Discussion Response Approx 150 Words

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Sampling methods and sizes are different for quantitative and qualitative research. In quantitative research, sampling methods include simple random sampling, stratified random sampling which occurs when the researcher knows some variables in the population that are critical for the study, cluster sampling uses natural groups that have similar characteristics, systematic sampling which can only happen when an ordered list of all members of a population is available, convenience sampling when people are in the right place at the right time, and quota sampling when the groups are preidentified by the researchers. Sample sizes tend to be bigger in quantitative research. Quantitative research is seen as more vigorous if there is a large sample size. Researchers with good understanding of parameters into sample size such as significance level, power, effect size, standard deviation and event rate, are able to calculate an informed sample size estimation and to report more clearly the rationale for applying any particular parameter value in sample size determination (Malone, 2016). 

Qualtitative research sample sizes are usually smaller. Evidence indicates that sample size is matter of contention and practical guide to issues demanding consideration (Pepin 2018). Methods include purposive sampling where the researcher selects certain participants for a reason, network sampling locates samples that would otherwise be difficult to locate, and theoretical sampling where the researcher gathers relevant data for theory generation. 

My quantitative research question is: Among Registered Nurses, is job retention lower when workplace incivility is present in the workplace as opposed to when it is now present over the course of one year? I would try to use a large sample size in this case. Maybe I would choose a hospital and send surverys to nurses who quit in less than a year of working to find out if their reason for quitting was due to bullying. This is probably cluster sampling. 

My qualitative question is: Among registered nurses, is patient satisfaction lower when bullying and incivility is present in the workplace as opposed to when it is not present? I would use a smaller sample size in this situation. I would probably choose one unit that is known to have bullying, and interview patients over a set period of time. This would be purposeful sampling. 

References

Malone, H. E., Nicholl, H. (2016). Fundamentals of estimating sample size. Nurse researcher, 23(5), 21-25. 

Pepin, G. (2018). Reporting rigorous qualitative results: moving beyong small sample sizes. Australian Occupational Therapy Journal, 65(2), 77-78. 

 
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Discussion Response Approx 150 Words Apa

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Communication in the workplace is key. It is what makes employees feel comfortable, valuable and successful, which allows them to work to their fullest potential. Effective communication not only builds trust between employers and employees, but has a direct effect on the health and safety of nurses and their patients (Bergman, Dellve, & Skagert, 2016). The Clark Health Workplace Inventory is a tool that is used to determine if a work environment is perceived as healthy. After completing the survey, the results showed that my workplace is an unhealthy environment. Oddly enough, my coworkers and I have had many conversations about some of the very topics discussed in this assessment. That is why this result doesn’t surprise me at all. One of the question on this assessment asked specifically about staffing, which is something that my unit struggles with consistently. The absence of adequate staffing makes the workload difficult to manage. It leads to unnecessary stress. Also, there were several questions pertaining to clear communication through all the levels of the organization, which is something that I think my organization could get better at too. There are a lot of decisions made about the staff without actually getting the staff’s input on those decisions beforehand. It can make employees feel as though their thoughts or input doesn’t matter. No one can expect for every workplace to be perfect. In fact, any work environment has its issues and aspects that make people unhappy. However, overall employees should find some happiness in their jobs. Whether it be the impact of their work, location, coworkers, incentives, or opportunities for career advancement.

Incivility in the Workplace

Incivility in the workplace can cause employees to have little to no happiness in their jobs. Marshall & Broome define incivility as “ behavior of low intensity that can include such behavior as being rude, discourteous, impolite, or violating workplace norms or behavior” (pg, 76). I worked at a subacute rehabilitation center where the Director of Nursing behaved in this manner. She was very demeaning and aggressive when she would speak to the staff. It made for a very stressful environment. The nursing staff constantly felt like we were walking on eggshells, never knowing when we would have an encounter with her. There was a constant turnover of staff, not only among the staff nurses but mostly with the unit managers who worked directly under her. Even though she was a great nurse, I felt that she was not a good nurse leader for this reason. Although several nurses made her aware of their thoughts on how she treated and spoke to people, I can’t remember anything being done on a larger scale to combat the incivility. Looking back, I worked at this facility as a brand new nurse and really did not know that things could be done differently as far as leadership goes. I also wasn’t aware at the time of how working with this person impacted my views on the workplace as a whole. 

