Malaria Vaccine

The World Health Organization (WHO), announced on the eve of World Malaria day, that it was allowed to test the first malaria vaccine next year. The illness has affected most people, whereby in the year 2015, it was estimated that about 429,000 people lost their lives due to the illness. WHO has since the year 2000 to 2015, been working very hard in order to come up with malaria vaccine. These efforts have borne fruits, and the world has seen a 62% reduction in malaria-related cases and 41% in the number of malaria-related deaths (Jen, n.p). In addition, the organization also provided prevention coverage in Sub-Saharan Africa, whereby 42% of the people in those areas, are at a very high risk of being infected with the disease, if they do not sleep under treated mosquito nets. The new vaccine will therefore be tested in the year 2018, in Africa, since Africa has the highest cases of malaria.

WHO has really done a very good job, since coming up with such a drug will really help in reducing the number of deaths related to malaria. In addition, since Africa is the continent which is affected the most, testing the drug in such an area will enable the organization to come up with very clear results on the effectiveness of the drug (Jen, n.p). This move will therefore help African countries to be able to develop, since malaria has been one of the main problems which African countries have been facing.

WHO should not only test the effectiveness of the drug, but it should also provide the drugs to the African countries, in order to allow them to deal with the issue. In addition, the organization should also make sure that the drugs are able to reach patients’ in hospitals, since most countries in Africa are ruled by corrupt leaders (Jen, n.p). The organization should therefore make sure that the drugs are given to the people free of charge, and thus preventing such leaders from using the vaccines for their own gains.

Work Cited

Jen Christensen. First Malaria Vaccine to be Widely Tested in Africa Next Year. 2017. Cnn. Retrieved from: http://edition.cnn.com/2017/04/24/health/malaria-vaccine-trial-who/index.html

Nursing Informatics

Introduction

There is growing need for integrating nursing informatics into the undergraduate nursing studies and into the curriculum provided for nursing students.  The aim is to ensure that future students are prepared for the increasing electronic health care environment, a task that they really have to learn how to accomplish.  The strategies adopted in attaining this goal should ensure that informatics outcomes are aligned with the various abilities of the nursing program. The field of nursing informatics is quite broad and couple with the lack of standardization of the various outcomes poses a problem to nursing educators who attempt to include the nursing informatics into the curriculum. There is therefore, the need to align the ability of the students with knowledge on nursing informatics and this is best done through the inclusion of education on nursing informatics competences into the learning curricula 

TIGER-based measurement of nursing informatics Competencies: The development and implementation of an online tool for self-assessment

This article aim presents a description on developing an instrument that is valid and reliable in self-assessment of competencies in nursing informatics.  It highlights that informatics are seen as an important aspect in the present healthcare delivery system that is technologically rich. Informatics to identify vital informatics skills started a short time after information technology was introduced into healthcare. There have been a lot of emphases on the need for nurses and nursing educators to teach or obtain competences that arise from using the technology and computer systems. The development of various competences for informatics has been advocated by both the public and private health organizations (Hunter, McGonigle & Hebda, 2013).   Afterwards there have been establishment of nursing informatics competences by individual experts and professional organizations, which were deemed necessary at varying levels of nursing practice starting from the entry level to more advanced practice in this field.  Such efforts includes Technology Informatics Guiding Educational Reform (TIGER) which was started as part of grassroots effort aimed at preparation of healthcare practitioners in the clinical field with capabilities of combining  informatics and information technology in the improvement of healthcare delivery.  Competency is depicted as an idea that can be applied in many situations and it basically means possessing the skills, knowledge and ability to carry out certain jobs or tasks (Hunter, McGonigle & Hebda, 2013).

The paper conducts various reviews which included examination on TIGER competencies, removal of duplicative terms and combination of those items having similar content; reviewing of items from the list of competences by experts and deciding of those items to be added or added; and rewording the resulting items to show various measurable behaviors and subjecting them another review by different experts to come up validity of content by use of a CVI (content validity index) methodology. The results of the reviews and the CVIs showed instrument’s moderate validity, and those items deemed irrelevant in relation to the instruments’ objective were removed and the number of items in such instruments was reduced.  An online discussion was to done as a way of piloting the instrument and a weekend-long nursing informatics was done to for the same, with majority of the respondents being experts (Hunter, McGonigle & Hebda, 2013).  The conclusion provided by the paper is that these competences by TIGER offer a basis that is useful for forming a viable online instrument for assessing ones competency level.

Preparing Students for an Electronic Workplace

The articles discusses a project that that highlighted the ways in which the integration of nursing informatics into a nursing curriculum of undergraduates in a certain Canadian University. To align informatics outcomes with various curricular abilities, an iterative approach involving two steps was used in the nursing program.  Nursing informatics practice and science is represented as integrating nursing, related knowledge and information and their management with ICTs in order to enhance healthcare for all peoples (Stephens-Lee & Lu, 2013). The processes used in developing an integrated strategy for assisting educators as they combine and even level nursing informatics concepts in the curricula is described.  The BN (Canadian Bachelor of Nursing) program adopted a change in their approach of the issue which saw them realign their curriculum with 5 learning outcomes based on abilities, and whose development involved iterative, collaborative and intentional process. These abilities comprised of knowledge and knowledge application, analysis skills, professional identity, communication and ethics and they are described as being beyond competences (Stephens-Lee & Lu, 2013).

The structure used in coming up with a strategy for integrating nursing competences includes DIKW (Data, Information, Knowledge and Wisdom) framework and information process related to nursing care were addressed by the framework.  This involved the basic TIGER computer competences, information literacy, information management, nursing practice and especially how it is affected by NI and health, information access, using information and data and the coordination of information flow.   A curriculum review suggested that part of nursing informatics was highlighted and examined the five outcomes were developed among the students in their undergraduate program.  Further development of the nursing informatics concepts was seen as necessary in nursing minimum data sets and decision support so as to help students in acquiring skills needed for nursing practice (Stephens-Lee & Lu, 2013). The recommendation includes the need for more integration of nursing informatics into the undergraduate curriculum as provided under TIGER.

Preparing nursing graduates for future; adding informatics education into entry level programs

The article addresses the integration of education of nursing informatics into a learning program that is already shortened and accelerated. It calls to attention the passage of Affordable Health Care Act (ACA) that emphasized the need for using technology, especially electronic health records, in improving health care for all citizens.  The article, therefore, addresses the education gap arising from ignoring the need for informatics education by coming up with nursing informatics education program that involves seamless transition to associate degree from practical nursing levels.  

The vision for TIGER as highlighted in the latest report is addressed which includes  allowing informatics principles , tools and theories to be applied by nurses in ensuring improved healthcare and transparently integrating technologies into nursing education and practice. Struggling to understand the idea of nursing informatics by students is depicted as a challenge in NI education, and integration of nursing informatics into the nursing curriculum is presented as being the way forward (Choi & De Martinis, 2013).  Education on nursing informatics is presented as addressing this gap among the students and nursing practice with an overall effect of improving community health.

Nursing informatics competencies: assessment of undergraduate and

Graduate nursing students

This study reports students’ informatics competences in both graduate and undergraduate programs in nursing so as to determine any difference that may exist in relation to competences  obtained ion both programmes.  This is informed by the fact that both groups of students have varying educational backgrounds and practice experience and a difference is bound to be found between their preparations on nursing informatics.  The study involved data collection from students using scale for informatics competences self-assessment through an email. Students in the two programs were found to be competent in three areas which include basic skills and knowledge in computer, attitude towards clinical informatics and skills on wireless device (Watts, 2016).  Higher mean scores on competence were observed among graduate students than among undergraduate students.

 The study’s conclusion is that according to these findings, there are certain topics to be considered by nurse educators when informatics curricula are being designed. These areas includes skills and knowledge in extraction of information  from sets of clinical data , participation in systems designing , implementing and evaluating and looking for resources to assist in ethical computing decisions and using applications for educational material development(Watts, 2016).  In addition, further studies are need for determining the various differences that may exist between the two groups of students.  

