25 Oct Discuss the purpose defining the purpose of the PICO question for the psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. Explain the purpose of your selected PICO question advanced prac

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Evaluating Mindfulness Meditation in PTSD Care for African American Males

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Evaluating Mindfulness Meditation in PTSD Care for African American Males

My PICO question reads as follow: In African American males aged 18-30, how effective is the utilization of mindfulness meditation compared to traditional pharmacological treatments in managing symptoms of PTSD?

Description

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a complex psychiatric condition that arises as a consequence of individuals being exposed to very distressing and traumatic situations. Research conducted by Biggers et al. (2020) has shown that African American males in the United States, particularly those between the ages of 18 and 30, exhibit a greater prevalence of traumatic experiences. This gap may be explained by a variety of socioeconomic and environmental factors. This includes experiences with racial prejudice, acts of violence, and socioeconomic disparities.

Mindfulness meditation has garnered significant attention as a potential adjunctive or alternative therapeutic approach for various mental health disorders. This practice emphasizes the cultivation of present-moment awareness and wholehearted engagement, devoid of evaluative judgments. Consequently, it offers a non-pharmacological intervention that may be particularly appealing to individuals experiencing adverse effects from medication or harboring concerns regarding prolonged pharmaceutical utilization (Felsted, 2020). There is a need to assess the effectiveness of mindfulness meditation in controlling PTSD symptoms, particularly when compared to the standard of care, which is conventional medication therapy. Given the particular problems and experiences of African-American men aged 18-30, the purpose of this PICO question is to determine whether mindfulness meditation may be an effective and realistic option in managing PTSD in this specific demographic.

Summary

The significance of this PICO question in relation to APN has great relevance, particularly within the dynamic field of psychiatric care in the United States. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) continues to be a significant issue, with a specific focus on the vulnerability of African-American males aged 18-30. This vulnerability may be attributed to a combination of socio-economic, racial, and environmental stresses. Pharmacological interventions are often used as the first course of action; however, they are accompanied by significant adverse reactions and the possibility of developing dependence (Schmitz et al., 2021). In the context of APN, prioritizing patient-centered care necessitates the careful consideration and assessment of alternative or supplementary treatment options that are congruent with the unique requirements and cultural intricacies of individual patients.

Mindfulness meditation, which emphasizes present-focused awareness without judgment, offers a therapeutic potential that resonates with holistic nursing principles (Powers et al., 2023). For APNs, understanding its effectiveness compared to traditional treatments provides a broader arsenal of interventions, empowering them to tailor treatment plans that are both evidence-based and culturally sensitive.

Additionally, APNs engage in a crucial role in patient advocacy, education, and healthcare policy. They may promote the inclusion of these therapies in standard care protocols by responding to this question, ensuring that African-American males with PTSD get the most thorough and specialized care possible (Davis et al., 2019). In conclusion, this PICO question highlights the need of robust evidence in alternative therapy modalities and affirms APNs' commitment to providing culturally competent, patient-centered care in psychiatric settings.

Conclusion

Exploring mindfulness meditation as an intervention for PTSD in African-American males aged 18-30 is essential for advanced practice nursing. By addressing the unique needs of this population and offering a non-pharmacological approach, this research inquiry can enhance patient care, strengthen evidence-based practice, and ultimately foster holistic well-being within a historically underserved community.

References

Biggers, A., Spears, C. A., Sanders, K., Ong, J., Sharp, L. K., & Gerber, B. S. (2020). Promoting mindfulness in African American communities.  Mindfulness,  11(10), 2274–2282. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-020-01480-w

Davis, L. L., Whetsell, C., Hamner, M. B., Carmody, J., Rothbaum, B. O., Allen, R. S., Bartolucci, A., Southwick, S. M., & Bremner, J. D. (2019). A multisite randomized controlled trial of mindfulness-based stress reduction in the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder.  Psychiatric Research and Clinical Practice,  1(2), 39–48. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.prcp.20180002

Felsted, K. F. (2020). Mindfulness, stress, and aging.  Clinics in Geriatric Medicine,  36(4), 685-696. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cger.2020.06.010

Powers, A., Lathan, E. C., Dixon, H. D., Mekawi, Y., Hinrichs, R., Carter, S., Bradley, B., & Kaslow, N. J. (2023). Primary care-based mindfulness intervention for posttraumatic stress disorder and depression symptoms among black adults: A pilot feasibility and acceptability randomized controlled trial.  Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy,  15(5), 858-867. https://doi.org/10.1037/tra0001390

Schmitz, J. C., Prenoveau, J. M., Papadakis, A. A., Johnson, A. J., Lating, J. M., Mendelson, T., & Dariotis, J. K. (2021). Mindfulness and posttraumatic stress disorder symptom severity in urban African-American high school students.  Psychiatric Quarterly,  92(2021), 85-99. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11126-020-09774-x