Epidemiology Paper Part One: Descriptive Method Assignment

DNP 825 Week 2 Epidemiology Paper Part One: Descriptive Method Assignment

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Epidemiology Paper Part One: Descriptive Method Assignment Details:

The Epidemiology Paper is a practice immersion assignment designed to be completed in three sections, this is part one of the assignment. Learners are required discuss the role of descriptive epidemiology in nursing science and apply descriptive epidemiology in nursing science.

General Guidelines:

Use the following information to ensure successful completion of the assignment:

• This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.
• Doctoral learners are required to use APA style for their writing assignments. The APA Style Guide is located in the Student Success Center.
• This assignment requires that support your position by referencing at least six to eight scholarly resources. At least three of your supporting references must be from scholarly sources other than the assigned readings.
• You are required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite. Please refer to the directions in the Student Success Center.

Directions:

Write a 1,250–1,500 word paper discussing the role of descriptive epidemiology in nursing science. Include the following:

1. Define descriptive epidemiology and describe its relationship and role in nursing science today.
2. Provide a contemporary example of how descriptive epidemiology is applied in public health nursing.
3. Identify the epidemiology components used to analyze at-risk populations.

Portfolio Practice Hours:

Practice immersion assignments are based on your current course objectives, and are intended to be application-based learning using your real-world practice setting. These assignments earn practice immersion hours, and are indicated in the assignment by a Portfolio Practice Hours statement that reminds you, the learner, to enter a corresponding case log in Typhon. Actual clock hours are entered, but the average hours associated with each practice immersion assignment is 10.

You are required to complete your assignment using real-world application. Real-world application requires the use of evidence-based data, contemporary theories, and concepts presented in the course. The culmination of your assignment must present a viable application in a current practice setting. For more information on parameters for practice immersion hours, please refer to DNP resources in the DC Network.

To earn portfolio practice hours, enter the following after the references section of your paper:

Practice Hours Completion Statement DNP-825

I, (INSERT NAME), verify that I have completed (NUMBER OF) clock hours in association with the goals and objectives for this assignment. I have also tracked said practice hours in the Typhon Student Tracking System for verification purposes and will be sure that all approvals are in place from my faculty and practice mentor.

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Epidemiology Paper Part One: Descriptive Method Rubric 

1
Unsatisfactory
0.00% 2
Less Than Satisfactory
74.00% 3
Satisfactory
79.00% 4
Good
87.00% 5
Excellent
100.00%
70.0 %Content

20.0 %Demonstrates an Understanding of Descriptive Epidemiology and Its Relationship to Nursing Science and Public Health Nursing Paper does not demonstrate an understanding of descriptive epidemiology or its relationship to nursing science and public health nursing. Epidemiology Paper Part One: Descriptive Method Assignment Paper shows a vague understanding of descriptive epidemiology, but does not demonstrate an understanding of the relationship to nursing science and public health nursing. Paper illustrates a general understanding of descriptive epidemiology, and shows a general relationship to nursing science and public health nursing, but lacks a clear understanding of data collection, conditions, or distribution and determinants in relationship to disease in populations. Paper illustrates a theoretical understanding of descriptive epidemiology through an accurate discussion of distribution and disease determinants in populations. Paper demonstrates the functional relationship between descriptive epidemiology and nursing science and public health nursing. Epidemiology Paper Part One: Descriptive Method Assignment Paper illustrates a theoretical and conceptual understanding of descriptive epidemiology and offers insight into using specific conditions (outcomes of exposure, person, place, etc.) to identify specific patterns. Paper shows the significant relationship between descriptive epidemiology and contemporary nursing science and public health nursing.

20.0 %Uses Contemporary Theories, Concepts, and Examples That Demonstrate an Ability to Identify, Analyze, and Apply Descriptive Epidemiology Paper does not use contemporary theories, concepts, or examples as support or in the analysis of the paper. Epidemiology Paper Part One: Descriptive Method Assignment Paper uses some aspects of contemporary theories and concepts throughout the paper, but no relevant examples are used. Overall, the concepts and theories used are incomplete or inaccurate and do not support the analysis or application of descriptive epidemiology. Paper uses contemporary theories and concepts throughout the paper, and general examples are used for support. Overall, the concepts and theories used are very general and offer only minor support of the analysis or application of descriptive epidemiology presented in the paper. Paper uses contemporary theories and concepts throughout the paper. Accurate and strong examples are used for support. Overall, the concepts and theories provide support of the analysis and application of descriptive epidemiology presented in the paper. Paper uses contemporary theories and concepts throughout the paper. Accurate and strong examples are used for support. Overall, the concepts and theories provide support of the analysis and application of descriptive epidemiology presented in the paper.