This research shows the need to establish a learning program for nursing students that incorporate education on nursing informatics to equip them with skills, knowledge and competences for utilizing information technology in healthcare. The knowledge on nursing informatics will play a big role in impacting documentation of healthcare information which can later be used in expansion of nursing care quality. This will help in covering the gap that may exist as a result of ignoring education on nursing informatics and between the graduate and undergraduate nursing students. Electronic documentation of nursing information and patient record will benefit the patients in a big way since improved nursing knowledge and competence will lead to improved healthcare.

Change implementation

The implantation of these changes will involve the input of various players in nursing health education and the nursing practitioners. For the change to successful, there is a need to develop new undergraduate nursing informatics curricular that will include information on various skills and TIGER computer competences .The integration of this nursing informatics will require a strategy that addresses the need for using information communication technology in health care provision and thereby improving community health.  The various individuals required for this change to be introduced include nursing educators, curriculum developers, students and experts in information communication technology.

References

Hunter, K. M., McGonigle, D. M., & Hebda, T. L. (2013). TIGER-based measurement of nursing informatics competencies: The development and implementation of an online tool for self-assessment. Journal of Nursing Education and Practice, 3(12), 70.

Stephens-Lee, C., & Lu, D. F. (2013). Preparing students for an electronic workplace. Online Journal of Nursing Informatics, 17(3).

Choi, J., & De Martinis, J. E. (2013). Nursing informatics competencies: assessment of undergraduate and graduate nursing students. Journal of clinical nursing, 22(13-14), 1970-1976.

Watts, C., (2016).Preparing Nursing Graduates for the Future: Adding Informatics Education To Entry Level Programs. Nursing Informatics Today

Metabolic Syndrome

If anyone suffers from metabolic syndrome, then he or she should better change his or her feeding habits, and do a lot of exercises, as this may reduce the chances of contracting very serious diseases (Hansen & Bray, 2009). Moreover, one is also supposed to undergo frequent health checkups in order to ensure that his or her health conditions are good. There is a very high prevalence of metabolic syndrome in the US, and it is estimated that 35% of the total of adults in the country are suffering from the syndrome (Codario, 2011). In addition, almost half of those who are 60 years old and above, are also suffering from the syndrome. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome increased by 1.8%, where it rose from 32.9% to 34.7% within the 1999-2006 period (Malouf, 2009). There are very many physiological changes associated with metabolic syndrome and this includes, hypertension, low cholesterol HDL, abdominal obesity, damaged fasting blood glucose and high HDL cholesterol. This paper is therefore going to look at these physiological changes, in a bid to provide their pharmacological treatment. In addition, the paper will also explain how the treatment works, together with its benefits and risks (Bagchi & Sreejayan, 2012).

High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure can be treated in very different ways, and changing one’s lifestyle can help in treating the disorder, but it is not very effective (Hansen & Bray, 2009). The doctor may therefore recommend one to exercise regularly, stop smoking, change the diet and to consume less salts. These changes are however not enough, since one may only be able to lower the blood pressure, but not to treat the disorder. On the other hand, doctors can administer different drugs for the treatment of high blood pressure which may include the following (Beck, 2013).

Thiazide Diuretics

These are drugs which act on the kidneys, thus helping the body in being able to eliminate salts and water, and to also reduce blood volume (Codario, 2011). These drugs are usually administered first for high blood pressure medication, but other drugs may also be administered as the first choice. If one takes diuretics and the symptoms persist, then he or she is supposed to seek medical advice, whereby the doctor may replace diuretics with a different drug. Diuretics are however very effective particularly for the old and blacks as compared to ACE (Byrne & Wild, 2011).  

Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs)

            ARBs help in relaxation of blood vessels, through blocking high blood pressure (Malouf, 2009). ARBs do not therefore block the formation of receptors which lead to the narrowing of blood vessels. ARBs include the following, losartan, and candesartan. ARBs may therefore benefit those suffering mainly from chronic kidney diseases (Beck, 2013).

Calcium Channel Blockers

These medications help in the relaxation of blood vessels muscles. In addition, some of these drugs may also help in slowing the heart beat rate. They are usually very effective particularly to the old and black people as compared to ACE (Codario, 2011). On the other hand, calcium channel blockers may react with grapefruit juice, hence leading to an increase in blood levels, and thus raising the risks of side effects. If anyone notices such reactions, then it is good to talk to the doctor or a pharmacist (Hansen & Bray, 2009).

Low HDL Cholesterol

            Low HDL cholesterol in the blood can help in the reduction of excess cholesterol from the blood, thus reducing the chances of contracting heart diseases (Byrne & Wild, 2011). On the other hand, low HDL levels are also responsible for the development of cardiovascular diseases, as they increase the risk of contracting cardiovascular diseases. This is however possible, only if the lipids such a triglycerides and LDL cholesterol and very high in the blood (Beck, 2013).

Low HDL can therefore be treated through the following ways.

Conducting HDL raising Therapies

Low HDL levels in most cases replicate a genetic irregularity, even though they can be reduced by high blood levels and by quitting cigarette smoking (Hansen & Bray, 2009). Diets which are rich in very high carbohydrates often lower the levels of HDL. Hindering CETP, since CETP aids in the exchange of cholesterol amongst lipoproteins and it may also transfer it from HDL to LDL and VLDL (Malouf, 2009). Most people with genetic mutation which consequently causes loss of all types the activities of CETP, are very likely to have very high HDL cholesterol levels, thus their chances of contracting coronary diseases becomes minimal (Codario, 2011).

Statins, Niacin and Fibrates

These drugs can help in decreasing the cardiovascular disease risks and the progression of atherosclerosis through upsetting numerous lipid parameters (Byrne & Wild, 2011). Fibrates consequently reduce about 25% of the main chances of contracting coronary diseases. On the other hand, statins are very effective on HDL, as they raise the concentrations by either 5% or 10%, thus leading to a secondary benefit to the current therapy, which is above LDL reduction (Beck, 2013).

Abdominal Obesity

            High levels of fat in the body have very serious health consequences (Hansen & Bray, 2009). This is usually related to the high levels of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides and low HDL levels cholesterol. Fats are also responsible for the impairment of the body, thus making it hard to respond to insulin, a factor which mainly leads to a rise in the levels of insulin and blood sugar levels. In addition, excess fats also leads to high blood pressure, diabetes, strokes and depression (Codario, 2011).

Abdominal obesity can be reduced in very many ways which include changing the diet, exercising regularly, administration of orlistat, and surgery. If one controls his or her intake of calories daily, then this could have a very positive impact in his or her life, since abdominal obesity is usually caused by high intake of calories (Beck, 2013). The administration of orlistat is also effective, as it inhibits the absorption of fats into the intestines, this consequently reduces the chances of abdominal obesity, since the abdomen is not likely to absorb fats. Surgeries consequently help in weight loss by about 5 BMI, thus reducing the chances of contracting abdominal obesity (Byrne & Wild, 2011).

Impaired Fasting Glucose

This is a condition whereby the body cannot be able to regulate glucose efficiently as it is supposed to (Hansen & Bray, 2009). Therefore, glucose is therefore the concentration of glucose in the body is not controlled since insulin cannot be able to control it. This condition is usually caused particularly if insulin is not able to regulate the concentration of glucose in the blood, hence affecting the victim. It is very high to diagnose the symptoms of IFG since the disorder has very little to no symptoms, but increase in weight and high blood pressure might also be the cause (Codario, 2011).

Impaired fasting glucose is not usually treated through the use of drugs, but through lowering the levels of glucose in the blood, which consequently helps in preventing diabetes type 2. Glucose levels can be balanced in the blood through eating a balanced diet, maintaining the levels of alcohol consumption and quitting smoking (Beck, 2013).

High HDL Cholesterol

High blood cholesterol is usually treated through lifestyle changes and different drugs (Hansen & Bray, 2009). The treatment is usually used to lower the levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, to a level which can reduce the chances of contracting heart attack or even coronary heart disease. The risks of heart attack rise when the LDL cholesterol levels rise, thus making it easy for one to contract heart diseases. On the other hand, some people may be at a very high risk of contracting heart attacks simply because they might be suffering from other heart diseases (Codario, 2011).

