Monday, May 23, 2016
A Client-Centered Healthcare Model
To prepare for this course, our instructor asked us to do some research about the Nuka Model of Healthcare. This model was developed by Alaska's Southcentral Foundation for the Alaskan Native population (Southcentral Foundation, 2016). While this specific model may not be what is being used by the Eastern Band of Cherokees, we were informed that components of this model will be. The focus of this model includes that healthcare is a service, with the client at the center in control of their healthcare (Southcentral Foundation, 2016). This involves active input by the community being treated, asking what they need and want out of their healthcare (Canadian Foundation for Improvement, 2011).
An important component discussed in the Canadian Foundation for Healthcare Improvement (CFHI) videos (linked below), is the importance of building relationships and really KNOWING the client (CFHI, 2011). An example was done over a client named Frank. This client had a mix of chronic complex health conditions that were not effectively being managed, leading to frequent hospital readmission. Rather than continually treating the client with the same plan, the Nuka model of care focused in on the reason's for Frank's readmission by looking at him holistically. They considered the mental, emotional, and social aspects affecting him. Here is a direct link to the point in the video where Frank's case is discussed, its about five minutes long. Give it a look! : https://youtu.be/tLnZ3_AccoU?t=19m49s
This model of care, with its entire service built around the client's active partnership, beliefs, and culture is an excellent way of engaging the client to help them meet their health goals. As the CFHI video's discuss, because the client's health is largely dependent on them carrying out a treatment plan, it makes sense to make a plan with them in the center! (CFHI, 2011). I believe that this model of care would not only be effective in the Alaskan Native population, but in the United State's healthcare system at large.
These were just a few highlights that popped out to me in my reading and watching of material. I'm looking forward to discussing this healthcare model in class and learning more about it. This system is different from what I am used to, and I am still trying to wrap my mind around it. In our courses, nursing student's are taught to look at patient's holistically, with a "patient-centered" focus. I think nursing could integrate even more of these aspects demonstrated in this model. If you would like to look at some of these resources I viewed, the links are included below. I will update or post as I learn more!
References used and resources for more information on the Nuka healthcare model:
Canadian Foundation for Healthcare Improvement. (2011). Southcentral Foundation's Nuka model of care: Rocks, birds and cars (Part 1 of 2) [Video file]. Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLnZ3_AccoU&feature=youtu.be
Canadian Foundation for Healthcare Improvement. (2011). The Nuka model of care: How they did it (Part 2 of 2). [Video file]. Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5TfNjYshPsc&feature=youtu.be
Southcentral Foundation. (2016). Learn more about Nuka. Retrieved from: https://www.southcentralfoundation.com/nuka/learn-about-nuka/
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
EXCELLENT work Deanna! Until my visit to Cherokee in October 2015, I had never heard of the NUKA model. When I learned more about it and listened to how it is going to be implemented into Cherokee, I also thought how it could be beneficial to our healthcare systems! It will be helpful to learn more of this and see if we can help be change agents in our own communities.
ReplyDeleteDeanna, you made some really great points! I also thought that this system could be easily implemented in nursing. Our practice is already holistically based, and so we are already incorporating aspects of this model into our daily work. Your example of patient Fred was very interesting because it shows how the NUKA model doesn't focus in on the physical deficits, but rather the patient's primary diagnosis is likely to be mentally or spiritually related. This is hard for me to wrap my head around because we are taught that the physiological processes always take priority. I am excited to learn more about this model as well and how it can be incorporated into different population! Good job!
ReplyDelete