NURS FPX 4905 Assessment 3 Technology and Professional Standards

NURS FPX 4905 Assessment 3 Technology and Professional Standards

Student Name

University

FPX4905

Professor Name

July, 2026

Technology and Professional Standards

The ineffective monitoring of depression in elderly patients of CareTeam Health is a severe challenge, as undiagnosed and/or inadequately monitored depression negatively impacts mental health, physical health, safety, and overall quality of life of an individual. The elderly suffering from depression might experience feelings of isolation and loneliness, may not take the medications prescribed to them, may have problems with exacerbating underlying diseases, may need to be admitted to a hospital, and may even have suicidal thoughts. The part psychiatric nurses and other health care workers should play in the detection and management of the above problem, however, cannot be overemphasized, as they should help patients in receiving timely treatment, monitoring, and making follow-up visits (Russell, 2025). Therefore, the role of the BSN-prepared nurse in process improvement, the importance of collaboration among health care professionals, suggestions provided by governing bodies, technologies that can be implemented to solve the problem addressed, and potential challenges for implementation will be discussed.

Clarifying Role in Change Process

The duties were during a practicum time at CareTeam Health, where I was tasked with observing, participating in the assessment of patients, documenting, monitoring changes in patients’ behavior, and reporting to the supervising nurses regarding important information. I did not have the authority to make my own clinical decisions, but I was able to observe that psychiatric nurses may be included in the treatment of depression among elderly persons by keeping patients under observation, administering medicines, assisting patients in psychological aspects, educating patients, and coordinating the work of various specialists. I knew then that nurses can make a tremendous difference in the positive outcome they can create for the patient and in deciding what needs to be done to improve.

The BSN-prepared RN is essential in facilitating change in the processes because the BSN education focuses on leadership, evidence-based practice, quality improvement, communication and healthcare informatics. As nurses interact with patients on a frequent basis, they have a solid understanding of the issues that are arising with the processes that are in place, and can suggest changes to improve the processes. One of the main things I observed in my practicum was the uneven use of standardized scales to measure depression and the lack of re-evaluating the patient’s depression after admission. In this health care facility, I would be a part of the implementation of the screening procedure for the elderly who are depressed, as a BSN nurse. If that were to happen, I would work to make sure that depression assessment in the elderly is conducted in the standard way by utilizing assessment tools like the GDS and PHQ-9 an initial assessment and follow-up assessment sessions. I would also back efforts to enhance documentation competence, communication among practitioners, and post-evaluation.

In addition, the electronic health record (EHR) system can be used as a tool for reminders for reassessment and surveillance for nurses. These would help to enhance the effectiveness of symptom detection, continuity of care, and overall patient safety. Professional standards of nursing completely endorse the idea of nurses’ participation in quality improvement initiatives and changes. The evidence-based approach, advocacy, collaboration, leadership, and accountability should be exhibited by the nurse in the practice (Standards of Practice, 2022, ANA). In addition, the practice of registered nurses is limited by the nurse practice acts. The duties of nursing evaluation, advocacy, record keeping, communication, and quality improvement are typically a focus of nurse practice acts. The standards make the assumption that nurses have appropriate knowledge and skills related to judgment and leadership.

Interprofessional Collaboration Implementation Overview

In the context of the problem of depression management among the elderly, interprofessional collaboration is a very important aspect, as mental disorders may have a more complex nature and require a variety of perspectives from different health professionals. In the context of CareTeam Health, there is interprofessional working among the various healthcare professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychiatric nurses, psychologists, therapists, social workers, geriatric specialists, and case managers. The various healthcare professionals bring different specialties, which will contribute to the holistic treatment of the elderly suffering from mental disorders (Chu et al., 2025). For example, it is the duty of psychiatrists to diagnose mental disorders and prescribe relevant drugs. Psychiatric nurses’ duty is to watch the symptoms and the response to the drug in the patient.