The doctor can administer medicines responsible for lowering the levels of cholesterol in order to control HDL in the body. Medicines are responsible for the control of high blood cholesterol, but they cannot be able to cure the condition (Byrne & Wild, 2011). Hence, one is required to be consistent in taking the medicines in order to be able to maintain the cholesterol levels in the body. Statins are responsible for lowering the levels of LDL cholesterol in the blood. Statins are therefore recommended by most physicians, since they are very effective (Beck, 2013). Bile acids are also responsible for lowering the LDL cholesterol, but they cannot be taken alone, they are therefore prescribed together with statins. Nicotinic acids which are responsible for raising the HDL cholesterol are also administered, since they lower the triglycerides and LDL cholesterol level in the body. Nicotinic acids are however very reactive, and it is only recommended to use them under the doctor’s prescription (Malouf, 2009).

On the other hand, non-medicinal approaches may also be used such as losing weight. If one is overweight, then losing weight can really help in making them to be able to reduce the levels of cholesterol in the body, thus being able to reduce high HDL cholesterol in the body (Codario, 2011). Doing a lot of exercise and also helps in regulating the flow of blood and burning of calories, thus reducing the levels of cholesterol in the body. It is therefore advised to always undertake a lot of exercises in order to allow the body to work at ease and thus reducing the level of cholesterol in the blood (Hansen & Bray, 2009).  

Benefits

Treating metabolic syndrome consequently helps in reducing the chances of contracting different diseases such as heart attack, diabetes and stroke. Moreover, this consequently helps in regulating the levels of blood sugar in the body, which leads to proper body functioning. Moreover, treating this syndrome reduces the chances of contracting chronic diseases such as diabetes, and the number of deaths related to metabolic syndrome (Beck, 2013). This will also help in reducing the prevalence of the disorder in the country, whereby more than half of the adults’ population in the country seems to be affected by the disorder (Byrne & Wild, 2011). The level of cancer related cases also reduce due to the treatment of metabolic syndrome, since some disorders related to metabolic syndrome may result in cancer.

Risks

There are a lot of risks which are accompanied by the drugs which are responsible for curing physiological changes caused by metabolic syndrome (Hansen & Bray, 2009). Some drugs such as nicotinic acids, are very acidic and may therefore result in emergence of other diseases immediately after the condition is treated. In addition, some of this drugs do not cure the physiological changes, but they only help in regulating the conditions required the levels of cholesterol in the body (Codario, 2011). It is therefore required to take such drugs for as long as a person is alive, a thing which may create resistance in the body, thus resulting in other diseases which cannot be cured due to drug resistance created in the body by the drugs.

Reference

Codario, R. A. (2011). Type 2 diabetes, pre-diabetes, and the metabolic syndrome. Totowa, N.J: Humana Press.

Beck-Nielsen, H. (2013). The metabolic syndrome: Pharmacology and clinical aspects. Vienna: Springer.

Hansen, B. C., & Bray, G. A. (2009). The metabolic syndrome: Epidemiology, clinical treatment, and underlying mechanisms. Totowa, N.J: Humana.

Byrne, C. D., & Wild, S. H. (2011). The metabolic syndrome. Chichester, West Sussex: Wiley-Blackwell.

Malouf, N. M. (2009). Diabetes & the metabolic syndrome: Eating for prevention and treatment. Chatswood, N.S.W., Australia: New Holland.

Bagchi, D., & Sreejayan, N. (2012). NUTRITIONAL AND THERAPEUTIC INTERVENTIONS FOR DIABETES AND METABOLIC SYNDROME. Burlington: Elsevier Science.

Individuals with Kidney Stones should Follow a Low-Calcium Diet

Individuals with Kidney stones should not follow a low calcium diet, and this is mainly because calcium helps in preventing kidney stones and supporting strong bones. Calcium does not cause calcium stones; this is a fallacy which is usually believed by most people. In order for one to be able to treat kidney stones, he or she is supposed to get enough calcium, which will be responsible for the prevention of other diseases associated with kidney stones (Seidman et al, 2013). Dairy products such as yogurt and lactose-free milk are responsible for the prevention of kidney stones. On the other hand, consumption of diets low in calcium tend to cause kidney stones, one should therefore understand the facts behind calcium before jumping into conclusion that calcium actually causes kidney stones (Walton, 2010).

Eating foods which are very rich in oxalate is very risky, since this may result in the formation of calcium oxalate stones. Foods such as legumes, vegetables, nuts, chocolate and sweet potatoes, have high concentration of oxalate, a thing which increases the risk of contracting calcium oxalate particularly if the foods are taken together with foods rich in calcium (Walton, 2010). This is so because, intake of foods rich in oxalate accompanied by those rich in calcium tends to make it very hard for the stomach to digest them, and so they are usually digested in the kidney. When oxalate and calcium combine in the kidney, they make it hard for the kidney to convert them into urine, a thing which therefore leads to calcium oxalate kidney stones (Byham, Burrowes, & Chertow, 2014). Therefore people are not supposed to stop eating foods rich in calcium, but they should eat foods which have a combination of both calcium and oxalate, thus making them to be digested in the stomach, hence reducing the chances of developing kidney stones.

Reference

Seidman, C., Jones, R., Sosa, R. E., & Rodman, J. S. (2013). No more kidney stones: The experts tell you all you need to know about prevention and treatment. Hoboken, N.J: Wiley.

Walton, T. (2010). Medical conditions and massage therapy: A decision tree approach. Philadelphia, Pa: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

In Byham-Gray, L., In Burrowes, J. D., & In Chertow, G. M. (2014). Nutrition in kidney disease.

Erythromycin

Erythromycin is used in the treatment a myriad of bacterial infections or in prevention of various bacterial infections by stopping the growth of these bacteria. The medication is best taken before meal since its absorption is best when the stomach is empty. The length and dosage of this treatment is dependent on the patient’s condition and their response to the treatment and especially in the case of children, it depends on their weight and age.   The drug is produced by Saccharopolyspora erythraea strain and it is classified among the macrolide antibiotics (U.S National Center For medicine, n.d).  It is normally basic and mixes with acids to form salts. It can be administered orally or even as Erythromycin eye ointment which can be placed in a kids eye within the about an hour after birth. It can be inform of tablets that are film coated or even ethylsuccinate suspensions for oral administration. It can diffuse readily and easily into many of common body fluids, while only very low concentrations can be achieved inside the spinal fluid.  Where there is ordinary hepatic function, the medicine is concentrated inside the liver and later excreted in the bile. It works by inhibiting synthesis of protein where it binds the target organism’s ribosomal subunit while not affecting the synthesis of nucleic acid. The medication can be administered to children between birth to 2 years, between 2-8 years, and for children and adults over 8 years of age (U.S National Center For medicine, n.d).  The dosage administered also depends on the extent of infection on the person taking the drug.

Risks and benefits

The medication cam be administered in different forms including capsules, suspension, injection and tablets and can also be used in treatment of various bacterial infections like lungs , nasal , throat , ear , stomachs  and eyelids infection. It also administered to prevent whooping cough against individuals who have been vaccinated against it. .  It can also be used in prevention of bacterial infection after burns, surgery or trauma (Medicines for Children, 2014). Injection of the medicine is done in more serious cases where oral administration is not possible.  In addition, erythromycin is usually safe and is unlikely to lead to serious problems if an extra dose is taken by mistake.   The side effects of the medicine are quite rare and when present, they do no last for a long time and gets better after a short period as the child’s body is becoming acclimatized to it. Such effect goes away after the treatment is over (Medicines for Children, 2014). 

