WGU D510 Task 2 Collaborative Leadership|Latest
Update with Complete solution
Prepared by KC
December 15, 2024
A. Process Innovation Proposal
1. Summarize the needs of the Chinle population.
Chinle, Arizona, is a small community of 3,771 in Apache County (Census
Profile, n.d.), situated in the center of the Navajo Nation. Chinle’s population is
90% Native American, with 57.3% living below the poverty level (DATAUSA,
2021) and 43.3% uninsured for healthcare. Telephone service is available to
only about 33% (Western Governors University, n.d.), and there is an average
of one vehicle available per household (DATAUSA, 2021) in a very rural area.
All of these factors can create challenges and barriers to addressing the
obesity rates in Chinle and providing proper care and education to mitigate the
issue in order to improve the health of the individuals and of the community.
The Chinle Service Unit (CSU) provides medical care, and health coaches work
in primary care clinics with patients who are diabetic to help with the
management of their medications, glucose levels, diet, and exercise. However,
due to barriers such as being under- or uninsured or lack of transportation, this
leaves a large group of Chinle residents in need who may not be able to
regularly come to the clinics for follow-up care.
A process innovation is needed to care for those suffering from obesity (with or
without diabetes) who cannot come to the primary care clinics on their own.
Reducing the burden of obesity on the individual will promote optimal wellness
and may also see obesity-related chronic illnesses ease or resolve altogether,
which will also reduce the financial burden on the health system by minimizing
emergency care or hospitalization for the exacerbation of these chronic
1
illnesses.
,2. Explain how cultural differences and socioeconomic factors relate to current
healthcare trends.
Culturally, the Native Indian population has an overall health status that is
poorer than the general population; they have higher obesity rates and the
associated chronic illnesses of diabetes, heart disease, and cancers (Story et
al., 1999). The Navajo do value Western medicine for addressing symptoms;
however, this may conflict with their traditional beliefs and practices and
preclude them from seeking or accepting traditional medical treatment
(Western Governors University, n.d.).
A root cause of obesity is believed to be a poor diet with high-fat foods
2
, combined with fairly sedentary lifestyles, and a major contributing risk factor
to that end is poverty (MedicalNewsToday, 2023). Poverty limits the ability to
buy nutritious foods that are higher quality, and can hinder transportation to
regularly seek medical care. Chinle has a very high rate of those living below
the poverty line compared to the state (57.3% versus 12.5% for Arizona)
(Statista Research Department, 2023). It is clear that Chinle’s poverty rate is a
significant risk factor for obesity, especially among the Navajo.
3. Propose a process innovation solution to address the summarized needs in part
A1 by doing the following:
a. Describe the process innovation solution.
The process innovation solution that I am proposing is a home health
initiative to bring care to participants in need who cannot (or will not) come
to the primary care clinic for management of their obesity and associated
health issues. As a former home health nurse, I know the positive impact
that this level of care can bring to the patient by providing individualized
services in their own homes where they are most at ease and can maintain
a sense of control. Remaining in their own environment helps patients to be
open to education and they may feel more comfortable asking questions.
The program I am proposing is Chinle In-Home Care, bringing Chinle’s
health coaches (who will receive specialized training) to the patients in
need of obesity care to include diabetes management if indicated. In this
role, they will be called health mentors and they will make regular visits to
educate and monitor the patient’s progress regarding diet and exercise,
and monitor vital signs and blood glucose levels as needed.
The health mentor will act as a liaison between the patient and the
physicians at the clinic, reporting any changes that may require further
medical attention or medication changes. If the patient is unwilling or
unable to go to the clinic, arrangements will be made for a registered nurse
or a physician to make a home visit.
The health mentor will also make referrals as needed to other In-Home
Care team members such as a physical therapist, registered nurse, or
nutritionist to assist with diet teaching that incorporates native foods,
recipes, and preparation or cooking methods.
