There have been many times that as nurses, we see medical intervention when it is not necessary. Induction of labor before the baby is even due, antibiotics for a cold ... the list goes on. What are some ways we can save health care dollars by reducing unnecessary treatments?

 

Answer:

As nurses, our role often includes advocating for our patients by guiding them through the health care system. We help them communicate with other healthcare providers their concerns to get all information they need in order to make sound decisions with their healthcare needs.

Accurate documentation and provide transparent data

• Documentation plays a vital role in providing care. This is where healthcare providers often refer to decide what treatment they should provide for the patient. By documenting all relevant data and health concerns, as nurses, we can therefore ask if treatment plans or procedures should be necessary based on the record. Informing or updating patients about their current health status would also give them an idea whether the procedure is necessary.

Deliver clear information

• Doctors often give the patients details on things that they only want to know. But it is important that a patient knows all the necessary risks and benefits and the reason why a treatment or procedure should be done. More often than not, patients would just agree even without further understanding what has been explained. Our role as nurses is to make verification if the patient fully understood the information provided. We must keep information simple and avoid medical jargons.

Elicit Concerns

• Ask patients if they have any concerns regarding the treatment. Ask if they have further questions that needs clarification. Notice non-verbal cues that may encourage them to voice out what is bothering them. Most of the time, patients are too reluctant to ask questions.

Provide additional information

• Since patients are more concerned about their health and being too trustful on healthcare providers they would often agree to undergo procedures without much knowledge on it. It would be best to provide them more educational information about the procedures or give referrals to give them more time to decide. Remind them that some services may not actually improve health and in some instance may increase risk of further harm.

Confirm agreement

• Ensure that the patient is content with their decision. By summarizing the information discussed, also evaluate if there are concerns that still needs to be addressed. It is important that the patient fully agrees to the treatment without any hesitations in mind.

For more reference or explanation:

https://fliptheclinic.org/flips/how-do-i-dissuade-my-patients-from-wanting-a-common-but-unnecessary-health-treatment/

https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/healthcare/4-ways-to-reduce-unnecessary-care