Health

How AGACNPs tailor risk assessments for patients with chronic health problems

Published

2 years ago

October 13, 2023

Risk assessments are a great tool for creating treatment plans for patients with chronic health problems. In North America, there is a large population of aging adults. More people are living longer with chronic conditions than ever before. It is important for doctors and nurses to consider pre-existing conditions and current overall health before any treatments or prescriptions are offered to a patient.

Family history

Some conditions have genetic links. For example, heart disease, diabetes and cancer may be more likely to occur in individuals who have family members who have suffered from the same conditions. This is particularly true if a patient has a parent, grandparent, aunt or uncle who has the condition.

Patients should be encouraged to ask about their family health history if they are unsure or unable to answer some questions.

Previous health history

It is important for adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioners (AGACNPs) to carefully review a patient’s previous health history. This is especially true if a patient is new to a practice or health system and has limited health records. Older individuals may have fairly extensive health records, but they may lack detail or be hard to obtain if they were recorded before digital records were the normal way of recording information.

Health history questions should include any mental or physical illnesses or conditions. A distinction should be made between patient-provided information and conditions that have been diagnosed by a doctor.

Lifestyle and habits

Personal choices have a lot to do with health and risk levels. AGACNPs should ask patients about their diet and exercise habits. Are they sedentary for a large portion of the day due to their job? Do they eat regular meals, and what do they consist of?

Alcohol and drug use must be addressed. This is a tricky matter because patients who are using any substance at all are likely to say they are using it less or not at all out of fear of judgment or concerns about legal repercussions. AGACNPs should consider asking these questions in a non-judgmental way. Explaining that you are there to help, not complicate matters for them, is a good start.

Pre-existing conditions

Sometimes, those with chronic health issues have other conditions that are already documented, which can cause them to be at increased risk for other health issues. For example, if a patient has high blood pressure, they are at higher risk for cardiac problems, including strokes and heart attacks.

A complete physical exam and lab work once per year can help diagnose and catch problems before they advance in severity. This allows patients to lead healthier and longer lives while reducing the cost of healthcare over their lifetime.

Preventative care visits may seem like extra trips for people who want to avoid doctor visits, but the truth is that over the years, they prevent extra visits overall since patients stay healthier.

Risk assessments support reasonable and realistic treatment plans

Creating a proper treatment plan means knowing as much as possible about a patient. Risk assessments help determine what factors must be considered to provide the patient with the highest level of care.

Risk assessments also help to develop an excellent preventative care routine for each patient. When you know that you are at increased risk for specific conditions, preventive health screenings and testing can be tailored to fit your needs.

Risk assessments minimize unsatisfactory treatment results

There are a lot of treatments and medications out there that help many patients, but some treatments are not always suitable for everyone. Medical teams need to know all the risk factors that may apply to a patient before they decide to proceed with something as simple as trying a prescription medication.

Risk assessments may also help determine whether a patient needs to take preventative medications or even have preventive procedures if the risk is serious enough.

Risk assessments support safe surgeries

Surgical procedures can vary in seriousness and recovery time. Patients must be assessed to ensure they are considered healthy enough to do well throughout surgery. Before surgery, a patient is assessed for risk factors related to anesthesia. If there is a high probability of a blood transfusion being needed, then questions and tests will be conducted to make sure a patient is a good candidate for a transfusion.

Knowing all the pre-existing factors will allow the surgical care team to perform their job effectively and ensure patient safety and quality of care.

Adult care nurses help assess older patients

Adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioners are specialists who help older adults learn to live with chronic conditions. They are responsible for assessing and recommending treatments based on the risk assessments they conduct. Reputable institutions such as Rockhurst University offer an accredited MSN AGACNP program that is designed for working nurses who want to advance their careers and choose an in-demand specialization.

The program can be completed in as little as six semesters as a full-time student and eight semesters part-time. Clinical placement services are included so you can finish your degree on time and concentrate on gaining practical experience while having a great mentor to guide you.

Conclusion

Risk assessments are important for adult patients battling chronic conditions. It is essential that medical workers take the time to conduct a proper risk assessment every time a patient enters their practice or is diagnosed with a different condition.

AGACNPs are needed to help care for the large population of aging adults living with chronic conditions. Now is a great time for nurses to consider an advanced degree because they have the option of completing coursework online while continuing in their current position as an RN.

Health

Dr. Teresa Tyson, DNP, Discusses The Hidden Healthcare Crisis in Remote Regions

Published

3 weeks ago

March 28, 2025

Michelle Langton

Image source: Dr. Teresa Tyson, DNP, and Health Wagon

Access to healthcare remains a challenge for many individuals living in rural and remote areas, where medical facilities are scarce or difficult to reach. Many residents endure long travel times for even basic medical services, leading to delayed diagnoses and worsening health conditions. The lack of healthcare professionals further compounds the issue, leaving communities with inconsistent or inadequate care.

While technology and government initiatives have made strides in addressing these disparities, Dr. Teresa Tyson, DNP, notes how there are many obstacles still hindering widespread improvement. Bridging the healthcare gap requires a combination of innovative solutions, infrastructure development, and policy changes to ensure that medical services reach those who need them most.

