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/

Nursing Topics: Beyond the Basics Introduction

In the next few weeks, I will be traveling along with ten lovely companions to Cherokee, NC. Through this course, I will advance my pediatric assessment skills and have the opportunity to learn about Cherokee culture. I hope to learn how the experiences and beliefs of a culture will uniquely impact their healthcare delivery system and how I as a nurse can better adapt my care to be culturally sensitive. I am looking forward to this opportunity!