Chapter 3 – Essay
This paper will focus on the implications of evidence-based quality improvement
interventions, mainly implementing a 60-second foot assessment in a primary health clinic
setting to increase the number of foot assessments and easy detection of foot complications in
adults with diabetes mellitus. It will examine the alignment of this project with national and
local health policies, strategies for advocating policy changes, building collaborative
partnerships, and raising public awareness. This paper will also explore the practical aspect of
implementing the Lewin change framework, ensuring comprehensive intervention and
evaluation. Through this approach, this paper will highlight the significance of incorporating
health policy and advocacy to enhance diabetes management and achieve sustainable health
outcomes.
Study Picot
“In adults DM (diabetes mellitus patients at a primary health clinic, does the
implementation of a 60-second food assessment, as compared to the current practice of no
foot asset, increase the number of DM foot assessments for early detection of foot
complications in 8 weeks)?”
Clinical Issue of Focus
Diabetes leads to neuropathy and poor blood circulation, making the feet particularly
vulnerable to injuries and infections (Boulton et al., 2019). There are more than 400 million
individuals worldwide living with diabetes, with most of them facing the risk of diabetes-
related complications (Stancu et al., 2022). In particular foot issues pose a significant threat
to the mobility and survival of patients. Those with diabetes often experience various foot-
related concerns such as infections, gangrene, and ulcers (Stancu et al., 2022). These are
typical concerns that often reduce patients' quality of life. The issue is exacerbated by the fact
, that most of them go unnoticed and untreated until they become severe, primarily due to
inadequate routine foot assessment in primary care settings. Early detection and intervention
are crucial in preventing this outcome.
How will your Project Incorporate Health Policy or Advocacy?
Integrating health policy and advocacy is essential in any project to ensure its success,
sustainability, broader acceptance, and ability to drive systemic change that benefits a larger
population. To combat the issue of diabetes, the project will aim to align its goals with the
national and local health policies that focus on combating diabetes and promoting preventive
healthcare measures. The day-to-day advocacy ensures that people's voices are heard, as it
plays a central role in the healthcare system (Abbasinia et al., 2019). National guidelines,
such as those by the American Diabetic Association, present a collaborative approach
emphasizing the need for public health programs outlined in the Health People 2030
objective to reduce the burden of chronic diseases such as diabetes through comprehensive
care strategies. By adhering to these policies, the project would enhance its credibility and, in
turn, ensure better health options and increase support from health organizations and
policymakers.
The primary approach is to integrate collaborative partnerships. This can be achieved
by engaging the local community, health organizations, community groups, and professionals
to help promote the project and add more support. It can also be achieved by collaborating
with local diabetes associations and educational research facilities to help obtain more insight
and create public awareness (Chiu et al., 2021). In addition, this will help foster a sense of
ownership and commitment in the project development and implication, enhancing
sustainability. Collaborating with stakeholders helps create a robust system for the project,
increasing its impact and sustainability. By leveraging the strength and resources of diverse