The risks involved with the drug emanate from various side effects that a parent needs to know about. These include possible diarrhea and stomach pains. The medicine has also been associated with the doubling of cardiac death risk and while combined with drugs that may inhibit erythromycin metabolism can also lead to the same condition (Ray et. al 2004).  Another risk is associated with administering the medicine to patients having a weak hepatic function.  In addition to these effects that may raise concerns when administering to a child is the possibility of itching or mild rashes on the skin, feeling dizzy and having headache. The parent needs to be educated about the need of completing the dose so as to achieve intended impact as well as preventing the bacteria from developing resistance to it. The parent should also be trained on how to deal with side effects.

References

Medicines for Children, (2014). Erythromycin for bacterial infections. Retrieved from: http://www.medicinesforchildren.org.uk/sites/default/files/content-type/leaflet/pdf/20141030125544_0.pdf

Ray, W. A., Murray, K. T., Meredith, S., Narasimhulu, S. S., Hall, K., & Stein, C. M. (2004). Oral erythromycin and the risk of sudden death from cardiac causes. New England Journal of Medicine, 351(11), 1089-1096.

SEPSIS IN BURN PATIENTS

Introduction

Infection is perceived as being the main cause of mortality and morbidity rates for the majority of the patients who could have encountered burns. Typically, the general diagnostic as well as management of individual burns is regarded as the main challenge which compels the majority of the physicians (Deutschman & Neligan, 2010). The reason for that is because the majority of the physiological features used in enhancing effective treatment of the burns should be concerned with the need of considering the extent of the burns the client was subjected into.  The reason for that is because the majority there exists various factors which have the potential of increasing the risk of developing various degree of burn wound infection. With respect to that, the fact is that the majority of individuals who manages to sustain severe burns especially during high risk of burn would entail wound sepsis (Jeschke, 2012).

On the other hand, any kind f rapid change in the wound infection entails considering any form of clinical conditions of the burn patient who tries to seek medical attention for the purpose of enhancing its healing. The difference degree of patient burns is ultimately based on some of the characterized features as well as the in depth evaluation of the clinical perspective of the condition.  This is ultimately determined through some of the histopathology and cultural issues which relates to the extent at which an individual could have suffered as a result of burns (Burton, 2005).  In connection to that, the fact is that the modern diagnosis of burn wound infection depends on the quantity of the bacteria which would have infested the burned section. With regard to that tail he general presence of some of the microbial invasion of the adjacent normal tissue.

In addition to that, amongst the various American Burn Association (ABA) which are used the main factors of define critical burns entails all the criteria which ought to be used in enhancing the provision the provision of  effective medical care. This equally has the potential of fostering the needs of the customers as well as the essence of integrating modernized medical practices. In connection to that, staphylococcus as well as the pseudomonas is the most common organisms which infects burned wounds. Regardless of that, the epidemiological concerns which are given to burn sections of an individual with time mainly depend on the geographical needs of the patient or patient. The reason for that is because the healing of the burned wounds is typically to the imperative to the needs of suppressing the infected wounds. Conversely, depending on the degree of the burn, the general treatment of the wound infections or sepsis comprises of debridement, systematic or topical antimicrobial treatment, would cleansing, as well as wound excision (Burton, 2005).

For the above explanations, burn sepsis is perceived as being one of the commonest deadly burn injuries and complications. Regardless of that, the various medical conditions which enhances the healing of wounds typically accounts for about 40-to-60 percent of the burned section. If this is the case, it means that extent is fatal hence subjecting an individual to chances of seeking advance medical attention. With respect to those considerations, burn sepsis has been noted to be mainly occurring after a person has endured injuries and in return wound infection. The reason for that is because mostly, burn infections have been noted to be developing after the wounds have been infected (Jeschke, 2012). This condition have also been noted to be having the capacity of developing or being induced by other infections which comprises of its treatment processes, for instance pneumonia and other forms of urinary tract infections.

With regard to the above considerations, sepsis is regarded as being one of the complications which mainly arises as a result of wound infection. For instance body infection as a result of wound infection must be considered with the mechanisms which had to be taken into consideration. This is to say that infection of the body entails the general releasing of natural chemical into the bloodstream.  On the other hand, sepses have been noted to develop whenever an individual’s body is subjected to some inflammatory responses to their own infection fighting chemicals. In respect to that, it should be noted that there a various medical professionals who perceive that this infection or disorder occurs in three stages (Burton, 2005). For instance, the initial stage of severe sepsis development entails the extent or magnitude of the shock the patient can be subject into.

In accordance to the above considerations, the first thing which ought to be taken into consideration is that burn sepsis patients are normally diagnosed after they have exhibited more than two symptoms. The main symptoms which are associated with burn infection include;

• An increase in body temperature to about 1002 degrees or relatively below 90 degrees
• Alteration of the breathing rate to about 15-to-20 breaths per minute
• Increase in the heart rate to about 90 beats per minute
• Confirmed or suspected bodily infection (Greenhalgh, 2016)

On the other hand, in case sepsis could have left untreated, the truth is that the patient may be subjected into some sort of septic shock. The reason which has been advanced medically entails dramatically dropping one’s once blood pressure. Typically, this has the capacity of resulting to organ failure and result. In addition to that, it has been noted that septic patients usually experience symptoms which are associated with breathing difficulties, abnormal pains, disorientation, confusions, abnormal heart functions, and so on (Jeschke, 2012).

In accordance to that, the survival rates of the majority of the burned patients who have early diagnosis entail subjecting them to other aggressive treatment which is aimed at aggravating pains. With regard to that, severe burns that a patient may experience demands careful monitoring of the intensive health care which ought to be connected with other medical facilities. This is because the majority of the patients end up requiring the general stabilization of the heart functions and breathing aids. Supportive therapies for instance oxygen and other plenty intravenous fluids are also the modern medical aids which are used to suppress wound infection for the majority of the patients (Greenhalgh, 2016).

Whenever a patient is diagnosed with burns, what always happens is that the patients may be immediately subjected to intravenous (IV) antibiotics. In some situations, broad-spectrum antibiotics have been noted to be another means of administering specific infections which might be unknown. Broad-spectrum regarding the antibiotics to be used is mainly aimed at treating some of the pathogen-causing infections so as to enhance the healing of the wounds. After revealing the result of the blood test, the fact is that some of the patients may be switched to other modernized types of antibiotics with respect to the extent of the infection (Greenhalgh, 2016).

The modern medication control measures which are currently used include the use of vasopressors. The effective of this is that they assist in increasing the blood pressure of the patients through constructing blood vessels. On the other hand, insulin can also be administered to some of the patients for the purpose of stabilizing blood sugar levels.

References

Deutschman, C. S., & Neligan, P. J. (2010). Evidence-based practice of critical care. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders/Elsevier.

Jeschke, M. G. (2012). Handbook of burns: Volume 1. Wien: Springer.

Burton, M. (2005). Applied pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics: Principles of therapeutic drug monitoring. Philadelphia [u.a.: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

In Greenhalgh, D. G. (2016). Burn care for general surgeons and general practitioners.

Trauma Care

In order to ensure effective health services within the hospital, I would first and foremost group the nurses according to their skills. This means grouping them according to their fields in which they have specialized in, for instance nurses who have specialized in trauma will be grouped together while the rest will be grouped into their respective fields of study (Nancy et al, 2016). It will therefore be required that each and every nurse attends to a patient whose condition falls in the nurse’s field of specialization. If a nurse has not specialized in trauma, then he or she should not offer any assistance to trauma patients. This will consequently help in making the hospital organized, and the services offered to be very effective.

Secondly, Internal Care Unit’s (ICU’s), should be separated from any other specialities, hence ensuring maximum support on patients’ who need urgent care. Moreover, this will also help in making sure that the support offered in the ICU’s is done within the shortest time possible, hence reducing the chances of congestion in the speciality. On the other hand, trauma and surgery bays should be co-located, in order to allow doctors to effectively and easily distinguish surgical patients from trauma patients (Nancy et al, 2016).

