Capella 4030 Assessment 4 Remote Collaboration and Evidence-Based Care ​​​​​​​Capella University NURS-FPX 4030 Making Evidence-Based Decisions Remote Collaboration and Evidence-Based Care

To begin with, I would like you to understand the concept of remote collaboration and why it is important in healthcare practices. So basically, remote collaboration is defined as the minimization of geographical barriers by the implementation of telecommunication methods to effectively collaborate with the team living in different parts of the world. This type of collaboration has improved healthcare accessibility for patients who are unable to approach healthcare facilities due to commutation and financial barriers. Moreover, it has also improved healthcare outcomes through the provision of immediate and accessible care (Haleem et al., 2021). 

Remote collaboration can only be successful if the team develops effective communication methods within them. For this purpose, useful communication tools should be used. Next, I will share a similar scenario from the Vila Health facility where a multidisciplinary team remotely collaborated with a patient using various telecommunication methods. 

The Background of Scenario 

Caitlyn, a two-year-old female patient, presented in the ER with a complaint of breathing difficulties. A pediatrician, Dr. Copeland along with Virginia, a registered nurse, undertook the patient to manage her condition. Her history revealed that she has been admitted to the hospital twice in the last six months with similar issues. Moreover, she had meconium ileus at the time of birth. Her clinical examination presents decreased breath sounds at the bases of the right lung whereas rhonchi are heard in the upper lobes.

Vitals showed a respiratory rate of 32 per min and a temperature of 101. Since she is having breathing problems, a respiratory therapist has been involved who has administered her aerosol nebulizers, and her chest physiotherapy is performed too. A lab investigation of the sweat chlorine test confirmed that the patient is a cystic fibrosis case. The healthcare professionals together discussed the barriers to care that Caitlyn may encounter. Some of the barriers identified were the distance of their home from the hospital, the separation between parents, and the parents may need further education in terms of Caitlyn’s treatment. Healthcare professionals consulted with the social worker and decided to follow remote collaboration to achieve better patient outcomes.

The respiratory therapist volunteered for Skype meetings with the parents to help them learn nebulization and chest physiotherapy. Nurses and doctors kept themselves available for the patient’s condition and management throughout. Moreover, the doctor also collaborated with local healthcare facilities in Caitlyn’s residence to ensure that she receives immediate and effective treatment in complicated situations.  Since cystic fibrosis is a life-threatening condition and can put the risk of mortality, healthcare professionals found it essential to provide care using telemedicine to ensure the patient remains safe and free from complications. 

Evidence-based Care Plan for Vila Health Patient

This scenario presented is a clear example of effective communication and collaboration among healthcare professionals in remote settings. Healthcare professionals tried their best to provide patients a safer, immediate, and quality care that can prevent complications and reduce mortality risk. I would like to present a care plan for Caitlyn which is developed using evidence-based practices to achieve desired outcomes. 

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a life-threatening respiratory condition that is commonly found in children. It is presented as the accumulation of exudates in the lungs and thoracic cavity which causes shortness of breath, increased respirations, and inability to breathe adequately (Shteinberg et al., 2021). A study mentions that in the US, cystic fibrosis is common in 1/4000 newborn babies. In Caucasians, the number of CF cases is 1/3000 people while it is 1/4000-10,000 in Latin Americans (Ni et al., 2022). Some of the strategies that will be included for Caitlyn in the care plan are: a) Airway clearance, b) Adequate oxygenation, c) Prevention of infections, and d) Adequate nutrition (Chen et al., 2021). Moreover, parents and Caitlyn’s mental health and well-being, as well as, feasibility in terms of appointments should be prioritized too.  

Integration of Evidence-based Care Model

Further in the presentation, I will discuss the evidence-based care model that has been used to develop this care plan. The model used is the Iowa model for nurses. This model was developed in the 1990s to help nurses effectively integrate evidence-based research in planning, managing, and caring for their patients (Chiwaula et al., 2021). I used the steps of the EBP model to effectively develop the care plan for Caitlyn