20.0 %Demonstrates Knowledge of Health Disparities and the Variables Contributing to Health Disparity or At-Risk Populations Paper does not demonstrate knowledge of health disparities, or of the variables contributing to health disparity or at-risk populations. Epidemiology Paper Part One: Descriptive Method Assignment Paper demonstrates a rudimentary knowledge of the concept of health disparities, but does not demonstrate knowledge of the dimensions of disparity in a realistic setting, or of the variables contributing to the disparity or at-risk populations. Paper demonstrates general knowledge of the dimensions of health disparities that occur in a realistic setting and identifies some general variables contributing to the disparity and the at-risk populations. Paper demonstrates knowledge of the dimensions of health disparities that occur in a realistic setting and identifies specific variables contributing to health disparities and at-risk populations. Paper demonstrates keen knowledge and unbiased insight pertaining to the dimensions of health disparities that occur in a realistic setting. Paper identifies significant variables from a broad spectrum that contribute to health disparities and at-risk populations.

10.0 %Six to Eight Additional Scholarly Research Sources With In-Text Citations None of the required elements (minimum of six topic-related scholarly research sources and six in-text citations) are present. Not all required elements are present. One or more elements are missing and/or included sources are not scholarly research or topic-related. All required elements are present. Scholarly research sources are topic-related, but the source and quality of one or more references is questionable. All required elements are present. Scholarly research sources are topic-related and obtained from reputable, professional sources. All required elements are present. Scholarly research sources are topic-related, and obtained from highly respected, professional, original sources.

20.0 %Organization and Effectiveness Epidemiology Paper Part One: Descriptive Method Assignment
7.0 %Thesis Development and Purpose Paper lacks any discernible overall purpose or organizing claim. Thesis and/or main claim are insufficiently developed and/or vague; purpose is not clear. Thesis and/or main claim are apparent and appropriate to purpose. Thesis and/or main claim are clear and forecast the development of the paper. It is descriptive and reflective of the arguments and appropriate to the purpose. Thesis and/or main claim are comprehensive. The essence of the paper is contained within the thesis. Thesis statement makes the purpose of the paper clear.

8.0 %Argument Logic and Construction Statement of purpose is not justified by the conclusion. The conclusion does not support the claim made. Argument is incoherent and uses noncredible sources. Epidemiology Paper Part One: Descriptive Method Assignment Sufficient justification of claims is lacking. Argument lacks consistent unity. There are obvious flaws in the logic. Some sources have questionable credibility. 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. Argument shows logical progressions. Techniques of argumentation are evident. There is a smooth progression of claims from introduction to conclusion. Most sources are authoritative. Clear and convincing argument that presents a persuasive claim in a distinctive and compelling manner. All sources are authoritative. Epidemiology Paper Part One: Descriptive Method Assignment

5.0 %Mechanics of Writing (includes spelling, punctuation, grammar, language use) Surface errors are pervasive enough that they impede communication of meaning. Inappropriate word choice and/or sentence construction are used. Epidemiology Paper Part One: Descriptive Method Assignment Frequent and repetitive mechanical errors distract the reader. Inconsistencies in language choice (register) and/or word choice are present. Sentence structure is correct but not varied. Some mechanical errors or typos are present, but are not overly distracting to the reader. Correct and varied sentence structure and audience-appropriate language are employed. Prose is largely free of mechanical errors, although a few may be present. The writer uses a variety of effective sentence structures and figures of speech. Writer is clearly in command of standard, written, academic English. Epidemiology Paper Part One: Descriptive Method Assignment

10.0 %Format
5.0 %Paper Format (use of appropriate style for the major and assignment) Template is not used appropriately or documentation format is rarely followed correctly. Appropriate template is used, but some elements are missing or mistaken. A lack of control with formatting is apparent. Appropriate template is used. Formatting is correct, although some minor errors may be present. Appropriate template is fully used. There are virtually no errors in formatting style. All format elements are correct. Epidemiology Paper Part One: Descriptive Method Assignment

5.0 %Research Citations (in-text citations for paraphrasing and direct quotes, and reference page listing and formatting, as appropriate to assignment and style) No reference page is included. No citations are used. Epidemiology Paper Part One: Descriptive Method Assignment Reference page is present. Citations are inconsistently used. Epidemiology Paper Part One: Descriptive Method Assignment Reference page is included and lists sources used in the paper. Sources are appropriately documented, although some errors may be present. Reference page is present and fully inclusive of all cited sources. Documentation is appropriate and citation style is usually correct. In-text citations and a reference page are complete and correct. The documentation of cited sources is free of error.

