NURS FPX 6011 Assessment 2 Evidence-Based Population Health Improvement Plan

Name

Capella university

NURS-FPX 6011 Evidence-Based Practice for Patient-Centered Care and Population Health

Prof. Name

Date

Evidence-Based Population Health Improvement Plan

Good morning/afternoon. To begin with, I would want to thank every one of you for coming today. It is truly inspiring to see such a wide array of professionals, community leaders, and residents united to tackle a critical health challenge in our state. Today, I am pleased to introduce our Population Health Improvement Plan, focused on addressing the growing issue of hypertension in Florida. This plan is the result of careful research and collaboration, reflecting what we can achieve when we work together toward a common goal. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, affects not just individuals but entire communities, influencing multiple aspects of life in Florida. Given the state’s unique demographics and regional differences, it is clear that a tailored approach is essential.

Our plan places the community at its heart, recognizing the vital role that local input and engagement play in achieving lasting change. During this presentation, we will walk you through the key components of our strategy. We will discuss our goals, the targeted interventions we aim to implement, and, most importantly, how each of us—whether as healthcare professionals, policymakers, or community members—can contribute to this effort. Our hope today is to inform, inspire, and foster collaboration. By joining forces, we can make a meaningful impact on reducing hypertension rates and improving health outcomes across Florida.

Evaluation of Environmental and Epidemiological Data

Table 1: Hypertension Epidemiological and Environmental Data in Florida

Metrics	Value	Source	Year	Reliability
Hospitalizations Due to Hypertension	324 per 100,000 (age-adjusted rate)	Florida Health Charts	2022	Governmental Statistics
Age-Adjusted Deaths From Hypertension	3,284 deaths (9.7 per 100,000 population)	Florida Health Charts	2022	Governmental Statistics
Education Levels in Florida (Bachelor’s Degree or Higher)	34.3%	U.S. Census Bureau	2022	National survey, regularly updated
Persons in Poverty	12.7%	U.S. Census Bureau	2022	National survey, regularly updated
Median Household Income	$69,303	U.S. Census Bureau	2022	National survey, regularly updated

NURS FPX 6011 Assessment 2 Evidence-Based Population Health Improvement Plan

The major population health issue suggested by the data within Florida is the significant burden of hypertension, as reflected by hospitalization and mortality rates. The age-adjusted hospitalization rate due to hypertension is 324 per 100,000, indicating widespread complications associated with high blood pressure (Florida Health Charts, 2023). Moreover, 3,284 deaths in 2022 were attributed to hypertension, with an age-adjusted death rate of 9.7 per 100,000, demonstrating its critical impact on mortality (Florida Health Charts, 2023).

Socioeconomic factors also play a significant role in shaping the health landscape of hypertension. While 34.3% of Floridians hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, which could support health literacy and access to health information, 12.7% of the population lives in poverty (U.S. Census Bureau, 2022). Poverty limits access to healthcare, nutritious foods, and opportunities for preventive care, thus exacerbating the risk of hypertension. These factors particularly affect vulnerable populations who face higher barriers to managing and preventing chronic conditions like hypertension (Kurani et al., 2021). The data, sourced from governmental health and census databases, is highly reliable, underscoring the urgent need for public health strategies to reduce the prevalence of hypertension in Florida.

Developing an Ethical Health Improvement Plan for Hypertension in Florida

The ethically effective approach for treating hypertension in Florida focuses on reducing hypertension-related hospitalizations and improving access to preventive care while considering the environmental challenges and cultural diversity of the state. A key component of the plan is the implementation of community-based health education programs aimed at raising awareness about hypertension and prevention strategies (Khanal et al., 2021).

These programs will be delivered in both English and Spanish to accommodate the linguistic needs of Florida’s diverse population, with the goal of improving health literacy in communities with lower educational attainment. Additionally, the plan seeks to expand access to free or low-cost hypertension screenings, particularly in low-income areas where poverty limits access to healthcare services. Partnerships with local clinics and community centers will help ensure these screenings are readily available, such as providing telemedicine services or blood pressure monitors to poor hypertensive patients to use at home. This will ultimately enable early detection and management of hypertension (Sarkar et al., 2024).

Cultural barriers will also be addressed by incorporating dietary and exercise programs that are culturally sensitive and tailored to the specific needs of different ethnic groups. To further enhance the plan’s effectiveness, community health workers who are familiar with traditional beliefs and practices will help bridge the gap between modern medical interventions and cultural healthcare preferences. This will ensure that all residents are engaged and well-informed. Language services will be available to overcome communication barriers, ensuring equitable access to the program’s benefits (Ajisegiri et al., 2023).

