NURS FPX 4050 Assessment 4 Ethical Decisions in Designing Patient-Centered Healthcare Interventions

The literature highlights the importance of several key ethical decisions in this context. Firstly, it underscores the ethical imperative of respecting patient autonomy. Patients with cognitive impairment may face challenges in expressing their preferences or providing informed consent, emphasizing the need for advanced care planning and the appointment of healthcare proxies (Chiong et al., 2021). Ethical decisions thus revolve around identifying and honoring the patients previously expressed wishes and preferences, even as their capacity to make decisions may diminish over time.

Secondly, the literature emphasizes the need to maintain a careful balance between beneficence and non-maleficence. While healthcare providers aim to promote the well-being of patients through interventions, they must also avoid harm and prioritize the patient’s safety and dignity. This balance is crucial when considering the use of pharmacological interventions in individuals with cognitive impairment. Ethical decisions should involve a comprehensive evaluation of the potential benefits and risks of medications and a transparent discussion with patients and their families to make informed choices (Chiong et al., 2021). Additionally, recognizing the heterogeneity of patient responses, healthcare providers should remain realistic about the expected outcomes, aligning their interventions with the best interests of the patient while minimizing harm.

Policy Implications for the Coordination and Continuum of Care

First, healthcare professionals must consider the policy implications regarding early diagnosis and intervention. Many healthcare systems have provisions that support early detection and intervention for cognitive impairment. These provisions emphasize the importance of timely assessments, such as cognitive screenings, and promote access to diagnostic tools and specialist consultations. Inferences drawn from these policy provisions underscore the ethical responsibility of healthcare providers to prioritize early detection and intervention, as it aligns with best practices for managing cognitive impairment (Hilsabeck et al., 2022). Timely diagnosis not only improves the quality of care and patient outcomes but also potentially reduces the long-term healthcare burden. Healthcare providers should collaborate closely with primary care physicians, specialists, and public health agencies to ensure that these provisions are effectively implemented.

Second, healthcare policies often contain measures aimed at ensuring equity in access to care. Precise interpretation of these provisions highlights the necessity of addressing healthcare disparities related to cognitive impairment. Disparities may exist based on race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and geographic location, affecting access to diagnostic services, specialized care, and community resources (Hilsabeck et al., 2022). Healthcare providers must, therefore, make valid inferences that inform their practice. They should work towards reducing these disparities by promoting outreach and education efforts targeted at underserved populations and collaborating with local community organizations to enhance access to care. In doing so, healthcare providers not only adhere to policy provisions but also foster a more equitable and patient-centered continuum of care for patients (Hilsabeck et al., 2022). These insights emphasize the ethical responsibility to ensure that care is accessible and equitable, aligning with best practices and the broader goals of improving population health.

Care Coordinator Priorities to Discuss the Plan

When a care coordinator engages in discussions with a patient and their family members, several critical priorities must be established, underpinned by evidence-based practice, to ensure a patient-centered and effective care plan. Firstly, a key priority is to comprehensively assess the specific needs, preferences, and goals of the patient and their family. Evidence-based practice emphasizes that personalized care is most effective in improving health outcomes (Welch et al., 2021). This individualized approach is essential when dealing with cognitive impairment, such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, where the progression and impact can vary widely among patients. Therefore, the care coordinator should conduct thorough assessments to understand the patient’s cognitive baseline, their current cognitive and functional abilities, and their specific challenges and goals.

Another high-priority aspect involves fostering effective communication between all stakeholders. Evidence-based practice highlights the importance of clear and open communication in care coordination (Welch et al., 2021). The care coordinator should ensure that there is a collaborative dialogue between the healthcare team, the patient, and their fami