Enhancing Self-management for Adults With Functional Abdominal Pain: A Registered Nurse-Led Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Approach.

Chronic disease accounts for three-quarters of today's medical expenditures. Functional abdominal pain (FAP) syndrome and associated gastrointestinal symptoms affect 0.5% to 2% of North Americans. Persons with FAP routinely seek healthcare, with little resolution of symptoms, despite high costs. National reports advocate for innovative redesign of ambulatory care services. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a low-cost, effective self-management approach. The objective of this study was to implement a registered nurse-led CBT approach to enhance self-management and satisfaction with care for adults with functional gastrointestinal disorder (FGID). We conducted a pre- and postintervention group comparison study in an outpatient gastroenterology subspecialty clinic within a large medical center. Twelve patients (seen May to July 2015) received nurse-led education about the pain phenomenon and CBT techniques to self-manage pain and associated symptoms of FAP. Methods and effectiveness of CBT for promoting self-management of chronic pain symptoms were reviewed. Subsequently, we conducted a project that incorporated nurse-led CBT into standard practice. Pre- and post-CBT questionnaire data showed patients had improved symptoms, well-being, and satisfaction. Registered nurses practicing at the highest level of their scope of practice within ambulatory care service models can enhance care management by educating, coaching, and counseling to improve self-care for patients with FGID.

Pre-Procedural Patient Education Reduces Fall Risk in an Outpatient Endoscopy Suite.

The purpose of this article was to determine whether scripted pre-procedural fall risk patient education and nurses' intention to assist patients after receiving sedation improves receptiveness of nursing assistance during recovery and decreases fall risk in an outpatient endoscopy suite. We prospectively identified high fall risk patients using the following criteria: (1) use of an assistive device, (2) fallen two or more times within the last year, (3) sustained an injury in a fall within a year, (4) age greater than 85 years, or (5) nursing judgment of high fall risk. Using a scripted dialogue, nurses educated high-risk patients of their fall risk and the nurses' intent to assist them to and in the bathroom. Documentation of patient education, script use, and assistance was monitored. Over 24 weeks, 892 endoscopy patients were identified as high fall risk; 790 (88.5%) accepted post-procedural assistance. Documentation of assistance significantly increased from 33% to 100%. Patients receiving education and postprocedural assistance increased from 27.9% to 100% at week 24. No patient falls occurred 12 months following implementation among patients identified as high fall risk. Scripted pre-procedural fall risk education increases patient awareness and receptiveness to assistance and can lead to decreased fall rates.