Scenario
As you recall, number two on the National Quality Strategy Priorities is person-and family-centered care. Prior to the 1980s, family and visitors were restricted to a few hours at a time and absolutely prohibited to stay overnight. When family arrived on discharge day, they were given minimal instructions on the care of invasive treatments such as bladder irrigation and told to return only if there were problems. As a result, patients did return with raging infections, wound dehiscence, and irreparable complications.
Fortunately, with the advent of patient-and family-centered care, readmissions have been reduced because of adequate training and participation of caregivers.
Reflect upon what you have learned about changing the concept from families as “visitors” to families as partners. Identify which policy you would prefer to see in your facility as a patient and as a healthcare leader. Use the Institute for Family- and Patient-Centered Care’s website to view sample policies.
1. Choose the policy you would like to see implemented as a family member and as a patient advocate.
a. Be specific and use the policy content to support your opinion.
b. What factors make this policy most attractive to you as an advocate?
1. Choose the policy you would like to see implemented as a future healthcare leader.
a. Again, be specific and use the policy content to support your opinion.
b. What factors make this policy most attractive to you as a future healthcare leader?
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
As a medical professor responsible for designing college assignments and evaluating student performance, I understand the importance of person-and family-centered care in the healthcare industry. In this scenario, the changing concept from families as “visitors” to families as partners is discussed. The goal is to reflect upon this transformation and identify the preferred policy to be implemented as a family member/patient advocate and as a future healthcare leader.
Answer:
1. Policy to be implemented as a family member and patient advocate:
The preferred policy to be implemented as a family member and patient advocate would be the “Family Presence and Participation during Medical Procedures” policy. This policy allows family members to be present and actively participate during medical procedures and interventions. It ensures that family members are not restricted solely to being visitors but are treated as valued partners in the care process.
The content of this policy supports the opinion by emphasizing the importance of family presence in promoting positive patient outcomes. It acknowledges the significant role that family members play in providing comfort, emotional support, and assistance to patients during medical procedures. Additionally, this policy ensures that family members receive appropriate education and training to effectively contribute to the care process.
The factors that make this policy most attractive as an advocate are the opportunity for family members to actively participate, provide emotional support, and witness the care being provided to their loved ones. This policy also helps establish a sense of trust and collaboration between healthcare providers, patients, and their families, leading to improved patient satisfaction and better overall healthcare experiences.
2. Policy to be implemented as a future healthcare leader:
As a future healthcare leader, the policy I would prefer to see implemented is the “Collaborative Care Planning and Decision-making” policy. This policy emphasizes the importance of involving patients and their families in care planning and decision-making processes. It ensures that patients and their families are active participants, have a voice in their care, and their preferences and values are taken into consideration.
The content of this policy supports the opinion by highlighting the significance of collaborative and shared decision-making in promoting patient-centered care. It emphasizes the need for open communication, respect for patients’ autonomy, and the importance of tailoring care plans to individual patient needs.
The factors that make this policy most attractive as a future healthcare leader are the promotion of patient autonomy, shared decision-making, and the recognition of the patient’s role as an active participant in their own care. This policy fosters a collaborative relationship between healthcare providers and patients, leading to improved patient satisfaction, better adherence to treatment plans, and ultimately, better health outcomes.
By implementing these policies, both as a family member/patient advocate and as a future healthcare leader, the healthcare industry can further enhance person-and family-centered care, leading to improved patient experiences, better outcomes, and increased satisfaction.
