Virtual Running Groups to Prevent Depression Disorder

Virtual running groups
Student
Institution
Virtual running groups
Introduction
Depression is classified as a mood disorder characterized by feelings of anger, loss, sadness, and a general interference with one’s daily activities. According to Shimada et al., (2010), “Depression (major depressive disorder) is a common and serious medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, the way you think and how you act.” Virtual walking has been proven to be one of the most effective interventions for individuals undergoing depression in the communities. In its most comprehensive definition, virtual walking is a stress reedy where individuals come together on walk or run on local paths at a given time of the day and for a particular distance. Scientists have proven that group nature walks are an answer to a reduced depressive mood and participants can have go a long way in improving their mental health while at it.
Scientific Underpinnings for Practice
According to Eldridge (2014), one of the best methods of responding to common mental health diseases today is establishing a comprehensive lifestyle change, where a person decides to overhaul their usual habits in a bid to improve their mental health. Most of the individuals undergoing depression are at risk of developing other lifestyle diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, hyperlipidemia, and even diabetes, because of their sedentary way of life. Increasing physical activity is one of the most effective ways of lifestyle change that an individual could establish to ensure they are always fit (Craft & Landers, 2018). Admittedly, healthcare professionals and patients alike still do not appreciate the role played by increased activity in their lives. However, extensive research has indicated that virtual walks and runs contribute substantially to a reduced chance of mental illness. They are generally characterized by an improvement in mood.
Once a person’s mood is improved, they are likely to feel depressed because of the influence of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the general increased blood circulation in the brain. The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is a major actor when it comes to the physiologic reactivity to stress (McCann & Holmes, 2014). Before this happens, there is a series of communication between different components of the brain that deal with motivation and control of a person’s mood. Some of these components include the amyglada and limbic system. The limbic system is responsible for control a person’s mood, the hippocampus has a substantial role in one’s memory formation, and the amyglada plays a vital role in the generation of fear in response to stress North, McCULLAGH & Tran, 2010). Therefore, it can be noted that an increased function of these parts of the brain can take one a long way to reduce their stress levels and avert depressive disorders.
Aside from the physiological processes that change when a person’s involves in exercises, there are the social changes that scientists have identified to be effective when it comes to improving an individual’s general mood. In this regard, scientists have posited that exercising improves one’s social interactions, self-efficacy, and distracts them from the activities that lead them to depression (Cooney et al., 2013). It is for this reason that structured group programs such virtual walks and runs are important ways of increasing the physical activities of an individual. Interestingly, the adherence levels of mental health patients is at par with the general population. The improvement of cognitive functions and self-esteem are also ways with which virtual walks help individuals with depression. At the same time, the intervention has been found to negate social withdrawal and improve self-esteem. As such, mental health professionals need to reinforce the health benefits of virtual walks to patients with depression. They should highlight that it helps them to relieve stress, improve sleep, improve mood, increase energy and stamina, reduce cholesterol and improve fitness, improve endurance, and increase interest in sex, all of which are critical elements of excellent mental health.
Organizational and Systems Leadership for Quality Improvement
The second DNS essential requires that a doctor nurse has organizational and systems leadership qualities that improve their standing in terms of the ability to emphasize ethical and critical decision making during the intervention. In this regard, the professional is required to initiate a working relationship that ensures all the participants in an intervention work together to achieve the mutual benefits of everyone (Levey et al., 2017). If cases where there are issues that need discussions, they come forward strongly to highlight these issues and bring forth possible solutions to the particular problem. To enable the effective leadership in this particular intervention, it will be necessary to have a proper organization with leaders at every level to ensure the participants are organized in every sense of it (Levey et al., 2017). The management will be at different levels because these participants will be from different regions and backgrounds, and will therefore require varied attentions. Effective leadership in morning walks is one of the most critical elements of the implementation of the intervention. A prominent reason for this is that the group is a diverse one and requires a broad array of [skills to bring it together. A doctor of nursing has to possess exemplary communication skills because it is key to bringing the group together and delivering instructions in the right manner.
Clinical Scholarship and Analytical Methods for Evidence-Based Practice
Clinical scholarships and analytical methods for evidence-based practice is the third essential that a doctor of nursing must possess to ensure they can deliver effectively when it comes to implementing an intervention. According to Tymkow (2011), clinical scholarship is about “the inquiry and implies a willingness to scrutinize our practice.” Tymkow (2011) maintains that clinical inquiry is npot clinical proficiency unless one is questioning its use in the nursing practice. The same goes for clinical research unless its intention is to reveal new areas of study. This particular DNP focuses on the ability of doctor of nursing professional to ensure accountability in patient quality care and to see to it that all ethical dilemmas are addressed in an intervention (Tymkow, 2011). In considering this element, I will observe, analyze, synthesize, and apply various evidence-based practices to the morning walks program that we have established. In observing, I will identify if there are areas that participants are experiencing problems in so that I can adjust them accordingly. It is true that this bit will not be easy because the environment where the intervention will be held is subtle and full of dynamics that require a keen attention. I will then analyze these observations to see if there is a similarity with other similar ones before synthesizing and interpreting.
Information Systems/Technology and Patient Care Technology for the Improvement and Transformation of Health Care
This is another critical element that all doctor of nursing practitioners have to possess for them to be hailed as proficient. Today, information technology forms the backbone of the healthcare sector as various devices are invented to help in achieving the effective delivery of the health services in the community (Burkart-Jayez, 2011). In implementing the walking exercise intervention, the participants will use a mobile messaging app to connect with each other and to encourage one another in the course of the intervention. Choosing to involve technology in the intervention comes with a host of benefits that all participants noticed. At its core, the technology is not only safe, but also efficient and patient-centered. In other words, it was tailor-made to fit the needs of the individual ...