Lack of Practicing Psychological Interventions by Nurses - Essay Example

Outline Sharon Edwards Tennessee Tech Ashley allison 9/14/14 ment of the Problem Lack of practicing psychological interventions by nurses is delaying the recovery of patients with chronic diseases. Definition of Terms Psychology-Psychology is defined as the study of behaviors and mental functions of individuals. It helps in understanding people, their minds, perceptions, actions and approaches. Nursing-Nursing is defined as a profession which involves assisting in activities which help in patient care and recovery (Barker, 2007). Psychological Interventions-Psychological Interventions are methods used to bring changes in individual’s health conditions by using psychology. Theoretical Framework Bio behavioral Model- The biobehavioral model is used to study the complex interfaces among biological, environmental, social and behavioral factors and their possible impacts on certain health conditions such as cancer. These interfaces are often viewed to be bidirectional and complex. For instance, it is common knowledge that exercise is relevant in conferring health benefits to patients through mixing of several biological mechanisms. Biology on the other hand will affect the cognitive and emotional experience of the emotion itself as well as the behavior itself.Social factors such as cultural norms and the support tha patient receives will have an effect on the behavioral and biological interventions (Barker, 2007). Health Belief Model (HBM)- This model is often used to try and explain or predict certain health behaviors. This is achieved by centering on the ideals and beliefs of the patient. The model seeks to explain the reasons as to why some patients may or may not accept healthy practices or adopt certain preventive measures. The HBM model proses the nortion that people are likely to react best to health messages or messages relating to disease prevention if any of the following four conditions are met: the patient believes that the condition can be reduced by certain behavioral changes, the patient believes that they stand a risk of developing a certain ailment, the person belives that the risk is serious and the consequences rather serious and the person believes that the barriers to behavior change can be accomplished. Background Chronic illnesses have become quite prevalent in communities worldwide, and are the cause of death to many globally. While working in the health care setting doctors and nurses have to interact with patients. Therefore, it is very imperative to master the intercommunication skills and develop a relationship by understanding the psychology of patients. It is important to understand the psychological interventions, theories and models which are applicable in patient handling particularly in patient care. The patients’ rights entail this provision that they should be provided with optimum therapeutic and psychological care. It has been found that lack of practicing psychological interventions by nurses, other than mental health patients is interfering with quality health care. Past research shows that the practice of psychological interventions by nurses in aw away delays the recovery of patients suffering from chronic illnesses. This research evaluates how psychological interventions can help in the nursing profession in delivering quality health care. The psychological issues that most patients go through often makes their condition worsen and delay their recovery. This research will be helpful in determining the main psychological interventions that have proved to be helpful in refining the health of patients with chronic disease. Methodology A systemic review and meta-analysis of primary research sources is conducted to analyze how psychological interventions can improve patient health care by nurses. Systemic Review of secondary academic sources and books is done to evaluate how psychology is linked with nursing and what approaches and practical models should be observed in order to create a relationship between nursing and psychology. Population and Sample The readings that have been incorporated in this research were randomly selected from a large database seeking to analyze the the effects of psychological interventions on patients suffering from coronary heart disease and cancer, including both men and women.the reason for implementing the random selection was in order to guarantee that there are no assumptions on the true effect of the variable on all the studies (Barker, 2007). Instruments Meta-analysis in conducted including randomized controlled trials, intervention studies and telephone monitoring. The subsequent databases were used for the research: PubMed, Cinahl, Cochrane, Medline and Ebscohost. Google scholar and Google search engine was also used to reviewing books and secondary information. Hypothesis Psychological interventions have a positive outcome on improving health outcomes in patients with chronic diseases. Scope The study will be applicable on patients suffering from coronary heart diseases and cancer. Limitations There is very minimal research that has been carried out in the past pertaining to the relationship between psychological interventions and nursing practices on patients suffering from Chronis illnesses. This therefore poses as a limitation to the conclusions and analysis arrived at by the researcher and may in turn impact in its credibility. Furthermore, the varying results and conclusions made by different researchers makes it rather difficult to justify the results of the research. Significance The study is important because it evaluates various aspects of psychology interlinked with nursing practices and can improve health outcomes in patients. The main chronic illnesses chosen for the research were cancer and coronary heart diseases. The main psychological issues often associated with these illnesses include stress, depression and anxiety. These issues often greatly interfere with the quick recovery of the patients and their overall health outcomes. This study aims to show how the relationship between psychology and nursing and the ways in which psychological intervention by nurses will inevitably impact on the patients’ health. Presentation of Data Data is presented by comparing 15 primary research studies and 10 secondary sources in the form of critical analysis. Analysis of Data Data revealed that psychological interventions can help in several ways to progress patient care and health outcomes particularly in chronic diseases. The findings from the randomized controlled trails further revealed that if nurses were to incorporate psychological interventions in patients suffering from chronic diseases and cancer, a significan improvement in the patients overall health was likely to be noted. However, it was also noted that these inytervention do not necessarily lower the mortality rate. All it does is simply increase the life span of the patients with chronic illnesses and improve their quality of health as compared to in an instance where the nurses failed to use the psychological interventions. Conclusion In colclusion, it is eveident that psychology has numerous applications in nursing that are mandatory for obtaining optimum patient care in chronic diseases. If at all health practioners look to improve the quality of life that their patients suffering from chronic diseases live, it is important to implement psychological interventions in their treatment. Recommendations: Further research should be conducted for identifying what problems do nurses and doctors face while practicing psychological interventions in patient care focusing on patient behavior. Studies should be conducted via surveys and questionnaires to evaluate patient’s perceptions about receiving psychological care from nurses and doctors. References Barker, S. (2007). Vital Notes for Nurses: Psychology. Carlton : John Wiley & Sons. Read More