WK2Assgn_Despaigne_A

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Walden University *

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Health Science

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Jan 9, 2024

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docx

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1 Walden University Interprof Org & Sys Leadership 6/11/2023 Analysis of a Pertinent Healthcare Issue The National Healthcare Issue/Stressor

2 The national issue I selected is the opioid epidemic because it has become prevalent nationwide, causing a public health crisis. The opioid epidemic is a serious public health issue because, in 2021, it killed more than 107 000 Americans (SAMHSA, 2022). This national issue has had negative implications in healthcare settings, causing a need for more comprehensive approaches to address it. The epidemic has negatively affected my healthcare organization regarding patient care and the healthcare system. First, the opioid epidemic has increased patient demand in my unit. We continuously received many patients Baker Acted for acute psychosis, induce by drugs misuse. This has increased the demand for opioid treatment within my healthcare setting. The increase in patient demand has caused an increase in resource use in my organization in terms of healthcare providers, equipment, medication, and other financial resources. Second, the opioid epidemic has increasingly complex patient needs. Individuals struggling with opioid use disorders often have complex physical, mental, and social needs that require comprehensive care. Treating opioid addiction in isolation is no longer sufficient, and our organization must adapt to provide integrated services that address the holistic needs of these individuals. Third, the opioid epidemic has led to workforce challenges within my unit. The opioid epidemic has presented unique challenges for our healthcare workforce. For example, the behavioral professionals who treat patients affected by the opioid epidemic must have adequate and appropriate knowledge and skills for them to offer evidence-based care that will improve outcomes. As a result, this has led to frequent training of these professionals to be fully equipped and address this issue. A Brief Summary of the Sources

3 The first source by the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA) (2021), explores the opioid crisis in the United States. The article shows that many Americans are suffering from opioid use disorder (OUD), costing many lives. This article suggests the use of effective prevention and treatment strategies, for example, the use of medications like buprenorphine, naltrexone, and methadone. According to this source, the Secretary of Health and Human Services initiated initiatives to increase access to treatment, improve public health surveillance and enhance research on the OUD to advance the available treatments. The second source, by Deyo-Svendsen et al. (2020), describes the opioid epidemic and how it can be treated using medication-assisted treatment (MAT). MAT combines both psychosocial interventions and medications like methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone, which are approved by the FDA. The source suggests using MAT because it reduces deaths resulting from an overdose, the transmission of dangerous infectious diseases, and criminal behaviors. Also, access to MAT in rural areas is often limited due to shortages of addiction medicine-trained providers, lack of comprehensive addiction programs, transportation issues, and cost-related barriers. The article emphasizes the importance of improving access to MAT in rural areas and addresses concerns expressed by rural physicians regarding the lack of mentorship and drug diversion. Other organizations are combining behavioral methods and medications to treat OUD. This comprehensive form of treatment involves using behavioral techniques like therapy and medications like buprenorphine and naltrexone to treat OUD. Combining these interventions is the most effective method to address this epidemic. The Strategies Used to Address the Organizational Impact

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