NR 503 Week 7: Discussion- Presentation of Epidemiological Problem Abstract
NR 503 Week 7: Discussion- Presentation of Epidemiological Problem Abstract
The United State is spending close to $16 Billion dollars annually on sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) (Centers for Disease and Prevention [CDC], 2017). Southern states, like Georgia, sees a large number of syphilis cases. Surprisingly, there was once a time where syphilis was at its lowest and was on the verge of elimination. Now, the rates of syphilis have doubled, causing an incidence rate in the U.S of 5.5 cases per 100,000 (CDC). Men have the highest prevalence. Their rates have continued to climb. Men who have sex with men or MSM are at the greatest risk and have the highest rates of syphilis with 15.6 per 100,000 or 88.9% of all U.S. cases (CDC, 2017). This has been termed a MSM epidemic. A rapid plasma regain (RPR) is the lab of chose to routinely screen for syphilis. Once diagnosed there are 3 main stages: primary, secondary, and latent. Treatment dosage varies but the treatment of choice is Penicillin Benzathine G given intramuscularly. Once there is a positive lab and confirmation lab, it must be reported by law to the state’s public health department. This is normally done by the laboratory and physician. There is an electronic system where this is transmitted through. After being reported, it is then used for surveillance. It is the goal of providers to help educate the community on syphilis awareness. Patients must be open to talk about their sex health with their providers. Three ways to work towards the goal of syphilis prevention are: to provide information and encourage safe sex, screen for all STDs, and lastly, treat the patient and notify their partners. These actions will limit the exposure and transmission of syphilis; therefore, decreasing the rates of syphilis in Georgia and the U.S.
Resource
Centers for Disease and Prevention (CDC). (2017). Sexually Transmitted Disease (STDs). Retrieved from https:www.cdc.gov/std/syphilis/defualt.htm
I agree that it will be paramount for advanced practice nurses (APNs) to understand disease process so that they aid in decreasing transmission of disease. It will also be important that they understand the role disparities play in the epidemiological and disease process. Take for example, in a study conducted by Green, Levin-Rector, Hadler, and Fine (2015), 18 out of 41 communicable disease in New York City (NYC) were found to correlate with high poverty rates. This helps to demonstrate the effects poverty has on disease, supporting that disparities may have an instrumental impact on transmission of disease, as it may limit access to care, or places patients at higher risk for a disease. APNs will be leaders within addressing and revealing disparities so that they are decreased within the communities and populations they serve, seeking to increase the health and wellness of all individuals.
During this week’s lesson measurements of outcomes were discussed. Through this I was able to learn key elements of measurable outcomes. The lesson also identified outcomes can be measured specifically both individually or within groups as they aid within development of patient care practices. It will be important for APNs to measure outcomes so that quality of care is maintained. As the measurable outcomes now no longer revolve around mortality rates, but have shifted to a patient-centered care model. As the study by Rutten, van Vugt, Weerdt, and de Koning (2018) discovered, patients were more satisfied when the visits revolved around them and their thoughts on care, as well as sharing decisions with the physicians (2018). Comparison of outcomes will be paramount as they support patient care practices. APNs will need to also be knowledgeable about organizations that support comparison of outcomes so that patient practices and guidelines support evidence-based practice. Take for example, the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) is organization that seeks to support outcomes research in clinical practice take into account patient providers and perspective into research so that patient-centered outcomes can arise (Frank, Basch, & Selby, 2014). Outcomes will seek to drive quality driven practices and aid in critical thinking so that patients receive optimal patient care and treatment. APNs will have the resources available to them to support them in measurement of outcomes. Measurable outcomes will be paramount as APNs appraise healthcare interventions so that they support safe healthcare practices.
References:
Frank, L., Basch, E., & Selby, J. V. (2014). The PCORI perspective on patient-centered outcome research. Journal of the American Medical Association, 312(15), 1513-1514. doi:10.1001/jama.2014.11100
Greene, S. K., Levin-Rector, A., Hadler, J. L., & Fine, A. D. (2015). Disparities in reportable communicable disease incidence by census tract-level poverty, New York City, 2006-2013. American Journal of Public Health, 105(9), 27-34. doi:10.2105/ajph.2015.302741
Rutten, G. M., van Vugt, H. A., de Weerdt, I., & de Koning, E. (2018). Implementation of a structured diabetes consultation model to facilitate a person-centered approach: Results from a nationwide Dutch study. Diabetes Care, 41(4), 688-695. doi:10.2337/dc17-1194
