My population of interest is coronary heart disease patients. The plan of care for this population is increased patient engagement to improve treatment outcomes. The main focus of patient engagement is improving the collaboration between patients and providers in making treatment decisions. Some of the best strategies that could be used to enhance patient engagement among coronary heart disease patients include patient education, encouraging patients to ask questions and engage their providers, and developing feedback systems to allow patients to address their providers. With the increased avenues available for patients to access information, especially through the internet, most patients are aware of their health and health needs and better understand their bodies. Providers can rely on this strength to engage the patients in decision-making to improve health outcomes.
However, some of the barriers to implementing these best practices to care include misinformation of patients about coronary heart diseases and poor lifestyles. While information is readily available online for the patients to read and understand their health statuses, many myths and misconceptions are also published online, which can mislead the patients. Additionally, lack of goodwill from stakeholders, including providers, payors, hospital administrations, and caregivers, might hinder the possibility of achieving positive outcomes with coronary heart disease patients. High costs of care that are not necessarily catered for by insurers might discourage health outcomes.
Nevertheless, these barriers can be overcome through increased patient education. Empowering the patients with the correct information and demystifying the myths and misconceptions about coronary heart diseases also improves patient outcomes. Additionally, advocacy and lobbying can rally the stakeholders’ support and make treatment affordable for the POI. Patient education should also focus on promoting healthy habits. Patients can also be referred to community programs aimed at promoting healthy habits.
The feedback I would like to receive from my peers includes their input on considering patients as experts when engaging them in treatment decisions. Additionally, wearable technologies have been used in managing several chronic diseases. What are some of the downsides of using these wearable technologies with the elderly populations or young children?
