AACN Synergy Model Analysis

The concept of synergy describes the act of each individual in a mutual relationship when it comes to promoting positive patient health outcomes (Kaplow, 2003, p. 27). The central idea of the AACN Synergy Model is that positive health outcomes are more likely to occur if both the patient and nurse characteristics work collaboratively to identify specific needs and work to meet them (Kaplow, 2003, p. 21- 23). Each characteristic is placed in a continuum ranging from level 1 to level 5 (American Association of Critical-Care Nursing (AACN), 2016;Kaplow & Reed, 2008, p. 19). Level 1 being the minimal or low level of the characteristics and level 5 is having a high amount or high level of the characteristic. For the analysis we will take a look at two characteristics, specifically the family’s access to resources and the
The lack of knowledge of SBS and child development may cause caregiver misinterpretations or negative beliefs about an infant’s crying (Altman et al., 2016, e1169; Bechtel et al., 2011, p. 485; Carbaugh, 2004, p. 108). This misunderstanding can lead to aggressive shaking in attempt to sooth in infant (Altman et al., 2016, e1169; Bechtel et al., 2011, p. 485). Consequently, if the child grows quiet due to a potential concussion, the caregiver may mistake the silent infant as a positive outcome and continue to shake every time they cry (Altman et al., 2016, p. e1169). Similarly if a caregiver does not have the knowledge or the access to receive information about fatigue, stress and coping mechanisms, they may not have a sense of confidence in this parenting role or understand other means of soothing (Chau & Giallo, 2014, p. 632). Another resource that can contribute to a patient’s health is financial resource. Any financial burdens including low income, poverty or unemployment act as risk factors and be a cause of increase stress in the caregiver (Carbaugh, 2004, p. 108; Davies &