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Using Information Systems to Improve Population Outcomes

Brandi Parker

Jacksonville State University

Clinical Prevention and Population Health

NU 712

Dr. Betsy Gulledge

October 4, 2019
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Information Systems

The advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) is responsible for combining nursing

science and knowledge from other fields to provide the ultimate nursing care (Cupp & Vitale,

2016). The APRN must utilize available information systems to assist in improving community

outcomes. This author will review a population of interest and an agency that may be a valuable

resource.

Population of Interest

Alzheimer's disease is the most common type of dementia (Centers for Disease Control

[CDC], 2019). Despite ongoing research for this disease, there is still not a cure. Many

treatments are in place to help slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease, yet new cases of the

disease are expected to rise continually. Women are found to be at a higher risk for developing

Alzheimer's disease due to increased life expectancy (CDC, 2019). Interest is taken in this

population as this author is a woman and has a family history of Alzheimer's disease both on the

maternal and paternal sides of the family. The effect this disease has on patients and their

families is tremendous.

Identifying risk factors and evaluating tools to recognize this disease process is essential.

Many researchers believe that future treatments to slow down the progression of the disease will

be more effective earlier in the disease process (Alzheimer’s Association, 2019). Family history,

patient medical history, psychiatric evaluations, patient medication reviews, and lifestyle

evaluations are helpful tools in assessing the risk of Alzheimer's disease.

Agency Identified

The Administration for Community Living (ACL) is an organization that promotes the

quality of life for the elderly and disabled population (Administration for Community Living
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[ACL], 2019). This organization invests in research and resources to assist elderly and disabled

persons remain active in their communities if desired. Some of these resources are programs that

enable elderly or disabled persons to stay at home with care rather than go to an institution for

healthcare needs. The ACL recognizes challenges that elderly and disabled persons face and

assists in meeting the individual needs of the person.

Healthcare costs for our nation continue to rise and present obstacles each day. The cost

of care at home for elderly and disabled persons is generally less than that of institutional care

(ACL, 2019). Population health focuses on treating the community while improving outcomes

(Cupp & Vitale, 2016). Using the ACL instead of facility care could positively impact the

medical cost crisis in the United States. This ACL agency plays a vital role in population health

as it promotes quality of life in these specific patient populations discussed and does so cost-

effectively.

Improving Outcomes

Utilization of our available resources, such as the Administration for Community Living,

has the potential to impact the healthcare of those affected by Alzheimer’s disease in a positive

direction. The APRN should recognize available information systems and incorporate these

resources into practice.

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References

Alzheimer’s Association. (2019). Alzheimer’s Association Report. Alzheimer's disease facts and

figures. Retrieved from https://www.alzheimersanddementia.com/article/S1552-

5260(19)30031-7/fulltext#sec2.2.1

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Population Health, National Center for

Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. (2019). Minorities and women are at

greater risk for Alzheimer's disease. Retrieved

from https://www.cdc.gov/aging/publications/features/Alz-Greater-Risk.html

Cupp Curley, Ann L.& Vitale, Patty A. (2016). Population-based nursing concepts and

competencies for advanced practice (2nd ed.) New York, NY: Springer Publishing Company,

LLC.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Community Living. (2019).

About community living. Retrieved from https://acl.gov/about-community-living