References

Bergman, C., Dellve, L., & Skagert, K. (2016). Exploring communication processes in workplace meetings: A mixed-methods study in a Swedish healthcare organization. Work, 53(3), 533-541. DOI: 10.3233/WOR-162366

Clark, C.M. (2015). Conversations to inspire and promote a more civil workplace. American Nurse Today, 10(11), 18-23. Retrieved from https://www.americannursetoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/ant11-CE-Civility-1023.pdf

Marshall, E., & Broome, M. (2017). Transformational leadership in nursing: From expert clinician to influential leader (2nd ed.). New York, NY: Springer

 
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Discussion Response Approx 150 Words 18970725

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“The sample for a rigorous qualitative study is not as large as the sample for a rigorous quantitative study. The researcher stops collecting data when enough rich, meaningful data have been obtained to achieve the study aims” (Grove, Burns, & Gray, 2013). “A substantial sample may be required to generate power sufficient to demonstrate significance” (Grove, Burns, & Gray, 2013) for a quantitative study. “Small scale quantitative studies may be less reliable because of the low quantity of data” (Mcleod, 2018)

Qualitative question: How do eating disorder patients with bulimia nervosa perceive cognitive behavioral therapy during their inpatient stay? Moving forward with this research question I would need patients who are in an inpatient setting, ones with bulimia nervosa, and I would perform interviews with those patients. The questions I would ask would include open ended questions allowing the patients to answer anyway they felt and me not persuading them to answer a certain way causing bias in the study.

Quantitative question: In patients with an eating disorder, specifically bulimia nervosa, how does the side effects of the mental illness affect the patients overall health? If I were to move forward with this question I would need to have patients who are diagnosed with an eating disorder, specifically bulimia nervosa. I would look at the research out there currently showing the different side effects on the body that comes from the disease. I could compare those stats with statistics from an inpatient unit on those eating disorder patients. This way I could show what is the current research on the disease and then have real examples to show for the research.

References:

Grove, S. K., Burns, N., & Gray, J. (2013). The practice of nursing research: Appraisal, synthesis, and generation of evidence. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier/Saunders.

Mcleod, S. (2018, December 05). Qualitative vs. Quantitative Research. Retrieved from https://www.simplypsychology.org/qualitative-quantitative.html

 
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Discussion Response Approx 150 Words 18970723

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“The sample for a rigorous qualitative study is not as large as the sample for a rigorous quantitative study. The researcher stops collecting data when enough rich, meaningful data have been obtained to achieve the study aims” (Grove, Burns, & Gray, 2013). “A substantial sample may be required to generate power sufficient to demonstrate significance” (Grove, Burns, & Gray, 2013) for a quantitative study. “Small scale quantitative studies may be less reliable because of the low quantity of data” (Mcleod, 2018)

Qualitative question: How do eating disorder patients with bulimia nervosa perceive cognitive behavioral therapy during their inpatient stay? Moving forward with this research question I would need patients who are in an inpatient setting, ones with bulimia nervosa, and I would perform interviews with those patients. The questions I would ask would include open ended questions allowing the patients to answer anyway they felt and me not persuading them to answer a certain way causing bias in the study.

Quantitative question: In patients with an eating disorder, specifically bulimia nervosa, how does the side effects of the mental illness affect the patients overall health? If I were to move forward with this question I would need to have patients who are diagnosed with an eating disorder, specifically bulimia nervosa. I would look at the research out there currently showing the different side effects on the body that comes from the disease. I could compare those stats with statistics from an inpatient unit on those eating disorder patients. This way I could show what is the current research on the disease and then have real examples to show for the research.

References:

Grove, S. K., Burns, N., & Gray, J. (2013). The practice of nursing research: Appraisal, synthesis, and generation of evidence. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier/Saunders.

