Final answer:
A healthcare coordinator can apply evidence-based practice by assessing patient needs using research, clinical guidelines, personal values, and involving an interdisciplinary team to create a comprehensive care plan for an elderly patient who has fallen and needs extended care at a skilled nursing facility.
Step-by-step explanation:
A healthcare coordinator can appropriately apply evidence-based practice (EBP) to assist a patient who is older has fallen while attempting to get the mail by first conducting a thorough assessment of the patient's needs. This includes considering existing research and clinical guidelines on the care of elderly patients post-fall and during recovery at a skilled nursing facility. The healthcare coordinator would also consider the patient's personal and cultural values, and integrate these with clinical expertise. For example, They may refer to research indicating the benefits of hospice care for both patient satisfaction and family support.
In addition to utilizing EBP for decisions related to physical health management, the coordinator should also ensure advance directives such as living wills and medical power of attorney are in place if the patient has prepared them. This allows for patient autonomy and ensures that care plans align with the patient's preferences. Collaborating with the interdisciplinary team, which includes nurses, doctors, and potentially other specialists, is essential for a seamless care transition and to ensure that the extended care plan is comprehensive and individualized.