HLT-306 Topic 1 Discussions DQ1 AND DQ2

Topic 1 DQ 1 Sample Approach

For a variety of reasons, patient compliance is crucial in the healthcare industry. The patient’s compliance is necessary for the treatment plan to be effective. This implies that they must take their drugs as prescribed and adhere to any instructions given to them by a health care provider. “Compliance refers to a power imbalance between the patient and the healthcare provider. Instead of adhering to a treatment plan based on a cooperative effort between the patient and health professional, it implies that the patient is acquiescing in authority and passively following suggestions ” (Falvo, 2011, p. 1).

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There are some considerations this health care professional could take into account in order to help this patient be more compliant. In the scenario, Alma Faulkenberger, is an 85-year-old female waiting for an invasive, private, potentially embarrassing pelvic procedure. From this explanation alone, she is likely experiencing some anxiety and fear. She may feel disrespected that the health care professional did not say her name correctly. This health care worker also did not attempt to locate her beyond just calling out her name. Rather than waiting 30 minutes before trying to determine where and who miss Alma was, the health care worker could have approached her and asked sooner. She may feel as though she is not important to this health care professional. She may feel as though she is just another “procedure” or “number.”

The health care professional could help alleviate these feelings by showing compassion and empathy. They should apologize for the mispronunciation of her name and disrespectfully shouting into her ear. The patient should be made feel as though she is important and she should not feel rushed. The health care worker should ask Alma how to properly pronounce her name and be certain this mistake does not happen again. She should be assured of her importance and any built anxiety should be addressed. The patient should be made to feel at ease about her procedure every way possible by the health care team, from the beginning of her experience to the end. Considering this can be a scary procedure, the health care worker should certainly take this into consideration.

Patients feel vulnerable in most health care situations and the professionalism of the health care team can help alleviate these feelings or, in contrast, exacerbate these feelings. This all comes in how they treat the patient. When patients feel as though they are important and they are safe, they are more likely to be compliant with their health care plan. Many patients are non- compliant in health care by mistake. When they are in this altered state of mind and they do not feel secure and safe, they tend to not remember directions given from the health care professional. They may also forget to ask questions to clarify instructions, or they may not know the correct questions to ask. Many times, patients cannot think clearly outside of their comfort zone (Grand Canyon University, 2007). The health care professional needs to be conscientious of this when caring for the patient.

When providing directions for the patient, the healthcare provider needs to ensure the patient adequately understands what they are being told. One great way to do this is have the patient demonstrate and teach back what they are being taught. This helps the healthcare provider know if the patient clearly understands what is being taught. This method also helps the patient reiterate what they just learned. With this method, retention levels are higher, leaving the patient more competent when at home in their own environment. This is the method of teaching that should be used with Alma, considering she may have a tendency to be non-compliant.

References

Falvo, D. R. (2011). Effective patient education: A guide to increased adherence (4th ed.). Retrieved from Grand Canyon University eBook

Grand Canyon University. (2007). HLT-306V Lecture 1. Retrieved from Grand Canyon University, HLT 360V – Advanced Patient Care website.

Topic 1 DQ 1

In the waiting area, 85-year-old Alma Faulkenberger is a female outpatient who is getting ready for an invasive pelvic operation. The medical practitioner who will help her with the surgery walks in and calls “Alma.” The professional withdraws to the workspace since there is no response. The expert makes a call to “Alma Frankenberg” fifteen minutes later. Still no response, so he departs once more. After another 15 minutes, the expert approaches Alma and demands, “Are you Alma Frankenberg?” in her ear. “No, I’m not, and I’m not deaf either,” she responds. “When you get my name right, I’ll answer you.”

Using the Topic 1 Resources, develop a plan to help Alma be compliant with the procedure and post-treatment medication. Also, describe the approach you would take to patient education in this case.

Topic 1 DQ 2

Assessment Description

How would you use collaboration to assist in compliance with a patient as difficult as Alma?