Moreover, since trauma patients require urgent care which is similar to that of the surgical patients’, this will really help in making the services rendered to be very effective. Furthermore, the surgical bays should be effectively equipped in order to enable the nurses to work very effectively (Nancy et al, 2016). The reason as to why the surgical bay and the ICU were separated, was to provide nurses with a better working condition, whereby they can be able to deal serious conditions separately thus allowing room for effective work.

Reference

Nancy L. H, Urban. W, John. M, & Karen Brown. (2016). Redesigning Trauma Operations at University Hospital: Thunderbird School of Global Management.

Abstract

A patient’s history is one of the most important things that matters to them and the health facility at large. The subsequent series of diagnoses and treatments are usually influenced by the past experiences, especially if the illness is recurrent. One of the outstanding qualities a health facility goes by is its ability to provide an esteemed patient care unit. That includes being able to accurately store the patient’s details and retrieve the information when they visit next. The immediate history of the patient may not be as useful but a keen study on the patterns of the patient over time is an eye opener to underlying conditions that the health care practitioner might be ignoring or missing out on. With the variety of health care professionals in a health care facility, such as nurses, doctors, physicians, social workers, etc., a specialized health information system comes in handy. It is important to document a patient’s care history for their safety and wellbeing. With authorized access, the right practitioner can retrieve the information and use it in aid of the patient. In such a case, the professionals at the hospital use medical records to improve communication among themselves. A physician or therapist could easily refer their patient to another for further treatment. Inter-hospital transfers also require a patient’s treatment history so that they can continue to treat the patient in the right way.

HEALTH INFORMATION SYSTEMS

A good HIS eliminates confusion among co-workers. With the recent emerging technologies, these systems are getting better with every update. They are more user-friendly and come with well-detailed manuals that guide the intended users on how to go about the system. In case the hospital would like to claim payment or reimbursement for the services they offered to the patient, it is the HIS that is sought to provide the relevant information and cumulative bill to be paid. Health insurances require evidence from the hospital to deal with the claims.

A HIS is an integrated system that covers a wide range of aspects including aiding in the possibility of incorporation of natural language processing. See once the system has the relevant data loaded onto it, it can process it into meaningful information that may serve useful to the patient and doctor.

The Nursing Information Systems (NIS) belongs to the nurses in the health care facility, and it helps them give their patients better forms of treatment (Rajković, Janković, & Tošić, 2009). As we have mentioned above, the information system can be used to make the monitoring of patients better and easier. The nurses also get to benefit as their schedules are known before avoid any mix-up. A nurse will know when they are supposed to end their shifts and switch. With this kind of system, the workers are aware of when and where to be at particular times. It becomes easier to ask for a leave of absence in case of an emergency to attend to. Nurses can also get to apply their overtime in case there are payments to be made. This way, the required nurses are always present.

Clinical data in one place means better interpretation using the different available tools. Patient record analysis is the final step after all the appropriate information gets keyed into the HIS. Patients who have been admitted need close monitoring. With daily records of their progress, the nurses can tell which medicine to put on hold, which to add, and which to keep using. The pre-recorded information present in the system helps eradicate the possibility of misdiagnosis and treatment thereby preventing a lot of errors. This way, nurses come up with a proper patient care plan.

A good HIS has the following attributes:

• Affordable for the quality package it offers. Every hospital selects a HIS system depending on its needs and requirements.
• It is web based. The availability of the database system online ensures easy access to the information by the authorized users. It is also easy to share the records with another hospital in case of referrals.
• Continued support from the HIS provider is essential to enhance better usage of the system. They should provide training from the start to the hospital staff and be ready to fix the system in case of any glitches.

How The Departmental HIS Contributes To The EHR

Electronic Health Records come about when a patient’s medical visits are monitored and stored over several visits to the hospital. These records may be life-long, right from the time of birth.  Chronic illnesses that require constant medical attention are studied over time to see if there are any forthcoming changes in the patient’s condition. Technology has given the clinical process a boost with the core aim being quality patient care. It is the information the nurses collect from the patients that are entered in the Health information system and over time analysis makes it available in the Electronic health records.

According to the American Nurses Association, the science of nursing has been integrated with technology to bring about management and communication of data and information. The health information systems use information technology to enhance the outcomes of their patients, to manage the health facilities better, educate nurses and enable them further their research (Kamel & Wheeler, 2007). This documentation of a patient’s health records is important for the individualized treatment. Nurses or other physicians interested in the information can retrieve a patient’s records and provide better treatment based on the history. They can also be used to further research on the particular illness. 

The following health information about a patient is present on an electronic health record, according to health experts. Administrative and billing data, patient demographics, progress notes, medical histories, diagnoses, immunization dates, allergies, radiology images, lab and test results. All this data is entered into the health information system independently from the different departments and integrated into the electronic health records.

Use of multiple information systems

Health facilities have adopted the use of multiple information systems due to some factors. The different departments in the hospital have their roles accordingly shared, and this is why it is necessary to have multiple information systems so that they can easily enter and retrieve the information relevant to them. A nurse in the ICU can easily enter their patient information right from their department without having to take records to the IT department for entry. This routine saves a lot of time and effort for both the patient and nurse and this way the patient receives improved care and monitoring. Ultimately, the nurses have more time to write their reports and submit them on time.

The hospital network gets optimized for efficient communication across the different departments. Information can be easily accessed from a different department remotely with the use of the multiple information systems upon integration. In such systems, you will find a section for patient care as well as managerial information on how the administration runs. Research has proved that such systems have brought about better return on investment and improved service delivery to the whole hospital fraternity.

The use of multiple information systems leads to a centralized and integrated database that can be exploited by the hospital to make it run more efficiently (Hillestad, et al., 2005). The network system can be linked up with other external parties relating to the hospital such as delivery of medical supplies and meals leading to a smoothly running management. Such compatibilities enhance the hospital’s competitiveness in the best patient care delivery. Strategic benefits get reaped from the system with the integration of medical records, patient billing, third-party payers, laboratory and referring physician’s subsystems and the hospital medical staff work in unison to develop the system.

The health information system workflow in the nursing department has greatly improved since the adoption of the electronic patient records. Nurses are concerned with the needs of the patients with which they can use to provide better individual care. These needs not only involve the physical medical needs but psychological and philosophical too. The nurses are trained to understand their patients so as to treat them better.

The well designed HIS enables easier and faster relay of information, and patients get their documentation processed quickly. Nurses coordinate, monitor and deliver good patient care diligently to ensure an effective flow of procedures. Nurses have gotten more proficient at their patient care and treatment work thanks to the health information systems. This way the shifts are handled more efficiently and reduced workload has been witnessed. It takes up the analogy of Florence Nightingale who used evidence-based practice and decision-making in her quest to improve the state of healthcare.

Despite all these positive results, the HIS still face barriers. Security is a key concern, especially if the patient’s information falls into the wrong hands. The system service provider should ensure reinforced levels of security (AbuKhousa, Mohamed & Al-Jaroodi, 2012). Some nurses who were caught up in the transition also aren’t accustomed to the system and need extra training. Continuity is key and primary care is being linked with the hospital data. At the national level, patient records are important in allocation of the public health policies.

References

Rajković, P., Janković, D., & Tošić, V. (2009, December). A software solution for ambulatory healthcare facilities in the Republic of Serbia. In e-Health Networking, Applications and Services, 2009. Healthcom 2009. 11th International Conference on (pp. 161-168). IEEE.

Kamel Boulos, M. N., & Wheeler, S. (2007). The emerging Web 2.0 social software: an enabling suite of sociable technologies in health and healthcare education1. Health Information & Libraries Journal, 24(1), 2-23.

AbuKhousa, E., Mohamed, N., & Al-Jaroodi, J. (2012). e-Health Cloud: opportunities and challenges. Future Internet, 4(3), 621-645.

Hillestad, R., Bigelow, J., Bower, A., Girosi, F., Meili, R., Scoville, R., & Taylor, R. (2005). Can electronic medical record systems transform health care? Potential health benefits, savings, and costs. Health Affairs, 24(5), 1103-1117.