100 %Total Weightage

DNP 825 Epidemiology Paper-Part Two: Analysis and Application Example

Epidemiology is the study behind public health, and it is the science behind Evidence based study. Epidemiology is divided in to descriptive and analytical. Descriptive epidemiology answers question about diseases, injuries, and hazards that occur in the environment by using data collected by epidemiologist from vital statistics, field investigations, surveillance systems and other sources. Descriptive epidemiology is used to describe the distribution of disease and other health-related states and events in terms of personal characteristics, geographical distribution, and time (Curley, 2019).

Analytical epidemiology is complex and larger, and it focuses on the why and how diseases occurs. Analytical epidemiology test hypothesis that was built from descriptive epidemiology. Therefore, the main objective of analytical epidemiology is to assess the determinants of diseases, risk factors and causes, as well as, to analyze the distribution of diseases and their exposures (Lakna, 2019).  The main goal of this paper is to identify a population at risk and provide data to validate why the population is at risk, health risk, potential barriers relating to implementation of disease prevention and health promotion measures and collaborations between health professionals for risk reduction strategies.

At risk population

A population at risk   is defined as people who are poor, frail, have economic disadvantages, racial or ethnic minorities, low literacy rate, disabled, homeless, and who have isolated from the general population. Population at risk suffers from several disparities which could become a burden to society. At risk population remains a challenge for the Healthy People 2020 making it one of their overarching goals.  The goal of Healthy People 2020 is to eliminate health disparities in the United States (U. S).  Access to health services is important to because it targets at risk population who are lack health insurance, availability to health services, and financial needs to afford health services. The barriers listed can lead to financial burden for the individuals and the nation, lack of preventable care, increase hospitalizations, delay in the appropriate care delivery, and health needs not met. Access to health care can impact an individual’s physical social, and mental health wellbeing and   quality of life. Access to care often varies based on race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, age, sex, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, and residential location (HealthyPeople.gov, 2020).

A population that is consider at risk in the U.S is the Veterans because they suffered from several disparities such as: economic, social, educational, health, gender, race, cultural, and many others. This population also has the highest rate of suicide and homelessness. In January 2017, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Point-in-Time Count estimated that 40,000 Veterans were homeless and just over 15,300 were living on the street or unsheltered on any given night (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, 2019). Homelessness plays a role in elevated rate of suicide. Veterans also have a difficult time adjusting to civilian life, making it difficult to secure employment, creating economic disparities. This population feels a sense of hopelessness, and lack of belonging, leaving them to feel isolated from the general population.

Most of them have low literacy rate, low income, or lack of income, making them susceptible to homelessness. They suffered from poor health outcomes due to lack of access to care. They also suffered from severe mental illnesses due to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). In addition to demographics, factors such as insomnia, depression, anxiety, sexual victimization, gun ownership and substance use disorders also appear to contribute to suicide risk among service members and veterans (Novotney, 2020).

According to the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) suicide record, about 17 Veterans died daily from suicide compare to the general population.  6,000 Veterans lose their lives yearly due to suicide, making Veterans 1.5 times more than the general population.  Male Veterans are 70.7% more than female Veterans at 43.2% to commit suicide (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, 2019).

Health risk

Mental illness is a health risk plaguing the Veteran population in the U.S. It remains one of the health risks because it leads to high suicide mortality. Mental health issues can range from anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and PTSD. Mental illnesses remain the most common causes of disability and the disease burden remains the highest among other diseases.  In any given year, an estimated 18.1% (43.6 million) of U.S. adults ages 18 years or older suffered from any mental illness and 4.2% (9.8 million) suffered from a seriously debilitating mental illness. Neuropsychiatric disorders are the leading cause of disability in the United States, accounting for 18.7% of all years of life lost to disability and premature mortality (HealthyPeople.gov, 2020).