Are there any areas that you think would benefit from a better team? Are there things that you think would be better with a better team? Communication was a key factor in this; there were instances when there were communication gaps, which led to no follow-up or inconsistencies in monitoring. Communication may be enhanced through several means, such as setting up patient care conferences and huddles among care providers, and also by utilizing effective communication tools like the SBAR tool (Situation, Background, Assessment, and Recommendations) (Shrivastava et al., 2025). If there is more collaboration, then everybody will be on the same page as far as the patient’s progress, if any changes in medication, and the patient’s psychology. As an RN with BSN preparation, I will enhance interprofessional working relationships by facilitating interprofessional meetings with other professionals about patients who are exhibiting decreasing signs and frequent admissions.

Benefits

Collaboration among interprofessionals can offer numerous benefits when it comes to depression in the elderly at CareTeam Health. Firstly, by working collaboratively, the interprofessional approach helps to improve communication between health care professionals and reduce care fragmentation. One can supply full or coordinated care to their clients by exchanging information regarding the client’s recovery, treatment, and possible behavioral changes. Second, with interprofessional treatment, the physical, psychological, emotional, and social factors that could impact the clients are considered. Some of the problems of the elderly that lead to depression, for instance, are due to chronic health issues, grief, restricted mobility, isolation, and economic hardships. Third, interprofessional care can ensure that medicines are taken, that follow-up is carried out, and that the signs of deterioration are identified. Psychiatric nurses and social workers can collaborate, for example, to identify any potential reasons for not visiting for follow-up or taking medication as prescribed. Interprofessional care has been shown to have a positive impact on patients’ outcomes and to prevent hospitalization in research studies (Geese & Schmitt, 2023). Various healthcare workers provide mental health services, which have positive effects on improving patients’ quality of life and decreasing the number of relapses. This is crucial in order to avoid worsening of the patient’s condition, hospitalizations, and exacerbations.

Government Agency Practice Guidelines

The following Health Sector and Government guidelines are specific to enhancing the Management of depression and Mental Health Care processes in CareTeam Health: The organizations are patient safety, quality of care, standardization, and evidence-based practices. The National Database of Nursing Quality Indicators (NDNQI) supplies guidelines on how to collect and analyze nursing-sensitive indicators, which can be used to measure patient outcomes and nurse performance (Nelson-Brantley et al., 2026). NDNQI guidelines are made up of quality improvement, evidence-based practices, and patient safety monitoring guidelines. This guideline is based on the following assumptions: that the care provided by the nurse affects health outcomes.

Beyond the practice focus, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) suggests emphasis should also be placed on the delivery of value-based care, care coordination, avoiding unnecessary hospitalization, and the efforts targeted at quality improvement (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 2023). CMS calls for conducting routine assessments of patients’ mental health status, improving continuity of care, and promoting coordination of efforts between the inpatient and outpatient care settings. This is because the coordination of health work will improve outcomes and cut costs. Depression assessments and monitoring procedures will be standardized to match CMS standards, as it will help prevent the recurrence of depression and hospital readmission.

In addition, the Joint Commission has several important standards on behavioral health care that address patient safety concerns. Specifically, standardization of assessment, medication management, suicide prevention, communication, and continuity of care have been suggested (The Joint Commission, 2025). The need to develop such standards was identified because achieving patient safety would be possible with the implementation of best practices and communication techniques. The Joint Commission standards will be supported by the improvement of standardized depression assessment practices and communications in healthcare settings.

Assumptions

Various assumptions might be made about the CareTeam Health’s recommended management of depression. Firstly, it should be assumed that the organization has sufficient personnel, funds, and technologies needed for carrying out standardized screening and monitoring programs. Use of nurse-led interventions based on evidence requires adequate staffing and information technologies that allow for the documentation of the process and communicating it with others (Russell, 2025). Secondly, it should be assumed that health care professionals will be willing to cooperate in the process of quality improvement and use of evidence-based interventions. Thirdly, the assumption that patients and their families will accept the involvement in the planning, monitoring, and interventions.

Clinical Technology Addressing Practice Issues

Various forms of health care technologies are used currently by CareTeam Health in the management of depression in older adults. Electronic health records (EHRs) are some of the key technologies that are used during clinical practice. The electronic health records help health care providers maintain a record of the patient’s evaluation, medications, services delivered, behaviors, laboratory tests, and recommendations (Akinyemi et al., 2024). Patients’ records become easily accessible and help facilitate communication between members of an interdisciplinary health care team. However, there are various problems with the use of these technologies as experienced in practice. There were instances when there was no reminder follow-up for the EHR systems, which resulted in missed re-evaluation and delays.