Abortion

Introduction

Abortion is the act of terminating a pregnancy, through the removal of the foetus or otherwise the embryo before it finally matures into a baby. An abortion may also occur accidentally either when an expectant woman falls or due to fear, this type of abortion is therefore known as miscarriage. If a person causes abortion purposely, then this is referred to as induced abortion. The process of conducting abortion can be successful depending on the person undertaking the abortion. For instance, if a doctor conducts an abortion on a woman then the process may be successful. On the other hand, if an unprofessional conducts the process of abortion on an expectant woman, then this could lead to very serious health implications. Abortion should only be conducted by a doctor thus ensuring the safety of the expectant woman. I will therefore argue against abortion, since it very seriously implications on both the health, physical and psychological life of the victim.

Induced abortion should not be taken, simply because it leads to the death of the unborn baby and may also affect the health of the mother (Lanfranchi, et al, 2015). According to a recent research conducted in Finland, it was estimated that out of ten women who abort, four of them are most likely to die. This is because induced abortion interferes with the functioning of the womb, and may therefore lead to very serious complications if proper measures are not taken (Mondak, 2010). In addition, these women are also likely to contract different cancerous diseases such as liver cancer, ovarian and cervical cancer. Due to the interference of hormonal changes in the body after being pregnant, this leads to damages in the cervical area which finally translates into a cancer (Sharkey, 2012). On the other hand, this may also result in liver cancer due to the abrupt changes occurring in the body. The victim may not therefore be able to lead a long life, and is therefore likely to die shortly afterwards.

Most woman also suffer from vaginal infections, necrotic bowel, haemorrhage and sepsis, thus becoming the main reasons for the deaths of the victims. In addition, induced abortion could also lead to infertility, thus making the victim to live a life full of regrets (Obengo, 2016). The process is also very expensive and it requires proper medical care, this could therefore be disadvantageous particularly for teenagers, who want to carry out an abortion without the knowledge of their parents. Teenagers may therefore seek unprofessional assistance when conducting abortion thus further endangering their lives. Moreover, 64% of women who conduct abortions are teenagers, this therefore puts them at risk, since they are likely to lose their lives (Lanfranchi, et al, 2015). In addition, they may also contract diseases thus making it hard for them to be able to continue with their studies.

Most of the women who conduct induced abortions are also at the risk of committing suicide. This is because of feeling guilty thus making it hard for them to be able to bear the burden of being tormented psychologically (Obengo, 2016). They suffer from post-traumatic stress disorders, simply because of either being disowned by their parents, or being forced into induced abortions by their parents, boyfriends and even husbands. In addition, others may be stressed due to the violent killing of their unborn children. These factors therefore translate into suffering and, most particularly the youths, are likely to indulge in evil acts such the abuse of substance and drugs. When such people indulge into the abuse of drugs, they are likely to contract sexually transmitted disease thus leading to death (Sharkey, 2012).

Victims of induced abortions are not likely to stick to relationships, and may therefore be faced with chronic relationship issues. On the contrary, they are also likely to get divorced, and get married to multiple partners (Lanfranchi, et al, 2015). This is consequently because they have a very low self-esteem, which may also lead to insecurities in their relationships. In addition, they also tend to have commitment problems, and they are likely to abort another pregnancy in case of a misunderstanding with their relationship partners (Mondak, 2010). They do not also trust men, and this may be due to a previous relationship which led to the abortion, hence leading to distrust on men. Their rates of anger of are also very high and they may be termed as temperamental, since a small issue might result into a very serious problem. They need therefore be handled with a lot of care by their husbands, and if the husband does not understand the problems that the victim is passing through, then the relationship may not last (Sharkey, 2012).

On the other hand, successful induced abortions are likely to motivate unprotected sex amongst the youths and teenagers in general (Lanfranchi, et al, 2015). This is because when teenagers and youths get unwanted pregnancies, they rush for abortion in order to be able to continue with their lives as usual. If the process becomes successful, then they will not be afraid of indulging in unprotected sex (Obengo, 2016). This will therefore result in increased rates unwanted pregnancies in the country. Moreover, the spread of HIV/AIDs and other sexually transmitted diseases will also be on the rise. Increase in the rates of sexually transmitted disease may lead to the increase in the number of deaths, particularly among the youths (Sharkey, 2012).

Abortions also result in poor parent-child bond, this is because mothers who have aborted are not bonded with their children, thus making them to neglect their children. Due to the memories that they get when having a child, it makes it so hard for them to be attracted to their children hence leading to child negligence (Sharkey, 2012). On the other hand, these mothers are also very likely to give birth to physically challenged children.  This is consequently because of hormonal imbalances in their bodies, thus making it hard for their body to work in the right way, in the end this results into the birth of physically challenged children (Lanfranchi, et al, 2015).

Conclusion

Abortion should not be tolerated, simply because this is an act of killing an innocent unborn baby. The baby should therefore be allowed to grow in order to reach its desired goals in future. According to the law, nobody is supposed to take the life of another person, this act is therefore referred to as murder. Induced abortion is not right at all since it lives the mother with a lot of complications, hence endangering her life. The law should therefore act against induced abortion since it goes against the requirements of the constitution. On the other hand, un-induced abortion should not be done away with, since it occurs unintentionally. The government should therefore provide contraceptives to the public, in order to reduce the rates of abortion.

Reference

Lanfranchi, A., Gentles, I. J., Ring-Cassidy, E., Ring-Cassidy, E., & deVeber Institute for Bioethics and Social Research,. (2013). Complications: Abortion's impact on women.

Sharkey, S. R. (2012). Sociology and Catholic social teaching: Contemporary theory and research. Lanham [Md.: Scarecrow Press.

Obengo, T. J. (2016). The quest for human dignity in the ethics of pregnancy termination.

Mondak, J. J. (2010). Personality and the foundations of political behavior. New York: Cambridge University Press.

Most Mentally ill People are Violent

Introduction

Most people believe that most of the mentally ill people are violent. This is because mentally ill people are perceived to be very different from normal people. This is however not the case simply because, mentally ill people are not very different from normal people. They do have emotions and whenever they are provoked or disturbed, they tend to react as normal people also do. In addition, they do also maintain peace particularly if they are at a place where the environment is safe for them. It is therefore wrong to say that most mentally ill persons are violent. This paper is therefore going to critically analyse the behaviour of mentally ill people in order to explain the reason as to why most mentally ill people are not violent.

When most people commit violence, they are usually tested to make sure if they are mentally ill or not. This therefore explains why most people believe that mentally ill people are violent (Lilienfeld et al, 2011). In a recent research conducted in England, it was discovered that 78% of all the violence created in the country was caused by normal people. This therefore shows that in as much as people believe that most mentally ill people are violent, they are actually not. Mentally ill people tend to think and do things differently but that does not mean that most of them are violent. They may be hostile to some people, and this might be due to the memories that they have about something awful (Videbeck, 2011). For instance, when a mentally ill person’s life is threatened by a police officer, then it means that the person will tend to be violent when around a police officer due to the fear of being killed.

In addition, normal people are more violent as compared to the mentally ill. This is so because, normal people lead to violence in order to gain their own interests. For instance when a lady is caught doing something ill and confronted, she will tend to be violent as a way of being protective (Jackson, 2013). This therefore clearly explains why normal people tend to be more violent as compared to the mentally ill persons. On the other hand, recent studies have also found out that the abuse of drugs and alcohol is greater than mental illness when it comes to contribution to violence (Lilienfeld et al, 2011). Furthermore, the main predictor of violence is not mental behaviour, but the previous history of violence in the family. People who are from violent families, regardless of whether they are mentally ill or not, are likely to be more violent in the future. Mental illness does not therefore guarantee violence (Tsuang, Tohen & Jones, 2011).

Mentally ill persons are likely to be more violent as compared to normal people, only if they indulge in the abuse of substance and drugs (Videbeck, 2011). This consequently makes them aggressive and very violent, hence they cannot be tolerated by anyone. Similarly, under the influence of drugs and alcohol, mentally ill persons do not attack strangers, but they attack people who are very close to them. They might have their own reasons for doing so, but drugs are the main drivers of violence and not the mental health of a person (Lilienfeld et al, 2011). Poverty and fleeting lifestyle may also make mentally ill people violent, and this is usually attributed to stress, thus making them to react negatively.

