., 2021). This complexity may lead to inconsistencies or delays in providing care. Moreover, obesity is linked to psychosocial problems, including depression and anxiety, which can hinder the effectiveness of medical care. Research also points out obstacles that obese patients face in accessing care, such as stigma, discrimination, and inadequately equipped medical facilities (Talumaa et al., 2022). These factors can hinder regular check-ups, early diagnosis, and preventive care, which are crucial for maintaining optimal health.

Patient Safety:

Patient safety takes a hit with obesity. Individuals like John face a higher risk of adverse events, including misdiagnosis due to limitations in physical examinations, inaccurate drug dosing, complications from surgeries, and an increased likelihood of falls (Appeadu & Bordoni, 2023). For instance, there could be challenges in determining the correct medication dosage for an obese patient, potentially leading to overdosing or underdosing.

System and Individual Costs:

Clinical obesity imposes a significant economic burden on both healthcare systems and individual patients. Direct medical costs associated with obesity encompass preventive, diagnostic, and treatment services (Ling et al., 2022). Obesity-related illnesses contribute to higher hospital admissions and longer stays, putting a strain on healthcare resources. On an individual level, patients like John face the challenge of covering high out-of-pocket expenses, including medication costs, extra co-pays, and additional charges on insurance premiums due to their increased risk status