Essay On Patient Noncompliance

Noncompliance of Patients
Sequential compression devices are non-invasive, and are usually the first choice for venous thromboembolism prophylaxis (Moore et al., 2013). Patients’ outcomes are poor despite medical orders for SCDs. Patient noncompliance is one of the top causes for venous thromboembolism development. Noncompliance is usually due to discomfort sensations such as itching, sweating, tightness, and just disliking the feeling of sleeves on the legs. Furthermore, patients often remove these devices without notifying the nurse. Due to the short lived effects of SCD’s, a VTE may develop rapidly after discontinuation (Moore et al., 2013). There are many ways to improve patient compliance and outcomes with sequential compression devices. To improve SCD compliance, nurses may educate patients
The change theory that is best for the problem of noncompliance with VTE prophylaxis is Kurt Lewin's Change Theory. Lewin (1951) describes three phases to the change process: unfreezing, moving, and refreezing. The unfreezing phase occurs when someone notes a problem that warrants a system-wide change. For example, in this phase, healthcare workers and patients are significantly discontented with the high prevalence of VTE. Moreover, the authors recognize that there is a problem and a plan of action should be constructed and implemented. On the other hand, "moving occurs when the previous structure is rearranged and realistic goals are set" (Kearney-Nunnery, 2012, p. 208). At this phase, the change agent executes specific implementation strategies and evidence-based interventions. Lastly, during the refreezing phase, the system achieves the set goals and the desired change, consequently attaining equilibrium. Hence, this happens after there is an increase of nurses’ and patients’ compliance with standard VTE prevention