The other problem is inefficiencies in relation to workflow management, due to electronic documentation. Nurses spend much of their time entering data of the patients into the EHR system; thus, leaving little time for engagement with patients. Telehealth technology is used when offering consultations and follow-ups for some patients. Telehealth technology would be helpful to engage older adults with mental illnesses, as it would address transportation barriers and isolation (Crawford et al., 2024). At times, there have been instances where there is a lack of communication as providers have different approaches in documenting, and patients have not read up on their history. The practicum has brought many benefits to technology in the health field.

Summarizing Available Technology with Pros and Cons

As far as current scientific research is concerned, there are a number of innovative technologies that might be beneficial in the management of depression screening and treatment in older patients. Firstly, the use of clinical decision support (CDSS) in EHRs can be an effective technique that allows healthcare practitioners to identify possible cases of depression and follow up properly. CDSS technology is able to deliver automatic alerts for depression screening, drug therapy, suicidality, and follow-up (Schäfer et al., 2025). Second, mobile apps can be another useful tool that will enable the monitoring and management of patients’ conditions remotely. With the help of mHealth technologies, patients will be able to record mood changes, take medication on time, have better sleep, and follow other aspects of their daily routine. Moreover, mobile applications have the capability to provide psychoeducation and CBT exercises to patients.

The second area that is supported by literature, and found to be good for healthcare, is the use of telepsychiatry and telehealth because they increase access to psychiatric treatment for older patients, who are more likely to face transportation problems and limited access to specialists. Telepsychiatry has been proven to increase patient satisfaction, compliance, and continuity of care for older adults with depression (Gareagyi et al., 2026). Some advantages can be associated with the use of the technologies mentioned above. First, Clinical decision support systems can help to enhance the assessment process. Second, Telepsychiatry and Telehealth facilitate better access and monitoring for patients. Technology can also be helpful in terms of communication. However, there are some problems when using innovative healthcare technology. Initial costs of the technology might be high because the technology will be an investment – software, technology maintenance, staff training, etc. Some of the technology may result in alert fatigue for health professionals due to too many alerts.

Technology Implementation Issue, Challenges, and Solutions

Introducing new technology in the healthcare sector, such as at CareTeam Health, can come with a number of challenges that need to be overcome to ensure success. First, there may be some financial limitations connected with the implementation of advanced technologies. There are some financial costs associated with the use of advanced technologies like EHR, decision support, and telehealth (Susanti et al., 2025). This factor may create difficulty as it could be complex to secure the funds for these aspects. However, it may be beneficial to adopt new technology gradually, starting with the most vulnerable patients, and to seek out special projects and grants to develop new technology that will benefit the mental health of people. Another challenge that might occur relates to the resistance to innovation among healthcare providers. If they are aware of the benefits of such new technology, however, they might wish to contribute to implementing it.

During implementation, some patient barriers may come to light. These elderly people are the ones with low digital literacy, hearing impairments, vision problems, cognitive problems or no internet access. These barriers should be addressed by the organizations, which include education, user friendly technology, technical support and other treatment options for individuals who are not able to use digital technologies. (Bertolazzi et al., 2024). The problem of workflow interference might come up when a new technology is introduced into the system and will create additional workload and documentation time. A new technology will be pilot tested and gradually implemented along with collecting employee feedback to prevent any potential workflow interference issues when implementing the technology. The last barrier that should be taken into account is patient privacy and confidentiality. Mental health is a sensitive area that is particularly sensitive to privacy and security breaches and therefore, it is important that organizations follow HIPAA rules to make sure that it has the proper security.

Conclusion

In the context of CareTeam Health, depression in the elderly must be regularly screened and monitored, strived for collaboration, and the proper use of technology in the health care delivery process. Therefore, BSN nurses should be in a position to identify areas that require improvement in the process and facilitate evidence-based nursing practices and patient-centeredness. Based on the recommendations provided by CMS, The Joint Commission, and NDNQI that communication and technology can be used effectively to improve how care processes are delivered, it is clear that there is a potential for some resistance to the use of technology, but steps should be taken to address this.