Proposed Outcome Criteria

Two major outcome criteria will measure the success of this plan. First, a reduction in the current age-adjusted hospitalization rate of 324 per 100,000 due to hypertension will be a key indicator of the program’s effectiveness in improving disease management (Lu et al., 2021). Second, an increase in hypertension screening rates, particularly in low-income and minority communities, will demonstrate enhanced access to early detection and treatment (Guirguis-Blake et al., 2021).

These outcome criteria are essential because they directly reflect the health impact of the interventions. A reduction in hospitalization rates shows improved hypertension management, while increased screening rates demonstrate enhanced access to care, crucial for preventing severe complications. These measures are practical and provide clear insights into the plan’s success in improving hypertension outcomes in Florida. 

Collaborative Plan with Specific Community Organization for Hypertension Improvement in Florida

To assist in carrying out the hypertension population health improvement plan in a morally upright, culturally aware, and all-encompassing manner, collaboration with the Florida Heart Research Foundation (FHRF) is proposed. FHRF is a well-established nonprofit organization focused on cardiovascular disease prevention and control in Florida (Florida Heart Research Foundation, n.d.). Their expertise in hypertension management and their deep connections within local communities make them an ideal partner for delivering tailored health interventions. Together, we will work to empower at-risk populations by providing education, screenings, and resources that align with cultural values and address specific healthcare needs, ensuring an inclusive approach.

Key community stakeholders involved in this collaboration will include local healthcare providers, public health agencies, representatives from FHRF, and community leaders from diverse ethnic groups, such as the Hispanic and African American populations, who face a higher prevalence of hypertension. These stakeholders will provide valuable input on how to reach their communities best, fostering trust and ensuring interventions are culturally relevant. Local clinics and healthcare professionals will play a pivotal role in conducting screenings, while community leaders and faith organizations will assist in promoting the program and encouraging participation.

NURS FPX 6011 Assessment 2 Evidence-Based Population Health Improvement Plan

A culturally sensitive communication strategy will be central to this partnership, ensuring that data privacy concerns are addressed in line with HIPAA regulations (Airhihenbuwa, 2020). The Florida Heart Research Foundation will use secure methods to collect and handle personal health information, emphasizing transparency and confidentiality throughout the process. Participants will be fully informed about how their data will be used to enhance their care, and clear privacy protocols will be communicated during all interactions. This strategy builds trust with the community while ensuring that individuals feel safe sharing their personal health information (Pool et al., 2021).

To make medical concepts such as hypertension understandable for all community members, we will use simplified, jargon-free educational materials. These materials will be available in multiple languages, including English and Spanish, and we will provide accommodations for individuals with disabilities, such as large print, visual aids, and interpreters (Gotlieb et al., 2022). Community health workers will also be trained to explain the importance of blood pressure control using culturally relatable examples and practical advice. Their expertise will make the information accessible to everyone regardless of language proficiency, education level, or physical limitations. This inclusive communication strategy ensures that all residents can actively participate in their health improvement journey (Alvarez et al., 2022).

Relevance and Value of Resources

The technical resources and evidence that served as the plan’s basis for improving population hypertension in Florida are critical in guiding the program’s development and ensuring its effectiveness. The data drawn from Florida Health Charts and the U.S. Census Bureau provide reliable insights into the epidemiological and socioeconomic factors driving hypertension-related hospitalizations and mortality. These sources are regularly updated and highly regarded in public health for their accuracy, making them a solid foundation for developing targeted interventions. Using this data ensures that the plan addresses the specific needs of Florida’s diverse population, aligning with best practices in public health that emphasize data-driven decision-making ((Florida Health Charts, 2023; U.S. Census Bureau, 2022).

Technology resources, such as blood pressure monitors and telemedicine platforms, are leveraged to enhance hypertension screening and management, particularly in underserved areas (Guirguis-Blake et al., 2021). Telemedicine improves access to care in remote or low-income communities. At the same time, EHRs facilitate the collection and analysis of patient data to track hypertension trends, leading to more personalized and effective care (Sarkar et al., 2024).