Mcleod, S. (2018, December 05). Qualitative vs. Quantitative Research. Retrieved from https://www.simplypsychology.org/qualitative-quantitative.html

 
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Discussion Response Approx 100 150 Words

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Patricia Benner developed the high middle range theory model of skill acquisition in nursing. This theory is rated toward the high middle due to the broadness of the content, but not a grand theory as it suggests to define a component of nursing practice. This theory suggests that nurses range from novice to expert in skill and experience. Benner recognizes education and theory as a basis for nursing skill, but the practice itself exceeds the bounds of formal theory. (Tomey & Alligood, 2009)

Benner formed her philosophy around the work of the Dreyfus Brothers. Benner used the Dreyfus skill acquisition model and molded it into clinical nursing practice. The stages are broken down into novice, advanced beginner, competent, proficient, and expert. Each stage is builds upon itself until a nurse becomes an expert.

This explanatory theory describes that the novice nurse can develop into an expert by learning through experience and applying that to future practice. “Expertise develops when the clinician test and refines propositions, hypotheses, and principle based expectations in actual practice situations.” (McEwen & Wills, 2014, p. 232). Brenner’s model has been used in education, management, and precepting. It suggests that the expert nurse isn’t the highest paid with the most prestigious title, it is the one with greatest experience and care. “An expert nurse caring for the same patient would complete the same tasks but not be caught up in the technical details. The expert integrates knowledge of cardiovascular physiology and pathophysiology to assess symptoms and guide patient care.” (Dracup & Bryan-Brown, 2004)

This theory is used on a daily basis in my area of practice. Working in the post anesthesia unit, you are they eyes and the ears of the surgeon. You have to rely on clinical skill and past experience to care for these patients that can decline rapidly. We care for some high acuity patients in an outpatient setting. If the patient is recovering from a transurethral resection of the prostate, experience suggests that you monitor the patient’s heart rate closely. They have an urge to bare down to urinate and vasovagal. Also, for pain management the traditional narcotic route doesn’t work the best. The more bladder specific medications such as levsin and pyridium have a tendency to work better. This experience has made me an expert nurse at my current job and I have served as a preceptor on many occasions.

Dracup, K., Bryan-Brown, C. (2004, November.) From Novice to Expert to Mentor: Shaping the Future. American Journal of Critical Care. Retrieved from ajcc.aacnjournals.org/content/13/6/448.full

McEwen, M. & Wills, E. (2014). Theoretical Basis for Nursing (4th Ed.); Lipincott Williams and Wilkins ISBN 9781451190311

Tomey, A., Alligood M. (2009). Nursing Theorists and Their Work. (7th ed.) St. Louis, MO: Mosby ISBN-10: 0323056415

 
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Discussion Response Approx 100 150 Words 18975631

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THIS IS A DISCUSSION RESPONSE APA 6TH ED WITH INTEXT CITATIONS & REFERENCES.

 

Personal knowing is what you are known to others for. When someone gets to know someone, their personal knowing is what makes them stand out from other people. Personal knowing affects personal development because the way you treat people is related to what you know and what you actually do. Personal development is affected because you can better take care of people if personal knowing is not only acknowledged, but carried out. Personal knowing can only be viewed in the context of wholeness as no one really knows personal knowing than the knower. Personal knowing also incorporates compassion, passion and integrity (Chinn & Kramer, 2018). One professional strength I have as an OB nurse is the ability to relate to the patient and their situation. I have had babies all ways possible almost, and personally have been in a couple different hard situations so my ability to empathize with my patients is something that I am known for. Another professional strength I have is the ability to assess the patient’s beliefs and understandings and if they have beliefs that require any special attention, We take care of a good amount of Nepal refugees where I live and one thing they do is bring their family member food after she has the baby. Since this has become such a common thing for this community of patients, I have raised money to keep a small portable refrigerator around so the patient can keep it in their room. Just by addressing that small piece of detail, the patients are very happy to be able to store things at their bedside. One weakness I have is sometimes I can get attached to patients and I can spend a lot of time with them. I have trouble separating my work life from my home life and I feel sometimes I am empathetic to a fault. Using nursing theory, especially the self-care deficit theory, I can apply some of my own needs to this theory and use this theory to better help move through these needs. This will develop a weakness into a strength by working on what is needed and moving through the process of the self-care theory. Sometimes nurses are the worst about neglecting themselves and their basic needs, utilizing Orem’s self care deficit theory, one can recognize any areas they may be neglecting and pay attention to their needs (Lauder, 2001).

