Discuss the role of the nurse in the decision-making process when Essay

Discuss the role of the nurse in the decision-making process when caring for patients with complex needs - Essay Example The needs of the patient shall be outlined below. The physical endurance of patients with congestive heart failure is lower as compared to normal patients. Consequently, their emotional and physiological concerns cause major changes in the quality of their lives. These patients often perceive the quality of their lives based on their health status and limitations in self-care. They also see programs which focus on patient education and disease management as programs which can help improve the quality of their life and decrease hospital readmission rates (Chelho, et.al., 2005, p. 1). Congestive heart failure is a disease which reduces the patients’ ability to care for themselves mostly because of weakness caused by their weaker cardiac and respiratory systems (Hosenpud and Greenburg, 2007, p. 3). It afflicts many patients past the age of 70 and most of them are often readmitted to hospitals because of poor disease management (Hosenpud and Greenburg, 2007, p. 4). ... 111). There are various models which focus on different aspects of the patient’s health. For this patient, Lydia Hall’s Care, Cure, and Core Model shall be used as an assessment and care model. Lydia Hall’s model specifies that patients have basically three needs – the physical, the medical, and the social needs (McCoy, 2011). By fulfilling these needs, chronically ill patients can be adequately cared for. This model can be used in order to assist with patient education, management of maintenance medications, and delivery of physical and emotional support. Through medication management and provision of social support, patient hospitalization can be reduced; the patient’s ability to self-manage his disease can be ensured; exacerbations can be prevented; and hospital readmissions can be reduced (Quaglietti, et.al., 2000, p. 259). Lydia Hall’s model provides a framework for open communication between patients and nurses and it has three interrel ated elements which refer to medical and clinical management of patients. The care circle of the Hall’s model emphasizes on the intimate care provided by the nurses to the patients – in terms of assistance during bathing, dressing, and in the conduct of their daily activities (Tuohy and Birnbach, 2001, p. 135). In caring for the CHF and the breast cancer patients, the care model of Hall’s framework refers to the hands-on care provided by the nurses to the patients. This care includes the process of providing a relaxing environment for the patients, especially one which encourages open communication and trust between nurses and patients. Through open communication, the patients