Assignment: Health-Illness Continuum

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The benchmark assesses the following competency:

Benchmark: 5.1. Understand the human experience across the health-illness continuum.

Research the health-illness continuum and its relevance to patient care. In a 750-1,000 word paper, discuss the relevance of the continuum to patient care and present a perspective of your current state of health in relation to the wellness spectrum. Include the following:

Examine the health-illness continuum and discuss why this perspective is important to consider in relation to health and the human experience when caring for patients.
Reflect on your overall state of health. Discuss what behaviors support or detract from your health and well-being. Explain where you currently fall on the health-illness continuum.
Discuss the options and resources available to you to help you move toward wellness on the health-illness spectrum. Describe how these would assist in moving you toward wellness (managing a chronic disease, recovering from an illness, self-actualization, etc.).

Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide. An abstract or thesis is required.

The health-illness continuum is one of the healthcare concepts that facilitate patient evaluations and permit generalizations about client condition. The concept, which was proposed more than four decades ago, altered how health is understood and diminished unnecessary simplifications. This essay examines the contested concept in relation to patient health and human experience and illustrates its applications to the health situation of individuals.
The continuum defines wellbeing and establishes links between its key components, such as physical, emotional, and mental states. Travis proposed this perspective in the 1970s, arguing that healthcare providers’ dichotomous view of health was detrimental to patient outcomes (Penwell-Waines, Greenawald, & Musick, 2018). The dichotomous approach is limited in its ability to improve people’s health because the elimination of disease and symptoms that diminish patients’ quality of life is viewed as the ultimate objective (Penwell-Waines et al., 2018). In the context of the health-illness continuum, the absence of conditions that impact daily life is regarded as the boundary between health and illness.

The elimination of disease is largely the responsibility of healthcare providers, whose concerted efforts assist patients in reaching the neutral point mentioned. Then, the degree to which a person is aware of his or her health becomes a significant predictor of future progress on the path to achieving high-level wellness (Grénman & Raikkonen, 2015). To pass the point of neutral health, which presents a false sense of wellness, individuals are expected to conduct research on their individual health risks. Then, attaining a high level of health necessitates engaging in self-study activities in order to choose healthy lifestyle practices that are advantageous in specific situations (Grénman & Raikkonen, 2015). Consequently, as individuals progress along the continuum of illness and health, their degree of responsibility for health outcomes tends to increase.

The relevance of the health-disease continuum to patient health can be correlated with the prevention of disease recurrence, according to a summary of its fundamental characteristics. In particular, because the continuum transcends dichotomous perspectives of health and illness, it offers new opportunities to implement measures that address health risks in advance (Grénman & Raikkonen, 2015). When a patient reaches the point of neutral health, for instance, he or she can be encouraged to move forward by emphasizing self-education and lifestyle improvement. In many instances, this strategy can enhance the outcomes of treatment and care administered by specialists.

The concept is relevant to the human experience in healthcare because the use of the health-illness continuum facilitates patient engagement in the process of wellness enhancement. Numerous variables, including the capacity to achieve positive long-term outcomes for patients, predict the quality of this experience (Jason, 2017). In light of this, it is essential to consider the continuum, as it outlines the key steps to be taken following the conclusion of treatment under professional supervision (Grénman & Raikkonen, 2015). To facilitate the attainment of stable and positive health outcomes, it is possible to use the aforementioned perspective to convince patients that they can make invaluable contributions to their health. Therefore, when considered, the health continuum can enhance the human experience by influencing the long-term effects of treatment.

The health-disease continuum is the concept that permits the monitoring of physical and mental health. Regarding my current state of health, there are no obvious factors and issues that inhibit the proper functioning of my organ systems. Particularly, timely visits to healthcare specialists and diligent efforts to adhere to medical advice significantly reduced the severity of the health problems I once had. Constantly acquiring health-specific knowledge and a willingness to submit to regular medical examinations are among the behaviors that contribute to my current state of health. In addition, I am a goal-oriented individual because I regularly exercise to remain active and full of energy.

To continue, there are specific obstacles preventing me from achieving optimal health. They include the presence of unhealthy sleep patterns during periods of stress, for instance. In addition, as a result of my busy schedule, I am not always able to prepare nutritious meals, which makes my diet imperfect and limits my consumption of vegetables and fruits. On a scale ranging from zero (disease) to ten (optimal health), I would rate my current health as a seven. In general, my health is good, but there is room for improvement, particularly in the areas of nutrition and stress management.

Question 2

Reflect on the concepts of informatics and knowledge work as presented in the Resources. Consider a hypothetical scenario based on your own healthcare practice or organization that would require or benefit from the access/collection and application of data. Your scenario may involve a patient, staff, or management problem or gap.

NURS 6051N

1. In this Discussion, you will consider a scenario that would benefit from access to data and how such access could facilitate both problem-solving and knowledge formation.

To Prepare:

Reflect on the concepts of informatics and knowledge work as presented in the Resources.

Consider a hypothetical scenario based on your own healthcare practice or organization that would require or benefit from the access/collection and application of data. Your scenario may involve a patient, staff, or management problem or gap.