Chinn, P. l.  & Kramer, M. K. (2018). Knowledge development in nursing: Theory and process (10th ed.). [Pageburst version ]. Retrieved from https://pageburstls.elsevier.com/#/books/9780323530613/cfi/6/2!/4/4/[email protected]:0.0455(4), 545. Retrieved from https://prx- Journal of Advanced Nursing, 34

Lauder, W. (2001). The utility of self-care theory as a theoretical basis for self-neglect.

 
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Discussion Response Approx 100 150 Words 18970785

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 Environment, health, nursing, and person interconnect to comprise the metaparadigm of the nursing discipline (Francis, 2017). As nursing is a profession based upon caring for people, I believe the phenomena of person is most relevant to my clinical practice as an OR nurse. Patients undergoing surgery are unable to observe what occurs during their procedure as they are sedated or receive general anesthesia. Consequently, they rely on their OR nurses to advocate for dignity and safety while in an altered level of consciousness. Patient-centered care is a foundational aspect of my nursing career. I also believe that keeping the person as the focal point when providing nursing care enables nurses to be cognizant of treating patients holistically versus only focusing on diagnoses, symptom management, or pharmacological intervention. Occasionally, I encounter anesthesia providers that do not want to allow a few minutes for the nursing staff to properly clean patients after surgery and I remind them that a clean surgical dressing and gown is essential to patient’s hygiene and well-being.  

      Virginia Henderson was an established author, educator of nursing, and co-creator of a patient-centered curriculum utilized by the National League of Nursing (McEwen & Ellis, 2014). Henderson developed the nursing need theory, which is divided into 14 components that emphasized improving patient independence to promote recovery after hospitalization (Ahtisham & Jacoline, 2015). The elements of the nursing need theory provide a holistic nursing approach that encompasses the mental, physical, social, and spiritual aspects of patients. 

      Faye Abdellah was a nursing theorist that presented a patient-focused approach that also integrated using nursing diagnoses into the nursing discipline. Abdellah along with colleagues, created a listing of 21 nursing problems that are equally divided into patient problems and nursing skills during a period were nursing diagnoses were not considered appropriate for nurses (McEwen & Ellis, 2014). Abdellah’s 21 nursing problems are subcategorized into emotional, physiological, social needs of patients along with nurse-patient relationships and patient care.  

Carmetrice Brock 

References 

Ahtisham, Y., & Jacoline, S. (2015). Integrating nursing theory and process into practice;

Virginia’s Henderson need theory. International Journal of Caring Sciences, 8(2), 443

-450. Retrieved from https://web-a-ebscohost-com.prx

-herzing.lirn.net/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?vid=4&sid=74c93db6-58d8-427f-a012

-97911b447a18%40sessionmgr4009 

Francis, I. (2017). Nursing informatics and the metaparadigms of nursing. Online Journal of

Nursing Informatics, 21(1). Retrieved from https://www.himss.org/library/nursing

-informatics-and-metaparadigms-nursing 

McEwen, M., & Wills, E. (2014). Grand nursing theories based on human needs. In Theoretical

basis for nursing [VitalSource version] (4th ed., p. 134). Retrieved from

 
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Discussion Response Approx 100 150 Words 18970769

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The Neuman System Model uses a systems approach that is focused on the human needs of protection or relief from stress (Neuman & Fawcett, 2009). Neuman believed that the causes of stress can be identified and remedied through nursing interventions. She emphasized the need of humans for dynamic balance that the nurse can provide through identification of problems, mutually agreeing on goals, and using the concept of prevention as intervention. Neuman’s model is one of only a few considered prescriptive in nature. The model is universal, abstract, and applicable for individuals from many cultures (Neuman, 1995; Neuman & Fawcett, 2009).  Neuman used concepts and theories from a number of disciplines in the development of her theory. In her works, she referred to Chardin and Cornu on wholeness in systems, von Bertalanfy and Lazlo on general systems theory, Selye on stress theory, and Lazarus on stress and coping (Neuman, 1995; Neuman & Fawcett, 2009).

