Assessment 5: Intervention Presentation and Capstone Video Reflection 

Student Name

Capella University

FPX 4900

Prof name

Date

Intervention Presentation and Capstone Video Reflection

Hello everyone, my name is [Your Name], and I am a Registered Nurse currently pursuing my Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Over the past few months, I have been working on my capstone project, which aimed to improve the management of heart failure patients through the use of telehealth technology and wearable devices. Today, I am excited to share with you the key aspects of this project, the invaluable learnings I gained throughout the process, and the incredible journey of personal and professional growth I experienced during the course of my RN-to-BSN program.

I will provide insights into how the project was conceived, planned, and implemented, the evidence and research that guided our decisions, the role of health policy in our project, the outcomes of our intervention, and the potential for its adoption as a best practice in similar settings. Additionally, I will reflect on the practicum hours spent with the patient, Taylor, and his family, discussing the experiences that contributed to my growth as a nursing professional and the skills I honed during this process. Let’s begin our journey by discussing the contribution of our intervention to patient satisfaction and quality of life.

Contribution of Intervention to Patient Satisfaction and Quality of Life 

Starting with our intervention, our primary aim was to address the management of heart failure for our patient, who we will refer to as Taylor. Taylor, like many heart failure patients, faced challenges in effectively managing his condition, which often resulted in frequent hospital readmissions. Our goal was to alleviate this burden from Taylor and his family, and to improve his overall quality of life. The cornerstone of our intervention was the use of telehealth technology and wearable devices (Fekete et al., 2021). These tools allowed for constant and real-time monitoring of Taylor’s vital signs, particularly his heart rate and blood pressure. This provided us, the healthcare team, with valuable data that we could use to make informed decisions about Taylor’s care and adjust his treatment plan as needed.

Now, let’s discuss the feedback we received from Taylor and his family post-implementation. They expressed their satisfaction with this new approach to managing Taylor’s condition. They mentioned that they felt a heightened sense of security, knowing that Taylor’s health was being monitored around the clock. They also appreciated that they could view the readings from the wearable devices themselves, which gave them a sense of control and involvement in Taylor’s care.

Capella 4900 Assessment 5

Moreover, the use of telehealth technology minimized the need for Taylor to physically visit the hospital for routine checks. This not only reduced the stress associated with frequent hospital visits but also saved them time and resources. Consequently, Taylor and his family reported a substantial improvement in their quality of life. Capella 4900 Assessment 5. However, it’s essential to note that our assessment is not solely based on their feedback. We also closely monitored Taylor’s health outcomes and noted a significant decrease in hospital readmissions, which further validated their feedback.

Use of Evidence-based and Peer-Reviewed Literature in the Capstone Project

To ensure that our intervention was scientifically grounded and effective, we turned to evidence-based practice as our guiding principle throughout the planning and implementation stages of this capstone project. Firstly, we conducted an exhaustive review of peer-reviewed literature that focused on heart failure management. We paid particular attention to studies that explored the use of telehealth technology and wearable devices in managing similar conditions. We found several studies that indicated significant improvements in patient outcomes and quality of life when these technologies were integrated into their care plans. For instance, a study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association in 2021 found that the use of wearable technology in heart failure patients reduced hospital readmissions by 30% (Schorr et al., 2021).

In addition to peer-reviewed literature, we also consulted clinical guidelines from respected healthcare institutions and organizations. The American Heart Association’s guidelines on managing heart failure played a significant role in shaping our intervention. These guidelines advocated for the use of telehealth and wearable technology in managing heart failure, which further validated our approach (Powell-Wiley et al., 2021). 

Lastly, we took into consideration the feedback and experiences of patients with heart failure and their caregivers. Their insights and experiences provided us with a unique perspective that we could not have garnered from literature or guidelines alone. They stressed the need for a solution that could help them manage their condition more effectively at home and reduce the need for hospital visits.

Leveraging Healthcare Technology to Improve Outcomes and Communication

In our capstone project, the strategic use of healthcare technology was central to the success of our intervention. We deployed telehealth technology and wearable devices as key tools in managing Taylor’s heart failure condition. The telehealth technology facilitated seamless communication between Taylor, his family, and the healthcare team. It enabled us to deliver personalized care to Taylor right at his home, reducing the need for frequent hospital visits. It also gave us a platform to provide educational sessions to Taylor and his family about heart failure management, medication adherence, and lifestyle modifications.

