NURS FPX 4900 Assessment 5 ZayHoliday Health Care Technology to Improve Health Outcomes or Communication

The incorporation of applications for smartphones such as MySugr and Glucose Buddy allowed Elizabeth to actively participate in her self-care by recording blood glucose levels, tracking dietary intake, and receiving medication reminders. This utilization of digital tools empowered her to take control of her health and facilitated real-time communication between Elizabeth and her healthcare providers. Digital health tools can greatly improve communication and self-management in the treatment of chronic illnesses (Fan & Zhao, 2021). Through these apps, I could share Elizabeth’s health data with her healthcare team, enabling timely adjustments to her treatment plan and fostering a collaborative approach to diabetes management.

Opportunities for Future Practice

While the capstone project successfully utilized existing healthcare technology, there are opportunities for further enhancement in future practice. Integrating telehealth platforms for remote consultations and follow-ups could provide patients with more accessible healthcare services, allowing them to engage with healthcare teams (Sharma et al., 2022). Moreover, integrating continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) with wearable technology could offer real-time health data and enable personalized therapies based on the needs and preferences of each individual (Reddy & Oliver, 2024).

Insight into Prospective Improvements

Developing interoperable electronic health record (EHR) systems that seamlessly integrate with patient-facing apps and wearable devices could streamline data sharing and enhance care coordination (Sharma et al., 2022). Moreover, incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning algorithms into diabetes management platforms could analyze patient data to provide personalized treatment recommendations and predictive insights (Ahmed et al., 2020).

Health Policies Influence Planning and Implementation of Capstone Project

Firstly, I ensured that my project aligned with existing health policies related to chronic disease management, particularly those concerning diabetes care guidelines and quality improvement initiatives as outlined by the American Nurses Association (ANA). By adhering to established protocols and standards advocated by the ANA, I could ensure that my intervention met regulatory requirements and promoted evidence-based practice in diabetes management. This alignment with ANA guidelines not only ensured the ethical and professional integrity of my intervention but also underscored the importance of nursing leadership in driving policy-informed healthcare initiatives.

Access to Healthcare Services

For individuals with chronic illnesses like type 2 diabetes, ensuring fair access to healthcare services is crucial to enhancing health outcomes and minimizing inequities (Agarwal et al., 2022). Recognizing the significance of policy initiatives aimed at reducing healthcare disparities, I incorporated strategies in my project to address barriers to access, including leveraging telehealth platforms for remote consultations and utilizing community resources for support services. These initiatives were aligned with broader healthcare policies focused on improving patient access to care, particularly for underserved populations.

Contributions to Policy Development

In addition to being influenced by existing health policies, my capstone project contributed to policy development by highlighting the role of baccalaureate-prepared nurses in promoting patient-centered care and using technology to improve the provision of healthcare. Through my project, I emphasized the importance of patient-centered care in diabetes management, advocating for policies that prioritize patient preferences, values, and autonomy.

Promoting Technology Integration

My project underscored the significance of integrating health information technology into clinical practice to improve patient outcomes and communication. By demonstrating the efficacy of utilizing smartphone applications and telehealth platforms in diabetes management, I provided evidence to support the integration of these technologies into healthcare policies and reimbursement models. The advocacy for technology integration aligns with broader policy objectives aimed at advancing digital health initiatives and promoting innovation in healthcare delivery (Sharma et al., 2022).

Role of the Baccalaureate-Prepared Nurse

As a baccalaureate-prepared nurse, I actively bridged the gap between practice and policy by converting policy goals into actionable solutions that directly influenced patient care. To enhance patient outcomes and diabetes control, I made sure that my project strategy and interventions were in