nr503 Week 2: Discussion – Epidemiological Methods
nr503 Week 2. Consider either the Infectious Disease assignment in Week 5 or the Chronic Health assignment in Week 6. Next, choose a screening method from one of the following web sites that correlates to the topic from either of those assignments:
U.S. Preventative Services Task Force (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.
SAMHSA-HRSA (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.
Reply to the following prompt: Describe the screening tool selected, its purpose, and what age group it targets. Has it been specifically tested in this age group? Next, discuss the predictive ability of the test. For instance, how do you know the test is reliable and valid? What are the reliability and validity values? What are the predictive values? Is it sensitive to measure what it has been developed to measure, for instance, HIV, or depression in older adults, or Lyme Disease? Would you integrate this tool into your advanced practice based on the information you have read about the test, why or why not? You should include a minimum of two (2) scholarly articles from the last five (5) years (3 is recommended).
Respond to a minimum of two (2) individuals, peer and/or faculty, with a scholarly and reflective post of a minimum of two (2) paragraphs of 4-5 sentences. A minimum of one (1) scholarly article should be utilized to support the post in addition to your textbook.
Your work should have in-text citations integrating at a minimum one scholarly article and the course textbook. APA format should be utilized to include a reference list. Correct grammar, spelling, and APA should be adhered to when writing, work should be scholarly without personalization or first person use
nr503 Week 2: Discussion Answer
Clostridiodes difficile, commonly known as C. difficile, stands out as a prevalent healthcare-associated infection with global implications. This pathogen is responsible for a spectrum of infections, ranging from diarrhea to toxic cases of megacolon, and in severe instances, even death (López-Ureña et al., 2016). In response to the growing challenges posed by C. difficile, various health-based interventions, including the use of screening tools, have been developed to assess the risk associated with this pathogen (US Preventive Services Task Force, 2019).
One effective tool in the arsenal against C. difficile is the Focused Admission Screening, a strategic approach designed to identify and manage potential cases. This screening method involves a comprehensive analysis of a patient’s C. difficile infection (CDI) history, particularly focusing on any instances of prior hospitalization within the last three months. When these conditions are met, the patient undergoes a thorough rectal swab, followed by appropriate tests. Notably, this screening tool is particularly applicable to patients aged 50 years and older, where its efficacy has been observed (US Preventive Services Task Force, 2019).nr503 Week 2: Discussion
The reliability and validity of the Focused Admission Screening tool are noteworthy aspects that contribute to its effectiveness. Reliability in this context refers to the consistency and repeatability of the tool’s results, ensuring that it consistently identifies individuals at risk of C. difficile infection. The validity of the tool, on the other hand, speaks to its ability to accurately measure what it intends to assess—in this case, the risk of C. difficile infection. The Focused Admission Screening tool has demonstrated reliability and validity in numerous studies, making it a robust instrument for targeted screening (López-Ureña et al., 2016; US Preventive Services Task Force, 2019).nr503 Week 2: Discussion
As healthcare professionals grapple with the challenges posed by C. difficile, the Focused Admission Screening tool serves as a valuable asset in the early detection and management of potential cases. By specifically targeting individuals with a history of CDI and recent hospitalization, this screening tool allows for a targeted and efficient approach to identifying and preventing the spread of C. difficile infections.nr503 Week 2: Discussion
In conclusion, the Focused Admission Screening tool emerges as a reliable and valid strategy in the battle against C. difficile infections. Its specificity in targeting high-risk individuals and its demonstrated effectiveness underscore its significance in the realm of healthcare-associated infections. As we continue to navigate the complexities of infectious diseases, such screening tools become indispensable in ensuring early intervention and improved patient outcomes, ultimately contributing to the advancement of public health practices.nr503 Week 2: Discussion