Capella 4900 Assessment 5

The wearable devices, on the other hand, offered real-time monitoring of Taylor’s vital signs such as heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels. The data from these devices was instrumental in the early detection of potential health crises, thereby preventing hospital readmissions and improving the overall quality of life for Taylor (Jensen et al., 2021).

In retrospect, the use of healthcare technology significantly improved patient outcomes and the communication process in our project. But as we look toward the future, I see immense potential for improvement and advancement. The incorporation of artificial intelligence and predictive analytics, for instance, could revolutionize how we approach patient care. These technologies can analyze patient data from wearable devices and predict potential health issues even before they manifest clinically (Buchanan et al., 2020). This predictive ability could allow us to intervene earlier and prevent serious health crises from occurring while our project successfully leveraged healthcare technology, there is still a wide array of untapped technological potential that can be harnessed to further enhance patient care and outcomes in the future.

Health Policy Influence on the Capstone Project 

Health policy played an instrumental role in both the planning and implementation phases of our capstone project. From the onset, we were guided by a commitment to adhere to all relevant health policies and legal regulations to ensure the provision of safe and effective care. In particular, the “Nursing Practice Act”, which defines the scope and limitations of professional nursing practice, heavily influenced the responsibilities and tasks we assumed in our project (Peacock & Hernandez, 2020). It guided our approach to patient care, including how we educated Taylor and his family, and how we monitored and evaluated Taylor’s health status.

We were also cognizant of the requirements of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Given that our intervention relied heavily on telehealth technology, ensuring the privacy and security of Taylor’s health information was paramount. We took all necessary steps to safeguard Taylor’s data in compliance with HIPAA, enhancing patient trust in our intervention (Hayes & Vance, 2020).

Our project also made a substantial contribution to policy development. By demonstrating the effectiveness of telehealth technology in managing chronic conditions like heart failure, we highlighted a potential area for policy advancement. Our project underscored the need for policies that support the broader use of telehealth technology, including reimbursement policies and regulations that facilitate interoperability and data sharing across different healthcare systems.

Reflecting on the role of a baccalaureate-prepared nurse in policy implementation and development, this project has reinforced my understanding that nurses are not just consumers of health policy, but active contributors. Nurses, with their unique perspective and close proximity to patient care, can identify gaps in current policies and advocate for changes that can improve patient outcomes and the overall healthcare system (Groenwald & Eldridge, 2019). Health policy was a critical driver in our capstone project, shaping our intervention and prompting us to consider how we can contribute to policy development in the future.

Project Outcomes and Expectations

In reflection, the outcomes of our capstone project were in line with our initial predictions. We set out with a goal to improve the management of heart failure in the case of our patient, Taylor, and we were successful in this endeavor. Our primary objective was to reduce hospital readmissions for Taylor. By leveraging telehealth technology and wearable devices for real-time monitoring and early intervention, we were able to achieve this objective. Hospital readmissions decreased significantly, improving Taylor’s quality of life and reducing the burden on his family.

Beyond the quantitative success, we also noticed a remarkable improvement in patient satisfaction. Taylor and his family reported feeling more secure and in control of his health condition, a testament to the effectiveness of the intervention. However, it’s worth noting that we faced a few minor challenges along the way. There was initial resistance to the use of technology, especially from Taylor who was not accustomed to such devices. But through education and ongoing support, we were able to overcome this hurdle and foster a positive attitude toward the use of technology in healthcare management.

In terms of the intervention’s potential as a best practice, the success of this project provides a strong case. The intervention was not only effective but also patient-centric and adaptable to individual needs. Therefore, it holds the potential to be adopted in similar cases, contributing to the development of best practices in chronic disease management.

The generalizability of the intervention is another aspect worth discussing. Despite the project being focused on one specific case, the principles and methods applied can be transferred to other settings and patients with similar conditions. The success of the intervention underlines the potential of technology-assisted care in enhancing patient outcomes and satisfaction in the management of chronic diseases.

In accordance with Capella’s Academic Portal requirements, I have documented all practicum hours spent with Taylor and his family. The total of nine hours of practicum time was allocated for the implementation of the intervention, continuous monitoring, and evaluation of outcomes. The project has not only met our expectations but has also provided valuable insights that can inform future practice and policy.

