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- QUESTION
Assessment title: Leadership in Action
Word count: 2000 – 2500 words
Contents page:
Part A................................................................................................................
The role of leadership in staff development (800-1000 words).......................
Part B (1200 – 1500 words)..............................................................................
Rationale...........................................................................................................
Individual goal setting.......................................................................................
Individual development plans...........................................................................
Group goal setting.............................................................................................
Action plan.........................................................................................................
Evaluation..........................................................................................................
References.........................................................................................................
Appendix............................................................................................................Some suggestions for each section:-
Part A
The role of leadership in staff development (800-1000 words)
In this section you need to consider what is known about leadership and staff development. There may be some literature that has specifically addressed the question "what is the role of the leader (or leadership) in staff development", but other literature may be more about leadership strategies for developing a professional learning community or about the issue of staff development more broadly. Your discussion should show that you are familiar with current literature about leadership for staff development and a range of views about leadership. For example, what is known about leadership styles and approaches (mentoring is one of them) and what approaches best facilitate staff development? You can draw on readings from the earlier modules too, where they are particularly relevant (the distributed leadership reading could be a good one to include – see module 2.4).
I suggest that you complete a draft discussion before you get into the staff development plan, as this will give you some insights into the approaches you might take and it will provide you with ideas for developing your rationale in Part B - what you do and why you do it (remember to make connections between your rationale and your discussion of the literature). This will help you to consider what you are doing, how and why as you move toward completing the templates with staff.
Part B:
Rationale
Briefly draw on your ideas and discussion of the literature about the role of leadership for staff development as discussed in Part A. In this section make connections between the ideas expressed in Part A, you service philosophy and what you are trying to achieve for staff development in your workplace. There is no particular word count for this section, however, 300 words is an approximate guide.
Individual goal setting
Refer to the ‘Preparing for the Planning Conference’ template and the ‘Goals Blueprint’ template in Resources/Jorde Bloom templates. Use these templates to guide your discussion that documents strengths, growth areas and objectives for a minimum of 2 staff members (you can include yourself as one of the staff members). The discussion summarizes what went on in relation to completing the templates and what is in the templates (link to leadership theory if possible here - how you went about the process in a leadership role, effectiveness of your strategies).
An example might be: At the individual planning conference I used a problem solving approach and began by asking the staff members what outcomes they would like to achieve (John, 2008). Staff (X) already had a broad goal in mind for her own professional development and together we identified two objectives (see appendix A, Objectives 1 and 2)........ OR, Staff (X) wanted to improve her ability to work with children with special needs and together we identified the objectives "write the objectives from the template here".
The completed templates can be added as an appendix at the end of your assignment and do not count as part of the word count. Alternatively, sections of the templates can also be inserted in your assignment to support your discussion.Individual development plans
Refer to the ‘Staff Development Action Plan’ template. In this section include a discussion based on a minimum of 2 individual staff development action plans. This section should flow logically from the individual goal setting section above.
Group goal setting
This section should be written as a reflective response. As such, it does not draw directly on a template. Instead, this section draws on reflections from planning with individual staff members, identified in the sections above, and draws together common ideas/ themes for organisational staff planning. This will include documentation of reflections, events and/or processes from planning meetings with individual staff and other staff conversations and discussions.
An example might be: Through the individual goal setting and development plans already underway there are objectives emerging that will incorporate other educators and that suit the professional learning needs of educators across the service. Educator 1 and 2’s individual development plans (Appendix X, Y) both included opportunities to network with other services and educators to gather ideas and strategies to implement within the service. Networking supports the service’s philosophy of connecting with the community and developing knowledge of best practice that would be beneficial to all educators. Developing small groups of educators to attend networking sessions and visit other services would develop these connections and support the development of a culture of professional inquiry and development (Waniganayake, et al, 2012).Action plan
Refer to the ‘Action Plan’ template. The action plan is related to common ideas/themes identified in the reflection of group goal setting above but demonstrates the planning processes that are relevant to the staff as a team. In this section you include objectives, action steps, person responsible, time, resources needed and evaluation checkpoints. This section might be one that is more suited to an introduction followed by the insertion of the actual action plans, or you could develop a discussion in relation to the action plan and refer to the template in the appendix. Play around with the format here and see what works best for your staff development plan. This is an important element of doing an assignment at this level. There are no strict recipes for completing it. There are guidelines in the form of the headings and the templates. It is part of the work required of you; to develop your own assignment.
