5 Key Trends for RNs in Community Health Practice in 2019: From Online Education to Population Health Management
Community health nursing is an essential role that allows registered nurses (RNs) to give back to their communities by promoting health and wellness. As the healthcare industry continues to evolve, many trends have emerged that impact RNs in their community health practices. Here are the five key trends every RN should be aware of in 2019:
Trend #1 – Online Education
In today’s digital age, online education offers RNs the convenience to access education from anywhere, at any time. With the increasing demand for healthcare and the shortage of RNs, online education has become a viable option to advance and specialize in their education. This trend allows RNs to study at their own pace, and it’s more cost-effective than traditional in-person education.
Trend #2 – Telehealth
Telehealth has emerged as a game-changer for RNs working in community health practices. It enables RNs to provide virtual care to patients who reside in remote or underserved areas, improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs. Telehealth also offers RNs the flexibility to work from home, which can improve work-life balance and job satisfaction.
Trend #3 – Population Health Management
Population health management is an evolving concept that helps RNs identify and manage a patient population’s health needs. This trend applies a population-level approach to chronic disease management, health promotion, and disease prevention. RNs can use population health management to identify patient groups, design interventions, and track outcomes. This trend also helps RNs to prioritize the patients who need their attention the most.
Trend #4 – Patient-Centered Care
Patient-centered care is an approach that puts the patient at the center of healthcare delivery. It involves RNs working with patients to improve their health outcomes while considering their unique needs, preferences, and values. This trend includes shared decision-making between RNs and patients, empowering patients to take an active role in their healthcare. Patient-centered care improves patient satisfaction, decreases healthcare costs, and leads to better healthcare outcomes.
Trend #5 – Big Data
Big data has become a buzzword in healthcare, and it’s not hard to understand why. RNs can use big data to identify patterns that can lead to targeted interventions and better patient outcomes. RNs can analyze patient data to identify trends like the frequency of ER visits or readmissions, which can help RNs better prioritize their time and resources. Big data can also help RNs identify patients at high risk for chronic disease, allowing RNs to intervene early and prevent disease progression.
Conclusion
In conclusion, RNs working in community health practices should be aware of the emerging trends that can impact their profession. Online education and Telehealth offer new ways for RNs to advance their careers and improve patient outcomes, while Population Health Management, Patient-Centered Care, and Big Data can help RNs identify and manage the health needs of their patients more effectively. As an RN, embracing these trends can empower you to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those you serve.
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