Personal and Professional Growth

Reflecting on my journey, both the capstone project and the RN-to-BSN program has been transformative experiences, catalyzing substantial growth on a personal and professional level. I have been able to turn theoretical knowledge into practical patient-oriented care, enhancing my clinical skills and understanding of evidence-based practice. A critical aspect of this growth has been the effective utilization of healthcare technology, such as telehealth and wearable devices, which have significantly improved patient outcomes. This project has also honed my leadership skills, requiring efficient coordination, resource management, and decision-making, and ultimately reinforcing my belief in my ability to make a tangible difference in the lives of my patients.

On a personal note, this project has reinforced my commitment to patient advocacy and ethical practice. The importance of upholding patient privacy, delivering culturally competent care, and maintaining open and honest communication were integral aspects of this project. I take immense pride in having upheld these standards. This journey has not only improved my professional competence and confidence but also solidified my passion for nursing. I look forward to taking these learnings forward into my practice, continually striving to enhance patient care and outcomes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this capstone project has marked a significant milestone in my journey from RN to BSN, reinforcing my skills and knowledge while revealing new areas for continued growth. From devising an evidence-based intervention to witnessing its positive impact on patient care, each step has been both challenging and rewarding. As I move forward in my nursing career, I carry with me the invaluable lessons learned, the confidence gained, and the profound satisfaction of having made a difference in the lives of patients like Taylor. Thank you.

References

Buchanan, C., Howitt, M. L., Wilson, R., Booth, R. G., Risling, T., & Bamford, M. (2020). Predicted influences of artificial intelligence on the domains of Nursing: A scoping review (Preprint). JMIR Nursing, 3(1). https://doi.org/10.2196/23939 

Fekete, M., Fazekas-Pongor, V., Balazs, P., Tarantini, S., Nemeth, A. N., & Varga, J. T. (2021). Role of new digital technologies and telemedicine in pulmonary rehabilitation. Wiener Klinische Wochenschrift. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00508-021-01930-y 

Groenwald, S. L., & Eldridge, C. (2019). Politics, power, and predictability of nursing care. Nursing Forum, 55(1), 16–32. https://doi.org/10.1111/nuf.12377 

Hayes, E., & Vance, K. (2020). Health Insurance Portability And Accountability Act OF 1996: Health & public welfare. Georgia State University Law Review, 37(1), 153. https://readingroom.law.gsu.edu/gsulr/vol37/iss1/14/ 

Jensen, M. T., Treskes, R. W., Caiani, E. G., Casado-Arroyo, R., Cowie, M. R., Dilaveris, P., Duncker, D., Di Rienzo, M., Frederix, I., De Groot, N., Kolh, P. H., Kemps, H., Mamas, M., McGreavy, P., Neubeck, L., Parati, G., Platonov, P. G., Schmidt-Trucksäss, A., Schuuring, M. J., & Simova, I. (2021). ESC working group on e-cardiology position paper: Use of commercially available wearable technology for heart rate and activity tracking in primary and secondary cardiovascular prevention—in collaboration with the European Heart Rhythm Association, European Association of Preventive Cardiology, Association of Cardiovascular Nursing and Allied Professionals, Patient Forum, and the Digital Health Committee. European Heart Journal – Digital Health, 2(1), 49–59.  https://doi.org/10.1093/ehjdh/ztab011 

Peacock, M., & Hernandez, S. (2020). A concept analysis of nurse practitioner autonomy. Journal of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, 32(2), 113–119. https://doi.org/10.1097/jxx.0000000000000374 

Powell-Wiley, T. M., Poirier, P., Burke, L. E., Després, J.-P., Gordon-Larsen, P., Lavie, C. J., Lear, S. A., Ndumele, C. E., Neeland, I. J., Sanders, P., & St-Onge, M.-P. (2021). Obesity and cardiovascular disease: A scientific statement from the American Heart Association. Circulation, 143(21). https://doi.org/10.1161/cir.0000000000000973 

Schorr, E. N., Gepner, A. D., Dolansky, M. A., Forman, D. E., Park, L. G., Petersen, K. S., Still, C. H., Wang, T. Y., & Wenger, N. K. (2021). Harnessing mobile health technology for secondary cardiovascular disease prevention in older adults: A scientific statement from the American Heart Association. Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes. https://doi.org/10.1161/hcq.0000000000000103