Evaluation
In this section you evaluate the effectiveness of the entire process of staff development planning. While the implementation of the plan will be ongoing, include any comments that relate to building a culture of collaboration and excellences and any creative solutions developed through the staff development plan to date. Connecting this discussion to the literature about leadership, albeit briefly, demonstrates your understanding of the subject materials and will strengthen your answer.
As you work toward completing this assignment, think about the information you need to give the reader (the marker) so that what you did, how, and why is clear and it is obvious that you have read about the role of leadership in staff development and leadership approaches and this knowledge underpins the development of your staff development plan. Finally, remember to refer to the marking criteria for Assignment 2.
References
Appendix
| Subject | Administration | Pages | 12 | Style | APA |
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Answer
In today’s dynamic healthcare environment, information technology and nursing informatics have a critical role to play in promoting delivery of quality care and promoting patient safety by encouraging evidence base practice and minimizing costly errors (Bakken, Cimino & Hripcsak, 2004). In advance nursing practices, nurses play a key role in the primary care of patients and are the first point of contacts for patients that need prolonged care and monitoring (Mold, Lusignan, Sheikh, Majeed, Wyatt, Quinn & Kataria, 2015). Additionally, there is increased demand for the nursing profession not just to deliver quality and safe care for patients, but also to make use of the best available evidence to provide a patient-centered and effective knowledge based intervention for enhanced health outcomes (Courtney & McCutcheon, 2009). According to Bakken et al (2004), the greatest enablers of quality and safe patient care and use of evidenced based practice (EBP) include integration of health information technology (HIT) and application of nursing informatics in the healthcare system. Nursing informatics is a field that ‘‘…integrates nursing science, computer science, and information science to manage and communicate data, information, and knowledge in nursing practice’’ (Cater, 2009, pg 326 line 4). Advanced practice nursing thus requires nurse to master nursing informatics applications and incorporate it their daily practice so as to provide solutions to healthcare challenges among them including effective management of clinical information pertinent to delivery of safe and quality care to patients, and management and control of chronic diseases such as diabetes (Rivers, Blake & Lindgren, 2003). The current age of increased information technology advancements has great potentials to positively influence nursing practice and patient outcomes especially with regard to management of chronic diseases reducing medical errors through use of electronic health records (EHRs) and clinical decision Support(CDS). Others include designing an ecosystem of personalized care, tracking patient data, and general improvements in the ways patients are cared for by presenting new opportunities for implementation of evidence based nursing practices (Sittig & Singh, 2012). The ubiquity of information technology in our environments today implies that nurses are increasingly operating within the realm of HIT and patients too can now become more involved and responsible in managing, sharing, and controlling information and issues regarding their health. This is attributed to the advent of HIT applications such as personal data assistants (PDAs), cell phones, electronic personal health records (PHRs), peer internet systems, and other platforms such as the internet and the web based applications (Blumenthal, 2010). According to Sittig & Singh (2012), these technologies have the potential to provide myriads of benefits to both nurses and patients. Examples of these benefits include enhanced self management, provision of real time patient data, providing reminders and prompts to patients, accessibility of health information through the website, and facilitating communication between patients and health care providers.