Successful and productive mental health allows individuals to perform successfully, form fulfilling relationships with others, contribute to change within their society and communities, and adapt to change without complications. Suffering from mental illness limit an individual from all these abilities, making that individual more vulnerable and susceptible to other risk factors. For example, if a person is suffering from depression, it affects his or her mental, emotional, and behavioral state. This makes the individual at risk for other chronic conditions such as obesity, high blood pressure, heart disease, and suicide risk.

Veterans who suffers from mental illness feel a sense of failure and feel stigmatized preventing them from seeking help. Due to the stereotypes Veterans experience from society, they tend to internalize these stigmas which can create negative effects on their health. Internalized stigma has profound negative effects, contributing to depression, hopelessness, social isolation, poor self-esteem, as well as reduced quality of life, recovery, and treatment engagement (Wastler et al., 2020).

Implementing preventive health measures to combat mental illness for Veterans has led to federal funding to help combat mental illness and homelessness. Access to mental health services were implemented into VHA for Veteran to be able to seek care at any VA facilities on a walk-in basis. Having walk-in access clinics make it easier for Veterans to seek help when in crisis. Veteran also have access to a 24-hour suicide hotline that they can call not only for suicide ideation, but for any situation that might create stress and be directed to the appropriate professional for assistance. Since its launch in 2007, the Veterans Crisis Line has answered nearly 4.9 million calls and initiated the dispatch of emergency services to callers in crisis more than 159,000 times (U.S Department of Veterans Affairs [VHA], n.d.).

Veterans still have difficulty accessing care due to potential barriers like difficulty making their appointments due to employment or family lives. Some report lack of means to appointments such as no transportation or living too far from nearest facility. These barriers remain a constant hinder to Veterans accessing care for mental health services. Another barrier is the lack of mental health providers due to decreased staffing. Veterans become lost to services (LOS) due to no-shows of the Veterans or the providers. When providers fall ill or must take time off for emergency, there is no one to cover leaving appointment a missed appt and rescheduling may take 2-3 months. It makes Veterans feel they are not a priority, and they start to experience internalized stigma.

Collaboration is especially important in combating mental illness. The VHA decided to implement the Primary Mental Health Care Integration (PCMHI) to mange Veterans with less severe mental illnesses such as PTSD, mild depression, and anxiety. PCMHI consist of the primary care team working limited mental health providers who are available to give advice to the primary care team and assess Veteran seeing their primary care providers (PCP) who may screened positive for depression, anxiety, or PTSD. Working with other health care team members such as Registered Nurses, Licensed Social Workers, Psychologist, and Peer Support staff has been successful in reducing the burden of no-show and managing care for the Veterans. This open doors for opportunity for the Veteran to be seen by someone who is part of the mental team that can collaborate with the Psychiatrist for psychopharmacology treatment or the Psychologist for Psychotherapy. Working with mentally ill patients required a collaborative team effort because it give the patient access to care and demonstrate a sense of empathy for the Veterans.

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References

Curley, A. (Ed.). (2019). Population-based nursing. Springer Publishing Company. https://doi.org/10.1891/9780826136749

HealthyPeople.gov. (2020, July 26). Access to health services. Retrieved July 26, 2020, from https://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/topics-objectives/topic/Access-to-Health-Services

Lakna. (2019, July 5). What is the Difference Between Descriptive and Analytic Epidemiology. PEDIAA. Retrieved July 26, 2020, Epidemiology Paper Part One: Descriptive Method Assignment from https://pediaa.com/what-is-the-difference-between-descriptive-and-analytic-epidemiology/

Novotney, A. (2020, January 1). Stopping military and veteran suicides. American Psychological Association. Retrieved July 26, 2020, Epidemiology Paper Part One: Descriptive Method Assignment from https://www.apa.org/monitor/2020/01/ce-corner-suicide

U.S Department of Veterans Affairs. (n.d.). What is vcl? – veterans crisis line. Retrieved July 26, 2020, from https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/about/what-is-vcl

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (2019). 2019 national veteran suicide prevention annual report [PDF]. Retrieved July 26, 2020, Epidemiology Paper Part One: Descriptive Method Assignment from https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/docs/data-sheets/2019/2019_National_Veteran_Suicide_Prevention_Annual_Report_508.pdf

Wastler, H., Lucksted, A., Phalen, P., & Drapalski, A. (2020). Internalized stigma, sense of belonging, and suicidal ideation among veterans with serious mental illness.. Psychiatric Rehabilitation Journal, 43(2), 91–96. Retrieved July 26, 2020, Epidemiology Paper Part One: Descriptive Method Assignment from https://doi.org/10.1037/prj0000386