Mentally ill people are more violent to themselves as compared to other people. They will mostly do things which will harm themselves and not to harm other people. For instance, the number suicides committed by mentally ill persons has been on the rise (Lilienfeld et al, 2011). This consequently shows how mentally people harm themselves as compared to the harm which they might cause on other people (Tsuang, Tohen & Jones, 2011). In order for a mental ill person to attack someone violently, then the person must have done something which may not have impressed the mentally ill person. This consequently leads to a very furious reaction whereby the victim may be hurt (Videbeck, 2011).

Normal people can also affect the way mentally ill persons behave (Lilienfeld et al, 2011). This is because if a person hosting the victim treats him or her violently, then the victim is likely to develop violent traits. The victim may therefore be very violent, thus making other people to assume that all mentally ill persons are also violent (Jackson, 2013). On the other hand, the media has depicted mentally ill persons as violent, through television shows which show how mentally ill people are very violent. This mentality should therefore change, hence normal people respect the mentally ill.

Conclusion

Mentally ill persons should be respect, and they should not be perceived as being violent. They equal to normal people and they do therefore reason and think. When a person commits a crime, he or she should not therefore be termed as mentally ill, since most people would criminals commit crimes and pretend to be mentally ill. Mentally ill persons are not in any way violent, it depends with the way a person treats them. If only normal people could respect the mentally ill, then the mentally ill would respect them equally.

Reference

Lilienfeld, S. O., Lynn, S. J., Ruscio, J., & Beyerstein, B. L. (2011). 50 Great Myths of Popular Psychology: Shattering Widespread Misconceptions about Human Behavior. Hoboken: John Wiley & Sons.

Videbeck, S. L. (2011). Psychiatric-mental health nursing. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer Health/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Jackson, E. (2013). Medical law: Text, cases, and materials.

Tsuang, M. T., Tohen, M., & Jones, P. B. (2011). Textbook of psychiatric epidemiology. Chichester, West Sussex: Wiley-Blackwell.

The Effect of Ethnic and cultural background on Patient Engagement

Ethnic and cultural background influence on health is accounted as vast. In that, it affects perceptions regarding death, health, illnesses, and beliefs in regard to diseases causes, treatment preference and the capability of searching for medical assistance (Hunt, 2009). In the varying population, individuals swear to the use of home remedies thus opposing prescribed medicines or even fail to acquire health care services to prevent or treat an illness. Again, some ethnic, as well as cultural groups, can be reluctant in accepting healthcare therapies that fail to permit the adoption of external elements such as misfortunes (Hunt, 2009). Over the last several decades the U.S demographics has changed as ethnic and cultural diversity continues to increase. The cultural background of the patient can lead to a deep effect on healthcare consumer engagement as it influences health beliefs and the ability to make decisions.

Cultural background and ethnic affects communication, health disparities, doctor-patient relation and interaction, healthcare outcomes and illnesses experiences. The rising national diversity creates challenges as well as opportunities for healthcare providers and affects consumer engagement (Hunt, 2009). Healthcare access differs in terms of cultural background and race. Having usual care shows the high engagement that a patient has with the health care which influences the ability of individuals to acquire care services when required. Individuals from ethnic backgrounds with traditional beliefs tend to withdraw their engagement with healthcare by not acquiring usual care when needed. It is reported that a high number of the minority groups do not have usual health care access in comparison to the whites and their numbers are also represented less by the acquisitions for health insurances (Hunt, 2009).

It is without a doubt that patient-doctor relationship communication is the most significant aspect n health services delivery and that language and literacy barriers can be factoring influences. Most of the communication aspects are usually nonverbal based and thus cultural background plays a significant function in medical associations (Smedley, Stith, Nelson, & Institute of Medicine, 2002). Everything ranging from eye contact and how the examination in the health care facilities is addressed can be impacted by the cultural background of patients. Some cultural backgrounds such as the Asian one hinders patients from giving their interests or disagreements to the healthcare providers since their culture discourages confrontation and conflict by encouraging harmony. This implies that they additionally fail to follow the medical recommendations given on the belief that their concerns were not accounted for (Smedley, Stith, Nelson, & Institute of Medicine, 2002).

Most of the cultural groups and particularly the traditional ones, in general, holds a more authoritative perception of healthcare providers.  They anticipate the doctors to offer recommendations on treatment and what they should do without raising their views (Knifton & Quinn, 2013).  Their expectations of being told what is required of them by the health professions show that they fail to consider themselves as partners in healthcare who are required in ensuring that effective decisions are created. Hispanic populace also has a tendency of making consultations to the elders in regard to health decisions. Their values towards healthcare vary since they hold the belief that illnesses are acquired by the will of God. Cultural background and ethnic affects both the side of the doctor and the patients thus affecting the relationship amid the two (Knifton & Quinn, 2013).

Language and barriers of communications contribute in influencing the relationship amid the physicians and the patients. It is reported that over 37 million people in the United States speak other languages other than English (Knifton & Quinn, 2013).18 million of the population which represents 48 percent speaks less of English which implies that they do not speak the language so well. Communication and language barriers, therefore, affects the quality as well as the amount of healthcare that patients acquire. This normally results in being dissatisfied and affects their willingness to acquire health services based on their negative perceptions that are mainly influenced by communication barriers (Knifton & Quinn, 2013). The usability of healthcare services is additionally affected by the presence of interpreters in that those that required language interpretation during their visits are established to have lower health services visits.

Communication and language issues may lead to poor comprehension, patient dissatisfaction, low-quality care, and adherence. Most of the non-native speaking people are satisfied less with the provided care and they are less likely to make reports of their general health issues with the physicians as compared to the English speakers (Masters, 2017). The interpretation offered to the patients during care provision is a significant determinant of satisfaction.  In that patients are less likely to acquire for care or engage in effective communication during their health acquisition services if they are characterized by low ability to communicate in English. The communication or language issue may result in poor understanding of the issue and hinders the ability of the patient to interact or object the views of the healthcare giver (Masters, 2017).

Low literacy level additionally affects the patient’s willingness to access healthcare services when they need them. In that most people from the minority groups are less educated and thus they lack the required skills of interpreting daily body functioning (Masters, 2017).The older persons from the groups hold lowered literacy levels and they hold less formal education access as compared to the younger generation. This implies that they are faced with complexity in deciding about the management of the health conditions and treatments recommendations. Due to cultural, communication and language issues which present differing education chances most people from the minority ethnic groups are characterized by low knowledge. The low knowledge may, therefore, affect the capability of patients to read and gain a better understanding of prescription instructions, treatment options and the significance of healthcare (Masters, 2017). This additionally affects their engagement with healthcare based on the illiteracy belief of underrating healthcare impact. Low literacy leads to lowered health care services access since individuals do not value their health as compared to those with increased knowledge.

In conclusion, ethnic and cultural background affects patient’s healthcare engagement which is mainly influenced by cultural beliefs, low literacy, and language and communication issues. Cultural competence is, therefore, a necessity because it is a significant aspect in health care services delivery efficiency. In addition, cultural competence will lead to the rise of interactions between the patients and the health caregiver which is important in creating comprehensive understanding and it also facilitates quality care. Patient healthcare is negatively affected by ethnic and cultural beliefs by creating dissatisfaction which in turn lowers the willingness of patients to access healthcare assistance. The issues regarding satisfaction and quality are the primary concerns for individuals from the non-native cultures who are mainly influenced by ethnic beliefs. Cultural competence is essential in creating good relations amid the health care and the consumers by changing the existing perception of professional authority rather than partnering amid the consumers and health caregivers.

References

Hunt, R. (2009). Introduction to community-based nursing. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer Health/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Knifton, L., & Quinn, N. (2013). Public mental health: Global perspectives. Maidenhead: Open University Press.