Web Based Intervention for Chronic Diseases
As highlighted above, HIT technology and nursing informatics is increasingly being applied in the provision of quality and safe care to patients so as to increase health outcomes through reduced medical errors and effective management of diseases including chronic diseases (Blumenthal, 2010). Incorporation of nursing informatics and advanced technology into the healthcare system have great potentials, if utilized well, to enhancing health outcomes through delivery of efficient, quality and safe patient care, better still, at reduced costs. According to Househ (2014), web based applications and the use of internet in particular have the potential of revolutionizing the healthcare system through enabling new interventions for chronic diseases by enhancing the capacity of patient’s self management. Globally, the rates of chronic diseases are projected to increase marginally by the year 2020 posing serious challenges to the healthcare system and particularly to nurses since they play a bigger role in providing care to patients (Solomon, Wagner & Goes, 2012). The projections are even worse for diabetes which is estimated to affect nearly half a million people by the year 2030 (Frost, Anderson, Argyle, Daly, Harris-Golesworthy, Harris & Vaidya, 2013). Diabetes, as other chronic diseases have serious implications including increased costs in its treatment and management (Solomon et al, 2010). According to Solomon et al (2010), self management is one of the most effective ways patients use to monitors and manage their condition, yet the traditional self management interventions (SMI) such as through face to face appointments may pose some challenges for marginalized patients or where distance hinders access to primary care.
Web based and internet or online interventions have been proved to be effective in enhancing the efficacy of self management for chronic diseases such as diabetes by engaging even the patients who may be far from primary care facilities (Househ, 2014). Web based or internet based interventions have are effective for managing chronic diseases such as diabetes because they can be accessible to patients who may not easily access primary care, probably due to marginalization (Househ, 2014). Further, some patients with chronic conditions may lack the time for face to face interventions, may show reluctance in seeking traditional care, or may simply be embarrassed or forget their appointments. This makes web based and online or internet interventions more appropriate for chronic diseases because apart from being inherently personalized, they can be provide myriads of other benefits to patients because they can be updated to incorporate latest treatment options, they can also provide support forums and are inexpensive (Househ, 2014). There is existing evidence and studies that highlight the efficacy of we based interventions in the management of chronic diseases particularly diabetes. Web based intervention have been found in different studies to be effective in self care management improved outcomes for most chronic diseases and other somatic conditions because of its cost effectiveness, convenience, and privacy (Murray, 2012).). One such study was conducted by Nobis, Lehr, Ebert, Baumeister, Snoek, Riper, & Berking, (2015) in Germany between March 2013 and January 201. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of web based intervention in reducing levels of depression among patients who suffered type 1 and t2 diabetes (Nobis et al, 2015). The study involved a total of 260 participants who had both types of diabetes with high degrees of depression who had Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) greater than twenty three (Nobis et al, 2015). The participants were randomly divided into two groups with one group being assigned a guided self help intervention (GET.ON Mood Enhancer Diabetes), and the other an online psychoeducational program for reducing degree of depression was used as an intervention (Nobis et al, 2015). Results indicated that the group with the online pschoeducational program had their depression symptoms reduced to significant levels tan the control group indicating that online or web based intervention was very effective in the reduction of depression among adults who suffer from both type 1 and type 2 diabetes (Nobis et al, 2015).
Description of the PICOT Elements for Online Intervention
As described web based interventions refers to technology based application where the websites or the internet is used to promote health outcomes (Dykes & Collins, 2013). Web based or online intervention have been found to be especially effective in generating knowledge about a health condition, enhancing self efficacy, and improving self care management of patients with chronic diseases (Dykes & Collins, 2013). Murray, (2012) defines web bases intervention as ‘‘…a primarily self-guided intervention programme that is executed by means of a prescriptive online program operated through a website…’’ ( par 3 line 5). Web based intervention programs are meant to ‘‘…create positive change and or improve/enhance knowledge, awareness, and understanding via the provision of sound health-related material and use of interactive Web-based components’’ (Murray 2012, par 3 line 8). Since chronic diseases such as diabetes are expected to rise marginally by the year 2030, web based interventions can provided new ways of managing such diseases since self management is the most effective way of managing chronic conditions and the web. This is due to its accessibility, cost effectiveness, and privacy nature can be more preferable to most patients than the traditional means such as face to face interventions or consultation (Dykes & Collins, 2013). The challenge however is that few studies have been conducted to ascertain the effectiveness of web based intervention in enhancing the efficacy of self management care for older patients with diabetes mellitus, a chronic diseases with multiple and complex risk factors (Catherine, Parsons, Mamdani, Lebovic, Hall, Newton & Straus, 2014).). According to Murray (2012), self management is critical for effectively addressing chronic conditions among older adults because it can be comprehensive consisting of major elements in chronic disease intervention including ‘‘…self-management: medical management; emotional management, and role management’’ ( par 4 line 3). The potentials for web based interventions for enhancing the efficacy of self management can therefore not be overemphasized. For this project, the population, Intervention, Control, Outcome, and Timeframe (PICOT) framework would be used to answer the research question below:
Research Question
What is the effectiveness of web based intervention (I) on the efficacy of self management (O ) among older adults suffering from diabetes mellitus (P) when compared to traditional face to face intervention (C) throughout the period of the illness (T) ?