Incorporating these resources ensures that interventions are grounded in evidence-based approaches and reflect a commitment to improving health equity. By utilizing both epidemiological data and advanced technology, the plan addresses not only the medical management of hypertension but also the broader socioeconomic factors that contribute to its prevalence, ensuring a holistic and ethically sound approach. This integration of reliable data and technology directly supports the plan’s success in achieving its goals of reducing hypertension-related hospitalizations and increasing screening rates across Florida.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Population Health Improvement Plan for hypertension in Florida is a comprehensive, evidence-based approach designed to reduce hospitalizations and improve access to preventive care through culturally sensitive interventions. By collaborating with the Florida Heart Research Foundation and leveraging reliable epidemiological data and technology resources, the plan aims to address both the medical and socioeconomic factors that contribute to hypertension. Through community engagement, education, and enhanced screening efforts, we are committed to making a lasting impact on hypertension outcomes, ensuring that all residents have the tools and support necessary to lead healthier lives.

References

Airhihenbuwa, C. O. (2020). Culture matters in communicating the global response to COVID-19. Preventing Chronic Disease, 17. https://doi.org/10.5888/pcd17.200245 

Ajisegiri, W. S., Abimbola, S., Tesema, A. G., Odusanya, O. O., Peiris, D., & Joshi, R. (2023). “We just have to help”: Community health workers’ informal task-shifting and task-sharing practices for hypertension and diabetes care in Nigeria. Frontiers in Public Health, 11. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2023.1038062 

Alvarez, C., Ibe, C. A., Dietz, K., Carrero, N. D., Avornu, G. D., Turkson‐Ocran, R., Bhattarai, J., Crews, D. C., Lipman, P. D., & Cooper, L. A. (2022). Development and implementation of a combined nurse care manager and community health worker training curriculum to address hypertension disparities. The Journal of Ambulatory Care Management, 45(3), 230–241. https://doi.org/10.1097/jac.0000000000000422 

Florida Health Charts. (2023). Hospitalizations from hypertension – Florida Health CHARTS – Florida department of Health. Flhealthcharts.gov. https://www.flhealthcharts.gov/ChartsReports/rdPage.aspx?rdReport=NonVitalInd.DataViewer&cid=9751#:~:text=Hospitalizations%20From%20Hypertension%20%2D%20Florida%20Health%20CHARTS%20%2D%20Florida%20Department%20of%20Health&text=In%202022%2C%20the%20age%2Dadjusted 

NURS FPX 6011 Assessment 2 Evidence-Based Population Health Improvement Plan

Florida Heart Research Foundation. (n.d.). Heart disease cure | Miami, FL | Florida Heart Research Foundation. Www.floridaheart.org. https://www.floridaheart.org/ 

Gotlieb, R., Praska, C., Hendrickson, M. A., Marmet, J., Charpentier, V., Hause, E., Allen, K. A., Lunos, S., & Pitt, M. B. (2022). Accuracy in patient understanding of common medical phrases. JAMA Network Open, 5(11).  https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.42972 

Guirguis-Blake, J. M., Evans, C. V., Webber, E. M., Coppola, E. L., Perdue, L. A., & Weyrich, M. S. (2021). Screening for hypertension in adults. JAMA, 325(16), 1657. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2020.21669 

Khanal, M. K., Bhandari, P., Dhungana, R. R., Bhandari, P., Rawal, L. B., Gurung, Y., Paudel, K. N., Singh, A., Devkota, S., & Courten, B. de. (2021). Effectiveness of community-based health education and home support program to reduce blood pressure among patients with uncontrolled hypertension in Nepal: A cluster-randomized trial. PLOS ONE, 16(10), e0258406. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0258406 

Lu, Y., Wang, Y., Spatz, E. S., Onuma, O., Nasir, K., Rodriguez, F., Watson, K. E., & Krumholz, H. M. (2021). National trends and disparities in hospitalization for acute hypertension among medicare beneficiaries (1999–2019). Circulation, 144(21), 1683–1693. https://doi.org/10.1161/circulationaha.121.057056 

Pool, J., Akhlaghpour, S., & Fatehi, F. (2021). Health data privacy in the COVID-19 pandemic context: Discourses on HIPAA. Studies in Health Technology and Informatics, 279, 70–77. https://doi.org/10.3233/SHTI210091 

NURS FPX 6011 Assessment 2 Evidence-Based Population Health Improvement Plan

Sarkar, A., Nwokocha, C., Nash, S. G., & Grigoryan, L. (2024). Empowering low-income patients with home blood pressure monitors to improve hypertension control. Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine: JABFM, 37(2), 187–195. https://doi.org/10.3122/jabfm.2023.230357R1 

U.S. Census Bureau. (2022). Explore Census Data. Data.census.gov. https://data.census.gov/profile/Florida?g=040XX00US12