NURS FPX 4900 Assessment 1 Leadership, Collaboration, Communication, Change Management, and Policy Considerations Impact of Diabetes on Patient Safety, Quality of Care, and Costs

Diabetes is a long-term medical condition that requires individuals to make lifestyle modifications and take medication to manage it effectively. Out of the 38 million Americans with diabetes, approximately one in ten individuals is affected. Alarmingly, half of those with the condition are not aware of their diagnosis (Sathish et al., 2023). We will take into consideration the case study of a fifty-nine-year-old male patient, Mr. Andrew, who is suffering from type 2 diabetes. Mr. Andrew’s diabetes condition can have a significant impact on the quality of care, patient safety, and costs to both the healthcare system and the individual.

Quality of Care

Diabetes type 2 is a chronic condition that requires continuous management and monitoring to prevent complications. These complications include cardiovascular disease, neuropathy, and retinopathy (Ortiz-Martínez et al., 2022). Therefore, the quality of care provided to Mr. Andrew must be comprehensive and patient-centered, including regular check-ups, medication management, blood glucose monitoring, and lifestyle modifications. Failure to provide appropriate care can result in a decline in his health and an increase in complications, leading to reduced quality of life.

Patient Safety

Diabetes type 2 can also impact patient safety. For instance, if Mr. Andrew’s blood glucose levels are not appropriately controlled, he may experience hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia, both of which can result in serious health complications. In addition, diabetes can increase the risk of infections, such as foot ulcers, which can lead to hospitalization and further complications (Ortiz-Martínez et al., 2022).

Costs to the System and Individual

The management of type 2 diabetes can be costly to both the healthcare system and the individual. For the healthcare system, the cost of treating complications associated with diabetes, such as cardiovascular disease and renal failure, can be significant. Additionally, diabetes-related hospitalizations and emergency room visits can further strain healthcare resources. For the individual, the cost of medications, blood glucose monitoring equipment, and healthcare visits can be significant, especially if they are uninsured or underinsured.

Government policies’ Impact on the quality of Care and Patient safety

State board nursing practice standards, as well as organizational or governmental policies such as the American Nurses Association (ANA), the Nurse Practice Act (NPA), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), play an essential role in shaping the management and care of patients with diabetes type 2, like Mr. Andrew. 

Quality of Care

The ANA has developed policies and standards that guide nursing practice, including the management of type 2 diabetes (Jin et al., 2022). These policies emphasize the importance of patient-centered care and promote patient education, self-management, and interdisciplinary collaboration to manage diabetes effectively. Adherence to these standards can improve the quality of care provided to Mr. Andrew and ensure that his individual needs and preferences are considered in the management of his condition.

The CDC is a federal agency responsible for promoting public health and preventing disease outbreaks. The CDC has developed guidelines and resources for the management of diabetes, including prevention strategies, screening recommendations, and evidence-based treatment protocols. Healthcare organizations and professionals can use these guidelines to improve the quality of care provided to patients with diabetes, including Mr. Andrew, by adopting evidence-based practices and implementing patient-centered care models.

Patient Safety

The NPA is a set of regulations and guidelines that govern nursing practice in each state (Nethers & Milstead, 2022). These guidelines set the scope of practice for nurses and outline the legal responsibilities and obligations of nursing professionals. Nurses must follow the NPA guidelines in managing patients with type 2 diabetes, including proper medication management, blood glucose monitoring, and patient education. Adherence to these guidelines can improve patient safety and reduce the risk of complications associated with diabetes.

Cost to the System and Individual

Acts and policies like Medicare and Medicaid can impact Mr. Andrew’s diabetes problem by providing subsidies for patients’ treatment. For instance, some government policies and programs offer subsidies to help individuals with diabetes afford their medications, supplies, and healthcare services. These subsidies can reduce the costs associated with managing diabetes,