Part 2:

Assignment: The Nurse Leader as Knowledge Worker

The term “knowledge worker” was first coined by management consultant and author Peter Drucker in his book, The Landmarks of Tomorrow (1959). Drucker defined knowledge workers as high-level workers who apply theoretical and analytical knowledge, acquired through formal training, to develop products and services. Does this sound familiar?

Nurses are very much knowledge workers. What has changed since Drucker’s time are the ways that knowledge can be acquired. The volume of data that can now be generated and the tools used to access this data have evolved significantly in recent years and helped healthcare professionals (among many others) to assume the role of knowledge worker in new and powerful ways.

In this Assignment, you will consider the evolving role of the nurse leader and how this evolution has led nurse leaders to assume the role of knowledge worker. You will prepare a presentation with an info graphic to educate others on the role of nurse as knowledge worker.

Reference: Drucker, P. (1959). The landmarks of tomorrow. New York, NY: HarperCollins Publishers.

To Prepare:

Review the concepts of informatics as presented in the Resources.

Reflect on the role of a nurse leader as a knowledge worker.

Consider how knowledge may be informed by data that is collected/accessed.

The Assignment:

Explain the concept of a knowledge worker.

Define and explain nursing informatics and highlight the role of a nurse leader as a knowledge worker.

Develop a simple infographic to help explain these concepts.

NOTE: For guidance on infographics, including how to create one in PowerPoint, see “How to Make an Infographic in PowerPoint” as presented in the Resources.

Present the hypothetical scenario you originally shared in the Discussion Forum. Include your examination of the data that you could use, how the data might be accessed/collected, and what knowledge might be derived from that data. Be sure to incorporate feedback received from your colleagues’ replies.

Benchmark – Human Experience Across the Health-Illness Continuum – Rubric

Health-Illness Importance to Health and Patient Care (C5.1)

Criteria Description

Health-Illness Importance to Health and Patient Care (C5.1)

5. Excellent

20 points

A discussion on the importance of the health-illness continuum in relation to health and the human experience in patient care is presented. The discussion demonstrates that the health-illness continuum is important to patient care. Strong rationale is offered for support.

4. Good

17.8 points

A discussion on the importance of the health-illness in relation to health and the human experience in patient care is presented. The discussion demonstrates that the health-illness continuum is important to patient care. Some rationale is needed for clarity.

3. Satisfactory

15.8 points

A general discussion on the importance of the health-illness in relation to health and the human experience in patient care is presented. The discussion generally establishes that the health-illness continuum is important to patient care. There are some inaccuracies. More information or rationale is needed.

2. Less than Satisfactory

15 points

A partial summary on the importance of the health-illness continuum is presented. The summary does not fully include the relation of the continuum to health and the human experience in patient care. There are significant inaccuracies. More evidence or information is needed.

1. Unsatisfactory

0 points

A discussion on the importance of the health-illness continuum is not presented.

Relation of Human-Illness Continuum to Value, Dignity, and Promotion of Human Flourishing

Criteria Description

Relation of Human-Illness Continuum to Value, Dignity, and Promotion of Human Flourishing

5. Excellent

20 points

A thorough explanation of the relationship between the health-illness continuum and the ability of a health care provider to promote the value, dignity, and flourishing of patients is logically and convincingly presented. The explanation draws clear connections between the role of the health care provider and the promotion of human flourishing. Strong rationale is offered for support.

4. Good

17.8 points

An explanation of the relationship between the health-illness continuum and the ability of a health care provider to promote the value, dignity, and flourishing of patients is presented. The explanation demonstrates that the health care provider does play a role in promoting human flourishing, but some additional rationale is needed for clarity.

3. Satisfactory

15.8 points

A general explanation of the relationship between the health-illness continuum and the ability of a health care provider to promote the value, dignity, and flourishing of patients is presented. There are some inaccuracies, and more information or rationale is needed to support the response.

2. Less than Satisfactory

15 points

A partial explanation of the relationship between the health-illness continuum and the ability of a health care provider to promote the value, dignity, and flourishing of patients is presented, but the connection is tenuous and key elements are omitted, incomplete, or left unexplained.

1. Unsatisfactory

0 points

An explanation of the relationship between the health-illness continuum and the ability of a health care provider to promote the value, dignity, and flourishing of patients is not presented.

Refection on Personal State of Health and the Health Illness Continuum

Criteria Description

Refection on Personal State of Health and the Health Illness Continuum

5. Excellent

20 points

A well-developed discussion of personal state of health is included. The discussion demonstrates strong personal insight into behaviors supporting or detracting from health and well-being. The author clearly establishes where personal health falls on the health-illness continuum.

4. Good

17.8 points

A discussion of personal state of health is included. The discussion demonstrates personal insight into overall behaviors supporting or detracting from health and well-being. The author establishes where personal health falls on the health-illness continuum.

3. Satisfactory

15.8 points

A general discussion of personal overall state of health is included. Overall the discussion demonstrates some insight into some behaviors supporting or detracting from health and well-being. The author does not clearly establish where personal health falls on the health-illness continuum.