Masters, K. (2017). Role development in professional nursing practice. Jones & Bartlett Publishers.

Smedley, B. D., Stith, A. Y., Nelson, A. R., & Institute of Medicine (U.S.). (2002). Unequal treatment: Confronting racial and ethnic disparities in health care. Washington, D.C: National Academy Press.

Lunch foods are unhealthy

Lunch taken at school is essential because, it ensures that a student body remains healthy at all times. Student skipping lunch meal is unhealthy since; it causes the body to run low of nutrients. However, linked to risk nutrients deficiencies connected to fatigue as well as mental health. I tend to disagree with the article, that lunch food are unhealthy and suggest that; it is the most important food for maintain individual’s health. Lunch meals should always be considered whereby; including plenty variety when nutrients are not many. Despite the lunch meals being necessary especially for the school kids, it must be healthy and tasty therefore; salad should be mostly considered since it is the easiest to store, carry as well as prepare. To ensure that students are fed with full nutrients, t is advisable for school cooks to consider additional of protein sources in the salad, along with some vegetables and fruits. The lunch food given to student at schools is healthy, when it is toped up with fruits and they are extremely easy to carry (Mirtcheva, Donka & Lisa 113)

Lunch time is the best for healthy meal to students because; it provides energy as well as nutrients thereby, keeping the body and brain more active throughout the afternoon. Home packed food for lunch are the most delicious and healthy meals, because one has a choice and control over foods and ingredients to include. Intakes of saturated fats, sugar and salt should be reduced, especially in schools where lunch for students is compulsory thereby; consumption of dietary fiber, fruits and vegetables should be considered to avoid unhealthy meals. Lunch meals are important, especially while picking the healthy one because; it is one way of encouraging students on, meeting individual goals as well as easiest way of saving time (Mirtcheva, Donka & Lisa 114)

Takings food at midday is one way of re-energizing the body thus raise the blood sugar level thus; generating attention on student’s brain. According to my understanding healthy lunch food, despite how small is capable of renewing the body’s energy thus; enabling one to refresh and ready to carry on with the rest of the day. For those students who skip meals, it is unhealthy because, they aims for the junk food which are unnecessary for the body. I would relate skipping lunch with starvation because, it creates large gap for metabolisms to staying alive. However, it is important to understand that lunch meals have positive impacts on our body since, it ensure the metabolism is always active though some food packs more nutrients than others (Cullen 67).

Suggesting that taking lunch meal is unnecessary, considering the fact that individual intake of calories as well as nutrients, is spilt over throughout the day depending on the kind of meals we partake. I would advise children to be given enough time for lunch, because it highly provides the body with higher percentage of calories since, it is an essential time for relaxation. Breakdown of calories appears unnecessary to school kids but, it should always be considered in meals rather that drink and snacks. Consumption of nutrients should be regular since, it aids in maintaining the healthy status of the body thus; leading to better school performances (Grover 54).

 I argue that intake of lunch meal is healthy because; individual’s body was evolved for survival so, if a student skips he gets hungry  thus; keep thinking of the next meal. The brain is kind of a machine that drives the body on the necessary, therefore; if you go long without taking meals the body is compromised. I think eating all meals at the best time is essential because, if you skip a food one is likely to eat too much on the next one. Given that most of exertion physical activities, takes place during the day. Lunch meal should be considered as important and reliable, in providing the body with nutrients. Despite the inaccurate time for lunch, it should be one meal to never miss (Hwang, Hong-Sik & Jill Winkler-Moser 214).

Lunch being the only meal over the day especially to school children, It should be one meal of consideration since; it is aimed at providing the body with enough nutrients. I would tend to think that, the body functions best during the day. The Reason is that, most students spend more energy until evening whereby; they have to perform house chores. However, lunch must be aimed at provided proficient nutrient thus; ensuring provision of sufficient energy to encourage them on task performance. Nutrition should be considered importance, in terms of the time taken for the ability of providing fundamental vitamins as well as minerals. This is because, some school schedule indicates little time for lunch than other activities. (Cullen 67).

The nutritional basics provide the body with efficient energy, for study concentration as well as, tasks during the daylight. I would consider partaking food at lunch time, as the act of preparing the student mind for the rest of the day. Moreover, just like the morning breakfast, day-time meal is crucial and should not be missed. The article suggesting that, ‘It is unhealthy’, taking meals during the day is wrong because, I would consider it as a basic meal whereby; skipping it might result to inadequate health problems. Lunch meals are valued in cultures hence, extremely illustrated with features as well as courses of food (Cullen 156).

Despite regular intake of lunch meals in schools, it is important to consider simple food. Heavier mealy are delicate to digest thus; not advisable for lunch since students might end up sleepy in class. In my opinion, day time meals are significant because despite what amount a kid takes, there is the rest of the day to spend in class. The meals opt to be fresh and healthier since, they are prepared during the day. There should be lower levels of carbohydrates intake during the day, to provide the body with the need to generate more fat for energy (Grover 67).This application should be regularly practiced by student who are aiming at improving their grade Determined students should opt for carb  during lunch, because it is necessary in providing required nutrients.  Carb lunch therefore, reduces carbohydrate intake and encouraged fats breakdown. Many individuals skip their lunch meals, with the aim of losing weight. Some students are discouraged in their studies due to their weight thereby; they end up performing poorly in class. However, I would consider carb lunch for them since it is one way that encourages weight loss, while the body still remains in good condition. Skipping moral is unhealthy act which should be avoided thereby; we should major at the burning up of balanced diets where reductions are obligatory to pertain (Mirtcheva, Donka & Lisa 113)

The number of calories recommended during the day, depends on the amount of food intake. However, I would suggest that, all factors based on individual’s health lifestyle, weight as well as amount of meals and snacks depends on calories taken. Health meals do not only aid in filling empty space in the stomach, but also help in realizing the importance of health. It is important to determine recommended amount of calories, in all meals considering their age, lifestyle as well as their weight. Growing kids and teenagers requires more energy compared to adults. Compared to adults, therefore; they should always have their balanced diet lunch. Intake of calories should be highly considered in day time meals, because they are compared to individuals in active lifestyles. Meals are the only solution to personal requirements whereby; even the height and weight cannot solve (Grover 54).

I find it significant for child to take at least an hour in the school dinning hall, at home or whenever they are to have lunch. By doing so, they take a huge part in contributing to their health conditions. Time and concentration is required, while taking meals since it aids in easy digestion thus; avoiding any discomfort. I would consider having junk food and snacks for lunch, the same as skipping food because both are unhealthy and ineffective to the body. It is always interesting to have lunch with friends and, encourage each other of the importance the meal is contributing to the body. Schools should also ensure that it offers balanced diet meals for kids thus; playing an essential role in their development (Cullen 156).

Work Cited

Colbert, Don. Reversing Diabetes. Lake Mary, Fla: Siloam, 2012. Print.

Cullen, Karen Weber, et al. "The Impact of School Socioeconomic Status on Student Lunch Consumption After Implementation of the Texas Public School Nutrition Policy." Journal of School Health, vol. 79, no. 11, Nov. 2009, pp. 525-531. EBSCOhost, doi:10.1111/j.1746-1561.2009.00444.x.

Grover, Nishi. Lose a Kilo a Week: The Quick and Effective Way. Noida, Uttar Pradesh: Random House India, 2012. Internet resource.

Hwang, Hong-Sik and Jill Winkler-Moser. "Food Additives Reducing Volatility of Antioxidants at Frying Temperature." Journal of the American Oil Chemists' Society (JAOCS), vol. 91, no. 10, Oct. 2014, pp. 1745-1761. EBSCOhost, doi:10.1007/s11746-014-2525-z.

Mirtcheva, Donka M. and Lisa M. Powell. "Participation in the National School Lunch Program: Importance of School-Level and Neighborhood Contextual Factors." Journal of School Health, vol. 79, no. 10, Oct. 2009, pp. 485-494. EBSCOhost, doi:10.1111/j.1746-1561.2009.00438.x.