Population (P)
The population for this study focuses on 100 older adults who are fifty years and above. The participants for the study would be randomly recruited from a clinic or care facility and the eligibility for inclusion would be above fifty years of age and having been diagnosed of diabetes mellitus more than three years ago and who speak English. Participants who have not been diagnosed of diabetes, who cannot communicate in English and who cannot regularly access the internet would be excluded from the study.
Intervention (I)
The participants would be divided into two groups each comprising of 50 individuals suffering from diabetes mellitus. One group, the intervention group, would be subjected to web based intervention through providing them with online data and information on the management of their condition, particularly their diet, weight, sleep, and all the four element of self management, that is medical, self, role and emotional management.
Comparator/Control (C)
To the controls group, a brief web based and non guided pschoeducational program on diabetes mellitus would be provided for the same duration of time as the intervention group.
Outcome (O)
It is expected that among the intervention group that received online or web based and guided educational program on comprehensive management of their condition would have enhanced self management behaviors compared to the control group such as better dieting, engaging in exercise and proper sleep and other medical, emotional, self and role management behaviors such as adherence to medication among other desirable behaviors.
Time (T)
The participants in the study would be monitored and their self management care behaviors evaluated after two months duration. The changes in their behaviors would be collected on a weekly basis for two months.
Reflection on the Web-based intervention from a HIT perspective
At this point, it is clear that chronic conditions are a major challenge to the health professionals and the situation exacerbated a great majority of the affected population are the aging ones (Murray, 2012). The new health technologies that emerged since the 21st century and that still continue to emerge have been shown to have great potentials in addressing the ever increasing health challenges that put pressure practitioners in the profession to devise not just new interventions, but one that is also based on sound research and evidence (Murray, 2012). Continuous adoption and integration of HIT in the current healthcare system is anticipated to lead to medical breakthroughs, delivery of safe and quality care through reduces errors and efficiencies in the management of patients’ records through the use of electronic health records (EHRs) (Murray, 2012). According to Dykes & Collins (2013), HIT such as the use of websites and other online applications, self management systems, EHRs, patient portals, personal data assistants (PDAs), among many other emerging health technologies have revolutionized and transformed the healthcare systems and by substantially improving the quality and safety of care delivered by the nurses. Additionally, HIT and nursing informatics, if utilized appropriately, can lead to improved and desired health outcomes for patients since they encourage utilization of evidence based practice in nursing profession (Dykes & Collins 2013). As argued by Househ, (2014), eHealth interventions such as the use of web based or online applications in advance practice nursing can be of great benefit in the management of especially chronic diseases such as diabetes among the elderly. This is because unlike traditional face to face consultation, online interventions have been found to provide greater convenience to patients, are more accessible for marginalized patients, are cost effective, and effective in enhancing health outcomes that are associated with greater knowledge, self care management and self efficacy such as in the case of diabetes mellitus (Blumenthal, 2010). Househ, (2014) reiterates the benefits of web based intervention for addressing chronic diseases by stating that the use of the internet or online intervention is more feasible than traditional interventions. He alludes it to the fact that web based intervention can be customized to the patents requirements, can be accessed any time where professionals are inadequate, is more interactive, and can always be updated with ease to include latest information about disease management hence reaping greater benefits for both patients and healthcare providers.
