NR585NP Week 1 Discussion: Identification of Problem

Identification of Problem

Student Name

NR585 – NP

Chamberlain University

Student Name

One of the clinical issues in the healthcare environment in the contemporary world that a nurse practitioner (NP) can champion by advocating through the provision of evidence-based, patient-centered change is the management and prevention of diabetic foot ulcer. Diabetic foot ulcers are a complex complication among patients with diabetes that impairs the quality of life and increases the risk of lower limb amputation among patients (Lin et al., 2020). Due to the rising prevalence of diabetes, clients are exposed to this health risk of rising frequency and severity, commonly with or without the education or resources to self-manage this disorder. A diabetic foot ulcer qualifies as an NP role in prevention and chronic disease management and assists in the implementation of evidence-based interventions that will lead to better patient outcomes.

Scope and Impact of the Problem

Approximately one out of four diabetics will suffer this severe problem sometime in their lives. The physical, mental, and financial distress of a patient and his dependents can be high because of diabetic foot ulcers due to long-term hospitalization, multiple surgeries, and amputation (loss of an extremity) in severe cases (Moore et al., 2021). This leads to some level of suffering in the form of discomfort, reduced movement, and reduced functionality of the patients on a day-to-day basis, which in the long-run gives some degree of influence on the overall quality of life. It is widely known that the extremely high cost of the therapy has a huge financial implication on the healthcare system (Misra et al., 2019). Health outcomes and resource savings may also be maintained and improved by the prevention and reduction of diabetic foot ulcers.

Role of NPs in Addressing the Problem

The nurse practitioners are very instrumental in preventive measures to diabetic foot ulcer and its treatment by detecting the disease at an early stage, educating the patient, and providing constant care. The NPs may be the most frequent providers of care and interaction with the patient with chronic conditions (Dusseldorp et al., 2020), which places them in the best position to monitor combinations of possible issues, such as foot ulcers. They can promote the adoption of evidence-based practices, e.g., educating clients on regular foot checks, correct footing, and glycemic control, which have been found to lower the occurrence of foot ulcers. NPs also have an opportunity to organize care with other multidisciplinary teams, meaning that when the need arises, clients will be referred to specialists, including podiatrists and wound care professionals (Ernstmeyer & Christman, 2021). NPs can make a major contribution to the prevention of diabetic foot ulcer occurrences and their severity by encouraging the development of extensive foot care programs and by lobbying for resources to serve the vulnerable groups.

Interests within the Problem

This issue is especially relevant since it shows how nurse practitioners can play a special role in preventive care and the outcomes they can achieve in educating patients and managing chronic diseases. Diabetes is a chronic disease that requires life-long management, and management of one of its most incapacitating complications, i.e., foot ulcers, can significantly enhance the life of the patients. The possibility to contribute to the prevention of foot ulcer progression and to help patients in the self-management practices also corresponds with the values of holistic patient-centered care that lots of NPs would like to provide. Through the prioritization of diabetic foot ulcers, NPs are able to deliver high-quality and personalized care, decrease hospitalizations, help patients to gain autonomy, and ultimately, save lives.

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