Limited Access to Medical Care

Many remote regions struggle with a severe lack of healthcare facilities, leaving residents with minimal options for medical treatment. Hospitals and clinics are often located hours away, making even routine checkups a logistical challenge.

A shortage of medical professionals further worsens the situation, as many doctors and nurses prefer to work in urban areas with better resources and career opportunities. As a result, rural communities often rely on understaffed clinics or visiting healthcare workers who may not be available consistently. This leads to delayed diagnoses and inadequate treatment for chronic conditions. Many rural clinics operate with limited medical supplies, making it difficult to provide comprehensive care even when healthcare professionals are available.

In some cases, patients must travel long distances just to receive basic care, often at great personal and financial costs. The burden of transportation, time off work, and the uncertainty of available treatment discourage many from seeking medical attention until their conditions become severe.

Health Risks and Consequences

Delays in medical care often mean that conditions that could have been treated early turn into serious health complications. Many individuals in remote areas develop chronic illnesses that go undiagnosed for years simply because healthcare services are too far away or difficult to access. Diseases that are manageable with regular monitoring, such as diabetes or hypertension, frequently spiral out of control due to the lack of consistent medical supervision.

Beyond physical health, the absence of adequate healthcare also takes a toll on mental well-being. Isolation and limited access to mental health professionals leave many struggling with anxiety, depression, and other psychological conditions without proper support. In small, tight-knit communities, stigma around mental health can make it even harder for individuals to seek help, further exacerbating the crisis.

Preventable diseases continue to spread in these areas due to the lack of vaccinations, screenings, and early interventions. Without proper healthcare infrastructure, outbreaks of common illnesses can have devastating effects, particularly on children and the elderly. The combination of poor access, financial barriers, and limited awareness creates a cycle where minor health concerns escalate into life-threatening conditions.

Challenges in Expanding Healthcare Services

Building and maintaining healthcare infrastructure in remote regions comes with considerable hurdles. Poor road conditions and unreliable transportation make it difficult for medical professionals to reach patients, and in some cases, ambulances are unavailable, forcing residents to rely on personal vehicles or community efforts to transport those in need. In areas with extreme weather conditions, seasonal challenges further complicate healthcare delivery, cutting off entire communities during certain times of the year. These conditions make it nearly impossible for emergency medical teams to provide timely assistance in critical situations.

Funding remains a major obstacle, as rural healthcare facilities often struggle with limited financial resources. Many small clinics operate on tight budgets, lacking essential medical equipment and supplies. Without sufficient investments, these facilities cannot expand their services, making it harder to attract and retain qualified healthcare workers. As a result, many professionals opt to work in urban settings where they have access to better salaries, career advancement, and modern medical technology.

Role of Technology in Bridging the Gap

Advancements in technology are offering new ways to connect patients in remote areas with medical professionals. Telemedicine has made it possible for individuals to consult doctors without having to travel long distances, reducing delays in diagnoses and treatment. Virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and mobile health apps allow patients to receive medical advice without needing to visit overcrowded or distant healthcare facilities. In addition to telemedicine, artificial intelligence is being used to assist in diagnosing conditions remotely, helping bridge the gap in specialist care.

Despite its potential, implementing technology-driven healthcare solutions in rural regions is not without obstacles. Many areas lack reliable internet access or the necessary digital literacy to make full use of telehealth services. Even when technology is available, the cost of devices and connectivity can create another barrier, preventing low-income households from benefiting fully. Addressing these issues requires a combination of infrastructure development, education, and financial support to ensure that technology can be effectively integrated into rural healthcare systems.

Efforts to Improve Rural Healthcare

Governments and nonprofit organizations are actively working to address the healthcare challenges faced by remote communities. Investment in medical outreach programs, mobile clinics, and training initiatives for local healthcare workers has helped bring essential services to those who need them most. Some regions have introduced incentive programs to encourage doctors and nurses to work in underserved areas, offering student loan forgiveness, housing assistance, or higher salaries.

Community-led initiatives also play a crucial role in improving healthcare access. Local volunteers and advocacy groups often step in to provide educational workshops, vaccination drives, and wellness programs tailored to the specific needs of their communities. These grassroots efforts help bridge gaps where formal healthcare systems fall short, ensuring that residents receive at least some level of medical support.

Future Prospects for Remote Healthcare

Innovations in medical technology, policy changes, and raising awareness are shaping the future of rural healthcare. The expansion of telehealth services, combined with improved infrastructure, has the potential to make healthcare more accessible and efficient. Continued investment in mobile medical units and community-based programs could ensure that even the most isolated areas receive the care they need. Research into low-cost, portable medical devices is also opening new doors for remote diagnostics and treatment.

Sustained progress will depend on collaboration between governments, healthcare providers, and local communities. Long-term solutions require more than temporary programs; they demand systemic changes that prioritize equitable medical access. If these efforts continue to grow, rural healthcare systems may finally move toward lasting improvements that benefit future generations.