In conclusion, chronic conditions especially among the aging population poses great challenge to care provider yet projections indicate that such conditions are expected to increase marginally by the year 2030. One of the best ways of managing chronic conditions, because of their long term progression, is self care management which involves all elements of self-management: medical management; emotional management, and role management. as a result of the increasing number of chronic conditions, shortages in obtaining direct face to face consultation with health professionals may become a major challenge, and therefore, the use of online and web base interventions can be the most feasible and effective intervention for addressing chronic conditions. Web based interventions have the benefits of being accessed anytime, especially where there is shortage of professional or where patients are marginalized. Additionally, web based interventions are cost effective, have been demonstrated to enhance self efficacy and self care management, are more interactive, can be updated and most importantly, can be customized based on the patients needs. Integration of web based applications in the management of chronic diseases is therefore, not an option, but a necessity with great potentials to improving the quality of care delivered in the health care system and increased patient safety.
References
Bakken, S., Cimino, J. J., & Hripcsak, G. (2004). Promoting patient safety and enabling evidence-based practice through informatics. Medical care, 42(2), II-49.Blumenthal, D. (2010). Launching HIteCH. New England Journal of Medicine, 362(5), 382-385.Cater, K. C. (2009). Informatics and Technology in Professional Nursing Practice. Role Development in Professional Nursing Practice, 287.Catherine, H. Y., Parsons, J. A., Mamdani, M., Lebovic, G., Hall, S., Newton, D., ... & Straus, S. E. (2014). A web-based intervention to support self-management of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: effect on self-efficacy, self-care and diabetes distress. BMC medical informatics and decision making, 14(1), 117.Courtney, M., & McCutcheon, H. (2009). Using evidence to guide nursing practice. Elsevier Australia.Dykes, P., & Collins, S. (2013). Building linkages between nursing care and improved patient outcomes: The role of health information technology. OJIN: The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing, 18(3).Frost, J., Anderson, R., Argyle, C., Daly, M., Harris-Golesworthy, F., Harris, J., ... & Vaidya, B. (2013). A pilot randomised controlled trial of a preconsultation web-based intervention to improve the care quality and clinical outcomes of diabetes outpatients (DIAT). BMJ open, 3(7), e003396.Househ, M. (Ed.). (2014). Social Media and Mobile Technologies for Healthcare. IGI Global. Retrieved from: https://books.google.co.ke/books?id=Qp1_BAAAQBAJ&pg=PA112&lpg=PA112&dq=the+evidence+for+web+based+intervention+in+quality+healthcare&source=bl&ots=DKOmFsAJlj&sig=w-e4iAOexXtXZ_Nkje5p1uGCpEw&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwi7ze20tsXKAhVMCBoKHV-QBqMQ6AEISzAG#v=onepage&q=the%20evidence%20for%20web%20based%20intervention%20in%20quality%20healthcare&f=falseMold, F., de Lusignan, S., Sheikh, A., Majeed, A., Wyatt, J. C., Quinn, T., ... & Kataria, N. (2015). Patients’ online access to their electronic health records and linked online services: a systematic review in primary care. British Journal of General Practice, 65(632), e141-e151.Murray, E. (2012). Web-based interventions for behavior change and self-management: potential, pitfalls, and progress. Medicine 2.0, 1(2).Nobis, S., Lehr, D., Ebert, D. D., Baumeister, H., Snoek, F., Riper, H., & Berking, M. (2015). Efficacy of a Web-Based Intervention With Mobile Phone Support in Treating Depressive Symptoms in Adults With Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Diabetes care, 38(5), 776-783.Rivers, F. H., Blake, C. R., & Lindgren, K. S. (2003). Information technology: advancements in health care. Online Journal of Nursing Informatics (OJNI), 7(3).Sittig, D. F., & Singh, H. (2012). Electronic health records and national patient-safety goals. New England Journal of Medicine, 367(19), 1854-1860.Solomon, M., Wagner, S. L., & Goes, J. (2012). Effects of a Web-based intervention for adults with chronic conditions on patient activation: online randomized controlled trial. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 14(1), e32.
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