Picot:
PICOT Question:
For elderly patients in long-term care facilities (P), does regular physical exercise (I) versus social interaction activities (C) result in reducing symptoms of low mood, characterized by feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or lack of interest in daily activities (O) over a six-month period (T)?
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My Info:
For elderly patients in long-term care facilities (P), implementing regular physical exercise (I) versus social interaction activities (C) is anticipated to reduce symptoms of low mood, characterized by feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or lack of interest in daily activities (O) over a six-month period (T).
Potential Outcomes to Measure and Proposed Changes
Based on the intervention and research, the potential outcomes I propose to measure include:
Reduction in Symptoms of Low Mood: This will be evaluated by assessing levels of sadness, hopelessness, and lack of interest in daily activities (Galán-Arroyo et al., 2022).
Improvement in Physical Health: Indicators such as mobility, balance, and overall physical fitness will be measured.
Enhanced Social Engagement: This outcome will focus on the frequency and quality of social interactions among the elderly patients.
Overall Quality of Life: This broader measure will consider both physical and emotional well-being.
The change I want to make is to implement regular physical exercise programs tailored for elderly patients in long-term care facilities and compare the outcomes with those from regular social interaction activities. The goal is to determine which intervention more effectively reduces symptoms of low mood.
Measurement of Outcomes
Standardized Mood Assessments: Using validated tools like the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) to measure changes in mood and emotional well-being (Miller et al., 2019).
Physical Health Evaluations: Conducting periodic assessments of physical health through tests of mobility, strength, and balance, such as the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test.
Social Engagement Metrics: Tracking participation in social activities and the quality of interactions using observational checklists and self-reported surveys.
Quality of Life Surveys: Utilizing comprehensive surveys such as the Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) to evaluate overall quality of life (Galán-Arroyo et al., 2022).
Evaluation Time Frame
These outcomes would be evaluated at multiple points over the six-month period. Initial baseline measurements would be taken at the start of the intervention, followed by subsequent evaluations at two-month intervals (i.e., at two, four, and six months). This approach allows for the monitoring of changes and trends over time and helps in assessing the sustained impact of the interventions (Galán-Arroyo et al., 2022).
Benefits to the Nursing Profession
If the intervention proves effective, several benefits to the nursing profession could be realized:
Enhanced Patient Care: Nurses can adopt evidence-based practices that improve the emotional and physical well-being of elderly patients (Miller et al., 2019).
Increased Job Satisfaction: Seeing tangible improvements in patient outcomes can enhance nurses’ job satisfaction and professional fulfillment.
Better Resource Allocation: Understanding which intervention is more effective can help in the efficient allocation of resources in long-term care facilities.
Professional Development: This research can contribute to the ongoing education and training of nurses, emphasizing the importance of holistic care approaches.
In conclusion, the integration of regular physical exercise or social interaction activities in long-term care facilities has the potential to significantly impact the mood and overall well-being of elderly patients. By carefully measuring and evaluating these outcomes, we can make informed decisions that benefit both patients and the nursing profession.
