PURPOSE: To present an application of The Shuler Nurse Practitioner Practice Model with elderly patients through use of a gerontological wholistic assessment and the utilization of the model in developing a treatment plan and evaluating patient outcomes. DATA SOURCES: Selected literature from nursing and medicine, including natural, alternative, and complementary (NAC) therapies, as well as the authors' personal experiences. CONCLUSIONS: Providing health care services to the elderly involves recognition of not only physical ailments, but also an awareness of how functional status, psychological condition, social support, environmental conditions and cultural, as well as spiritual beliefs, shape the total health care needs of this vulnerable group. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Nurse practitioners who work with the aged could benefit from a theoretically based, wholistic assessment guide. Treatment plans that include NAC therapies and healing strategies should be considered. Outcome evaluations should reflect adherence to the elders' preferences regarding quality and end-of-life issues.
PURPOSE: To present an application of The Shuler Nurse Practitioner Practice Model with elderly patients through use of a gerontological wholistic assessment and the utilization of the model in developing a treatment plan and evaluating patient outcomes. DATA SOURCES: Selected literature from nursing and medicine, including natural, alternative, and complementary (NAC) therapies, as well as the authors' personal experiences. CONCLUSIONS: Providing health care services to the elderly involves recognition of not only physical ailments, but also an awareness of how functional status, psychological condition, social support, environmental conditions and cultural, as well as spiritual beliefs, shape the total health care needs of this vulnerable group. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Nurse practitioners who work with the aged could benefit from a theoretically based, wholistic assessment guide. Treatment plans that include NAC therapies and healing strategies should be considered. Outcome evaluations should reflect adherence to the elders' preferences regarding quality and end-of-life issues.