In her work, she defined human beings as a “client/client system, as a composite of variables … physiological, psychological, sociocultural, developmental, and spiritual (Neuman & Fawcett, 2009, p. 16). Environment in the model represents the three environments, internal, external, and created environments, which influences the client’s adaptation to stressors. Neuman’s System Model in the nursing realm, is to maintain client system stability through accurately assessing environmental and other stressors and assisting in client adjustments to maintain optimal wellness. Neuman model consisted of  a three-step nursing process model in which nursing diagnosis (the first step), nursing goals as determined with the client and family (the second step), and lastly, nursing outcomes that confirm and evaluate the client’s healthcare goals. I have always look at the total picture when encountering individuals from a personal standpoint, professionally in the clinical setting, and in the community to address issues that constitutes the total person outside of the health/illness continuum.

Neuman’s System Care Model can be used in a practical setting where I work on the stepdown unit.While caring for a 67 yr old AA male who was post-op day1 prostatectomy with a hx of hypertension, diabetes, colon cancer, TIA, anxiety, and depression became symptomatic during shift change. The patient’s family called to the nurse’s station because he became weak and unable to ambulate back to his bed. Upon arriving to the patient’s room I found him sitting on the commode with c/o nausea and vomiting which is common after this type of surgery. With further assessment, I noted the client became diaphoretic and dizzy while attempting to stand. Vitals were stable at this time but I my intuition told me that something just wasn’t right.First thing that came to mind was that the pt vasovagal while trying to have a bowel movement. The Scip protocol was in place at this time, IV fluids infusing, foley in place with adequate urinary output noted, telemetry on with no ectopy noted. I told the family to call the nurse’s station to bring a wheelchair to the room to assist with transferring the pt back to bed. The patient had expressed to me that he was under a lot of stress due to  the lost of his mother, his second bout with cancer, and the financial strain he was under for being out of work for his health conditions. While attempting to place the patient in the bed he had another diaphoretic episode with generalized weakness. My intuition lead me to believe this patient was having an MI. I took an additional set of vitals, revisited the lab work, placed the pt on oxygen at 2 liter, and ordered a stat EKG. I viewed the EKG and noted an elevated ST segment and paged the cardiologist on call; while simultaneously informing the house supervisor of my findings. Within 10 minutes or less the client was in route to the cath lab for stent placement.

Re examining Neuman’s System Model, I was able to utilize the three step nursing process to 1.) identifying a nursing diagnoses that includes but not limited to: risk for decreased cardiac output, anxiety, activity intolerance, ineffective coping, risk for falls, nausea, and imbalanced nutrition just to name a few. 2.) Establishing patient/family centered goals that constitutes their beliefs, values,and  customs such optimizing cardiac output with stent placement, ensuring the client is hemodynamically stable, addressing nutritional status with the interdisciplinary team to ensue dietary requirements are met, providing counseling to assist with helping the client cope with his loses that internally and externally precipitated stress. 3.) Evaluation and clarification of the client’s outcomes. The patient underwent angioplasty with stent placement and was transferred to the ICU without incident. Neuman’s model allowed me to assess the patient from a holistic point of view that lead to favorable outcomes. The physicians, house supervisor, and staff was so impressed with my knowledge and skills that I received the Daisy’s Award for exceptional nurses that year. 