2. Less than Satisfactory

15 points

A partial summary of personal overall state of health is included. The summary is not informative. Behaviors supporting or detracting from health and well-being are omitted or incomplete.

1. Unsatisfactory

0 points

Reflection on personal overall state of health is omitted.

Resources Supporting Wellness

Criteria Description

Resources Supporting Wellness

5. Excellent

20 points

Options and resources available that would be extremely helpful to help the author move toward wellness on the health-illness continuum are presented. The author clearly establishes how these will assist in moving toward wellness. Insight into wellness as it pertains to the health illness continuum is demonstrated.

4. Good

17.8 points

Options and resources available that would reasonably help the author move toward wellness on the health-illness continuum are presented. The author establishes how these resources will assist in moving toward wellness.

3. Satisfactory

15.8 points

General options and resources available that would help the author move toward wellness on the health-illness continuum are presented. More information is needed to establish how this will assist in moving the author toward wellness.

2. Less than Satisfactory

15 points

Partial options and resources available that would help the author move toward wellness on the health-illness continuum are presented. It is unclear how this will assist in moving the author toward wellness.

1. Unsatisfactory

0 points

Options and resources available to help the author move toward wellness on the health-illness continuum are omitted.

Thesis Development and Purpose

Criteria Description

Thesis Development and Purpose

5. Excellent

5 points

Thesis is comprehensive and contains the essence of the paper. Thesis statement makes the purpose of the paper clear.

4. Good

4.45 points

Thesis is clear and forecasts the development of the paper. Thesis is descriptive and reflective of the arguments and appropriate to the purpose.

3. Satisfactory

3.95 points

Thesis is apparent and appropriate to purpose.

2. Less than Satisfactory

3.75 points

Thesis is insufficiently developed or vague. Purpose is not clear.

1. Unsatisfactory

0 points

Paper lacks any discernible overall purpose or organizing claim.

Argument Logic and Construction

Criteria Description

Argument Logic and Construction

5. Excellent

5 points

Clear and convincing argument that presents a persuasive claim in a distinctive and compelling manner. All sources are authoritative.

4. Good

4.45 points

Argument shows logical progressions. Techniques of argumentation are evident. There is a smooth progression of claims from introduction to conclusion. Most sources are authoritative.

3. Satisfactory

3.95 points

Argument is orderly but may have a few inconsistencies. The argument presents minimal justification of claims. Argument logically, but not thoroughly, supports the purpose. Sources used are credible. Introduction and conclusion bracket the thesis.

2. Less than Satisfactory

3.75 points

Sufficient justification of claims is lacking. Argument lacks consistent unity. There are obvious flaws in the logic. Some sources have questionable credibility.

1. Unsatisfactory

0 points

Statement of purpose is not justified by the conclusion. The conclusion does not support the claim made. Argument is incoherent and uses noncredible sources.

Mechanics of Writing (includes spelling, punctuation, grammar, language use)

Criteria Description

Mechanics of Writing (includes spelling, punctuation, grammar, language use)

5. Excellent

5 points

Writer is clearly in command of standard, written, academic English.

4. Good

4.45 points

Prose is largely free of mechanical errors, although a few may be present. A variety of sentence structures and effective figures of speech are used.

3. Satisfactory

3.95 points

Some mechanical errors or typos are present, but they are not overly distracting to the reader. Correct sentence structure and audience-appropriate language are used.

2. Less than Satisfactory

3.75 points

Frequent and repetitive mechanical errors distract the reader. Inconsistencies in language choice (register), sentence structure, or word choice are present.

1. Unsatisfactory

0 points

Surface errors are pervasive enough that they impede communication of meaning. Inappropriate word choice or sentence construction is used.

Paper Format (use of appropriate style for the major and assignment)

Criteria Description

Paper Format (use of appropriate style for the major and assignment)

5. Excellent

2 points

All format elements are correct.

4. Good

1.78 points

Template is fully used; There are virtually no errors in formatting style.

3. Satisfactory

1.58 points

Template is used, and formatting is correct, although some minor errors may be present.

2. Less than Satisfactory

1.5 points

Template is used, but some elements are missing or mistaken; lack of control with formatting is apparent.

1. Unsatisfactory

0 points

Template is not used appropriately, or documentation format is rarely followed correctly.

Documentation of Sources

Criteria Description

Documentation of Sources (citations, footnotes, references, bibliography, etc., as appropriate to assignment and style)

5. Excellent

3 points

Sources are completely and correctly documented, as appropriate to assignment and style, and format is free of error.

4. Good

2.67 points

Sources are documented, as appropriate to assignment and style, and format is mostly correct.

3. Satisfactory

2.37 points

Sources are documented, as appropriate to assignment and style, although some formatting errors may be present.

2. Less than Satisfactory

2.25 points

Documentation of sources is inconsistent or incorrect, as appropriate to assignment and style, with numerous formatting errors.

1. Unsatisfactory

0 points

Sources are not documented.

Total 100 points