All team members will be specially trained for this program with a focus on
Navajo beliefs and traditions and how to incorporate them into a Western
medicine approach for obesity reduction. If the program doesn’t speak to
the Navajo on their terms, they will not want to participate, or they will be
3
Update with Complete solution
Prepared by KC
December 15, 2024
A. Process Innovation Proposal
1. Summarize the needs of the Chinle population.
Chinle, Arizona, is a small community of 3,771 in Apache County (Census
Profile, n.d.), situated in the center of the Navajo Nation. Chinle’s population is
90% Native American, with 57.3% living below the poverty level (DATAUSA,
2021) and 43.3% uninsured for healthcare. Telephone service is available to
only about 33% (Western Governors University, n.d.), and there is an average
of one vehicle available per household (DATAUSA, 2021) in a very rural area.
All of these factors can create challenges and barriers to addressing the
obesity rates in Chinle and providing proper care and education to mitigate the
issue in order to improve the health of the individuals and of the community.
The Chinle Service Unit (CSU) provides medical care, and health coaches work
in primary care clinics with patients who are diabetic to help with the
management of their medications, glucose levels, diet, and exercise. However,
due to barriers such as being under- or uninsured or lack of transportation, this
leaves a large group of Chinle residents in need who may not be able to
regularly come to the clinics for follow-up care.
A process innovation is needed to care for those suffering from obesity (with or
without diabetes) who cannot come to the primary care clinics on their own.
Reducing the burden of obesity on the individual will promote optimal wellness
and may also see obesity-related chronic illnesses ease or resolve altogether,
which will also reduce the financial burden on the health system by minimizing
emergency care or hospitalization for the exacerbation of these chronic
1
illnesses.
,2. Explain how cultural differences and socioeconomic factors relate to current
healthcare trends.
Culturally, the Native Indian population has an overall health status that is
poorer than the general population; they have higher obesity rates and the
associated chronic illnesses of diabetes, heart disease, and cancers (Story et
al., 1999). The Navajo do value Western medicine for addressing symptoms;
however, this may conflict with their traditional beliefs and practices and
preclude them from seeking or accepting traditional medical treatment
(Western Governors University, n.d.).
A root cause of obesity is believed to be a poor diet with high-fat foods
2
, combined with fairly sedentary lifestyles, and a major contributing risk factor
to that end is poverty (MedicalNewsToday, 2023). Poverty limits the ability to
buy nutritious foods that are higher quality, and can hinder transportation to
regularly seek medical care. Chinle has a very high rate of those living below
the poverty line compared to the state (57.3% versus 12.5% for Arizona)
(Statista Research Department, 2023). It is clear that Chinle’s poverty rate is a
significant risk factor for obesity, especially among the Navajo.
3. Propose a process innovation solution to address the summarized needs in part
A1 by doing the following:
a. Describe the process innovation solution.
The process innovation solution that I am proposing is a home health
initiative to bring care to participants in need who cannot (or will not) come
to the primary care clinic for management of their obesity and associated
health issues. As a former home health nurse, I know the positive impact
that this level of care can bring to the patient by providing individualized
services in their own homes where they are most at ease and can maintain
a sense of control. Remaining in their own environment helps patients to be
open to education and they may feel more comfortable asking questions.
The program I am proposing is Chinle In-Home Care, bringing Chinle’s
health coaches (who will receive specialized training) to the patients in
need of obesity care to include diabetes management if indicated. In this
role, they will be called health mentors and they will make regular visits to
educate and monitor the patient’s progress regarding diet and exercise,
and monitor vital signs and blood glucose levels as needed.
The health mentor will act as a liaison between the patient and the
physicians at the clinic, reporting any changes that may require further
medical attention or medication changes. If the patient is unwilling or
unable to go to the clinic, arrangements will be made for a registered nurse
or a physician to make a home visit.
The health mentor will also make referrals as needed to other In-Home
Care team members such as a physical therapist, registered nurse, or
nutritionist to assist with diet teaching that incorporates native foods,
recipes, and preparation or cooking methods.
All team members will be specially trained for this program with a focus on
Navajo beliefs and traditions and how to incorporate them into a Western
medicine approach for obesity reduction. If the program doesn’t speak to
the Navajo on their terms, they will not want to participate, or they will be
3