To this present day, that patient stills comes to the facility I work at to thank me for saving his life. Often healthcare professional become overwhelmed with the everyday task of the discipline that little signs such as nausea/vomiting goes unnoticed. The patient did not complain of pain at anytime during the assessment. Neuman’s model can be used in any nursing setting because it directly ties the patient to the nurse and the environment that are in constant motion either propelling towards health, where energy is conserved or towards illness that depletes the storage of energy. The clinical and critical skills I’ve acquired and taking an holistic approach while caring for patients and families allowed me to be present with the patient and family thus addressing his healthcare needs while optimizing his overall quality of health.

References:

McEwen, M. (2014). Theoretical Basis for Nursing, 4th Edition. [VitalSource Bookshelf version]. Retrieved from http://online.vitalsource.com/books/9781469899992

Neuman B, Fawcett J. The Neuman Systems Model. 5th ed. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall; 2010.

 
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Discussion Response To Article Below 19246141

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150-180 words APA format with references and in-text citations. 

Within the healthcare field we as nurses and future practitioners are faced daily with changes in our field. Whether it be current trends in healthcare, changes within our organizations or laws we embrace the changes to aid in the improvement of quality of care for the patients. Along with changes we are also faced with the many stressors that occur within our practice of work. Many stressors can occur such as issues with nurse patient ratios, healthcare breaches, and most importantly nursing shortages. The main stressor here I would like to focus on is nursing shortages with increased workloads. Retention is a key topic when addressing nursing shortage. According to Laureate Education, issues within healthcare will become more and more of a challenge for healthcare workers, therefore it is imperative to be able to adapt to the stressors (Laureate Education, 2015).

My organization is a non-profit healthcare facility. Located in Norfolk, VA we are a Level one trauma center as well as Magnet recognized organization. Working in such a facility in the heart of our community, we are faced with many challenging work shifts, difficulty workloads and most importantly a nursing shortage. I have seen in my organization units working understaffed, nursing managers and other members of leadership forced into staffing to take on patient assignments to not place the entire burden on bedside nurses. The assignments are heavier at times, the patients are a lot sicker and we seem to feel that we don’t have enough help in certain areas to properly treat our high acuity workloads. These types of issues place major stresses on staff members. Everyone becomes overwhelmed, displayed angers amongst staff, longer working hours, while feeling unappreciated at times.  Over the years the nursing shortage has been a huge issue with some of the factors being lack of properly trained educators, an abundance of turnover rates as well as challenging workloads (Haddad & Tony-Butler, 2019).

Addressing Issues  within Organizations

For such current issues within my organization, being in a leadership role I have seen the forefront of all that is being done to address our nursing shortage. For instance, we hold daily meetings that incorporate our staffing support services. This allows all members in our organization at the leadership level the insight on what extra staff help we have for the next few shifts. This allows everyone to critical think and plan ahead about areas where shortages may be occurring to plan for coverage of the gaps. Another area of tackling staffing issues within my organization has been incentive pay. Staffs are offered “call pay” which is extra pay for working extra shifts. Staff will be paid double pay for providing their time with covering staff shortages on certain units. This has allowed nurses to pick up extra hours to cover shortages decrease intense workloads, as well as offering a pay incentive. My organization has also extended contracts to travel nurses to work different assignments ranging 10-13 weeks. Having these nurses come in also works because those units critically short are offered help from a nurse assigned to them and only them for this period of time. Now although this is a temporary fix, we have had some of these nurses become our own staff nurses which increases our staffing.  With nursing shortages in our organization, it has been more common for staff to adjust and work with what they have. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) has made various ways to implement measures within healthcare to support the many struggles faced in this field, therefore allowing organizations to change delivery systems for improvement of patient care (Pittman & Scully-Russ, 2016). Although we still may seem to not see much change happening, many organizations such as my own are working hard to support their team members.

References

Haddad LM, Toney-Butler TJ. Nursing Shortage. [Updated 2019 Jan 19]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2019 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK493175/

Laureate Education (Producer). (2015). Leading in Healthcare Organizations of the Future [Video file]. Baltimore, MD: Author.

Pittman, P., & Scully-Russ, E. (2016). Workforce planning and development in times of delivery system transformation. Human Resources for Health, 14, 1–15. https://doi-org.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/10.1186/s12960-016-0154-3

 
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Discussion Response To Article Below 19246139

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150-180 words APA format with references and in-text citations. 

