Greetings, I am _______. In this reflection video, I’ll focus on my capstone project experience and my journey throughout the RN-to-BSN program, focusing on managing type 2 diabetes. I specifically consider the interventions implemented for my grandmother, Elizabeth, who was recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. It is a chronic illness that elevates blood sugar levels and causes various health complications and is characterized by insulin resistance and decreased insulin secretion (Olesen et al., 2020). Through the comprehensive examination of my interventions, interactions, and personal growth, I will assess the impact of my project on Elizabeth’s satisfaction, as well as the utilization of evidence-based practice, healthcare technology, and health policy. Additionally, I will evaluate the alignment of project outcomes with initial predictions, discuss the potential for intervention generalizability, and provide insights into my professional development and adherence to ethical standards.
Interventions aimed to provide an instructional brochure to my 70-year-old grandmother Elizabeth, who was recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. The objective was to empower her with comprehensive information on managing her condition, including dietary guidelines, exercise routines, and insulin administration. The goal was to enhance understanding of her condition, thus improving her ability to manage it effectively and her overall life quality.
Feedback from the Patient
Upon presenting the interventions, I received detailed feedback from Elizabeth. She expressed gratitude for the brochure, stating that it was instrumental in simplifying complex medical information into easy-to-understand language. She particularly appreciated the visual aids and step-by-step instructions for insulin administration, which reduced her anxiety about managing her condition. Elizabeth said that she found it easy to choose healthier foods because of the clear dietary guidelines and helpful advice. Furthermore, the interventions improved her comprehension of diabetes-related terms and concepts, so she felt more comfortable talking to her healthcare providers about her condition. I, as Elizabeth’s grandchild, found the dietary guidelines particularly useful when preparing meals, ensuring that her diet was balanced and conducive to managing her blood sugar levels. According to a study by Olesen et al. (2020), tailored educational materials are essential for empowering individuals with diabetes to make knowledgeable decisions regarding their lifestyle and health.
Enhancement of the Patient Experience
For Elizabeth, the educational brochure empowered her with knowledge and confidence. Understanding her condition and how to manage it effectively alleviated much of the fear and uncertainty she initially felt. Empowerment translated into better adherence to treatment plans, including regular monitoring of blood sugar levels, consistent medication use, and a more disciplined approach to diet and exercise (Yasmin et al., 2020). This unified approach reduced the potential for conflicting advice and support, thereby creating a more stable and supportive environment for her. Additionally, the brochure’s inclusion of community resources and support groups provided Elizabeth with a sense of not being alone in her journey. Knowing there were local groups and resources available to her offered emotional support and practical advice from others experiencing similar challenges.
One key use of evidence from peer-reviewed literature was in designing the content of the educational interventions. Extensive research into reputable sources such as peer-reviewed journals, clinical guidelines, and evidence-based practice databases informed the development of the brochure’s content. This involved synthesizing current knowledge on type 2 diabetes management, including dietary recommendations, exercise guidelines, insulin administration techniques, and community resources. In addition, the incorporation of evidence-based practices into teaching materials is consistent with the patient-centered care principles (Shawahna et al., 2021). By drawing on the latest evidence, the content of the brochure was tailored to reflect best practices in diabetes care, ensuring its relevance and effectiveness in meeting the needs of the target audience.
The principles of evidence-based practice guided decision-making throughout the project’s planning and implementation phases. This included critically appraising the quality of evidence, considering the applicability of research findings to Elizabeth’s diagnosis and preferenc