Problem Identification and Description

Part 1: Problem Identification and Description Identify and describe the problem in clear and concise language. To help you think about what problem you might choose, keep in mind the health or nursing problems of the patient population(s) you currently serve, those you encountered in your clinical courses, or those you plan to work with in the future. Describe the clinical setting. Describe the service area for the clinic and population groups who attend the clinic services. What kinds of problems do you see in the clinic? Give a clear, explicit statement of the problem and target population, as well as the background of the specific problem relative to the clinical setting. Is it broad enough that you can analyze it from many theoretical and conceptual points of view and make suitable plans to address the problem from a number of perspectives? Is it of enough interest to you that you are willing to spend most of the semester thinking about it, assessing all its dimensions, planning in detail how to address it, and designing a detailed intervention and evaluation plan? Describe the significance of the evidence-based project that could be implemented in the selected setting to the nursing profession. Ask yourself why it is important to you. Consider your own clinical interest. Describe clinical observations that point out the knowledge gap, clinical gap, etc. Describe the significant research in the area that has been done that delineates the gap in our knowledge. Your paper should be 3–4 pages in length, not including the cover or reference pages. You must reference a minimum of 3 scholarly sources in your paper. Use current APA format to style your paper and to cite your sources.
ANSWER
**Problem Identification and Description**
**Clinical Setting:**
The clinical setting for this evidence-based project is a community health clinic located in an urban area with a diverse population. The clinic primarily serves low-income individuals and families who may not have access to regular healthcare services. The clinic offers a range of primary care services, including preventive care, chronic disease management, and health education programs.
**Description of the Problem:**
The problem identified in this clinical setting is the high prevalence of uncontrolled hypertension among the clinic’s patient population. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a significant public health issue and a leading cause of cardiovascular diseases, including heart attacks and strokes. The clinic’s patient population faces multiple barriers to accessing consistent healthcare, which contributes to the problem.
**Background of the Problem:**
Hypertension is a widespread health concern in the United States, affecting millions of individuals, particularly those from underserved communities. In the clinical setting, it is evident that a substantial number of patients have uncontrolled hypertension, putting them at increased risk of serious health complications.
**Target Population:**
The target population for this evidence-based project includes adult patients, aged 18 and above, who visit the community health clinic for primary care services. This population is predominantly low-income and faces socioeconomic challenges that hinder regular access to healthcare and medication adherence.
**Significance of the Evidence-Based Project:**
The significance of addressing uncontrolled hypertension in this clinical setting is multifaceted:
1. **Patient Health:** By improving hypertension management, we can reduce the risk of cardiovascular events and enhance the overall health and well-being of the patient population.
2. **Healthcare Costs:** Better hypertension control can lead to cost savings in healthcare expenditures by preventing costly hospitalizations and interventions.
3. **Nursing Profession:** Addressing this problem aligns with the core principles of nursing, emphasizing patient advocacy, health promotion, and disease prevention.
**Knowledge and Clinical Gap:**
Clinical observations and data from the clinic indicate that while hypertension is prevalent among patients, there is a gap in knowledge and adherence to treatment plans. Patients often struggle with medication adherence, lifestyle modifications, and regular follow-up appointments.
**Research and Knowledge Gap:**
Existing research highlights the importance of controlling hypertension and the effectiveness of various interventions. However, the gap lies in translating this knowledge into practical, patient-centered strategies that address the specific challenges faced by the clinic’s population.
**Importance to the Nursing Profession:**
This evidence-based project is important to the nursing profession as it allows nurses to apply their expertise in healthcare delivery and education to make a meaningful impact on patient outcomes. It aligns with the profession’s commitment to improving patient care and reducing health disparities, particularly in underserved communities.
In summary, the problem of uncontrolled hypertension in the community health clinic is of significant concern due to its impact on patient health, healthcare costs, and the nursing profession’s mission to provide quality care and promote health equity. Addressing this problem through evidence-based interventions will have a lasting and positive effect on the clinic’s patient population.