Health literacy, along with health numeracy skills, can influence the quality of care delivery across the spectrum of settings and is vital to maintaining patients’ engagement in their own health. Health literacy is defined as “the degree to which individuals have the capacity to obtain, process and understand basic health information needed to make appropriate health decisions and services needed to prevent or treat illness” (Health Resources and Services Administration [HRSA], 2015).  

The ineffectiveness of healthcare literacy in the current health care climate is not a new issue, however it is as relevant as ever. People need information they can understand and use to make the best decisions for their health. When organizations or people create and give others health information that is too difficult for them to understand, we create a health literacy problem. When we expect them to figure out health services with many unfamiliar, confusing or even conflicting steps, we also create a health literacy problem (Brach, C., Keller, D., Hernandez, L. M., Baur, C., Dreyer, B., Parker, R., … Schillinger, D., 2012).

 Health information can overwhelm even persons with advanced literacy skills. Medical science progresses rapidly. What people may have learned about health or biology during their school years often becomes outdated or forgotten, or it is incomplete. Moreover, health information provided in a stressful or unfamiliar situation is unlikely to be retained. People with limited health literacy often lack knowledge or have misinformation about the body as well as the nature and causes of disease (Marshall, E., & Broome, M., 2017).  Without this knowledge, they may not understand the relationship between lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise and various health outcomes.

Despite the growing interest in health literacy, little research has been done around health professionals’ knowledge of health literacy or understandings of the barriers to health literacy that patients face when navigating the health care system.  Improving both the healthcare workers knowledge and those of their patients decreases the barriers that prevent patients from seeking and receiving proper care (Loan, L., Parnell, T., Stichler, J., Boyle, D., Allen, P., & Barton, A., 2017).

Health literacy may cover choosing and comparing different health plans, prescription drug premiums, copays, and deductibles. As medical science is continuously evolving and progressing, it is easy to understand how health information can confuse and even overwhelm the average healthcare consumer. Improving health literacy is the responsibility of health organizations, healthcare systems, and healthcare professionals worldwide. It is critical for patients to develop health literacy so that they can take a more proactive role in their health. When patients are actively engaged, they are able to make more informed decisions which increases patient satisfaction, adherence, and can ultimately improve outcomes(Lambert, M., Luke, J., Downey, B., Crengle, S., Kelaher, M., & Smylie, J., 2015).  Patient empowerment, engagement, activation, and maximized health outcomes will not be achieved unless assurance of health literacy is applied universally for every patient, every time, in every health care encounter, and across all environments of care (Loan, L., Parnell, T., Stichler, J., Boyle, D., Allen, P., & Barton, A., 2017).

References

Brach, C., Keller, D., Hernandez, L. M., Baur, C., Dreyer, B., Parker, R., … Schillinger,

  D. (2012). Ten attributes of health literate health care organizations. Washington, DC:

    Institute of Medicine. Retrieved from http://www.ahealthyunderstanding.org/

         Portals/Documents1/IOM Ten Attributes Paper.pdf

Health Resources and Services Administration. (2015). Health literacy. Washington, DC:

     Author. Retrieved from http://www.hrsa.gov/publichealth/healthliteracy/

Lambert, M., Luke, J., Downey, B., Crengle, S., Kelaher, M., & Smylie, J. (2015). Health

   literacy: Health professionals’ understandings and their perceptions of barriers that

     Indigenous patients encounter. Biomed Central Health Services Research,14.

      doi:10.1186/s12913-014-0614-1

Loan, L., Parnell, T., Stichler, J., Boyle, D., Allen, P., & Barton, A. (2017). Call for

   action: Nurses must play a critical role to enhance health literacy. The Journal of the

     American Academy of Nuring,66(11), 97-100. doi:10.1016/j.11003

Marshall, E., & Broome, M. (2017). Transformational Leadership in Nursing (2nd ed.).  

    New York, NY: Springer.

 
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