D025 Task 1 ISBAR Summary

Student Name

Western Governors University 

D025 Essentials of Advanced Nursing Roles and Interprofessional Practice

Prof. Name

Date

Policy Summary: (I)SBAR Summary Template

When policymakers receive updates on policy changes, they rely heavily on concise summaries that allow them to quickly understand the key points. This enables them to make well-informed decisions about supporting the proposal. The (I)SBAR summary outlined below highlights the essential components of a policy proposal designed to combat the opioid epidemic in Cook County.

Policymaker Information

(I) Identify Self

Who is presenting this information?

My name is Corie Payne, and I have four years of experience working as a pediatric transitional and intensive care nurse at Maryville Children’s Healthcare Center in Chicago. This professional experience has provided me with a comprehensive understanding of critical health concerns in the community, especially those affecting vulnerable groups.

(S) Situation

What is the urgent health issue needing attention?

Cook County is currently facing a severe surge in opioid-related overdoses and deaths. This escalating crisis demands immediate, targeted actions to reduce harm and save lives.

(B) Background

What historical and contextual information is relevant to this issue?

Between April 2019 and April 2020, opioid-related deaths in Cook County increased dramatically by 139%. Despite current prevention and treatment efforts, these programs remain insufficient and fail to fully meet the needs of individuals struggling with opioid use disorders. Additionally, geographic barriers prevent many residents from accessing timely care—some must travel as far as 25 miles to the nearest support services, delaying critical intervention and increasing health risks.

(A) Assessment

What is the suggested strategy to address the problem?

To close this gap in services, it is recommended to expand opioid prevention and treatment programs across immediate care centers and hospitals in Cook County. This expansion should incorporate comprehensive education about the risks of opioid use as well as provide easily accessible detoxification and treatment options. Improving the local availability of these services is crucial for reducing opioid-related harm and enhancing health outcomes for the community.

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Opioid overdose crisis. https://www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/epidemic/index.html

Illinois Department of Public Health. (2021). Substance use and opioid prevention programs. https://www.dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/prevention-wellness/substance-use

Maryville Children’s Healthcare Center. (2024). Community health initiatives. Internal publication.