1. Topic 1 DQ 1
Effective Patient Education: A Guide to Increased Adherence 400 words
View Resource
How to Facilitate Better Patient Compliance
Should We Consider Non-Compliance a Medical Error?
StatusUpcomingAssessment Description
Alma Faulkenberger is an 85-year-old female outpatient sitting in the waiting room awaiting an invasive pelvic procedure. The healthcare professional who will assist in her procedure enters the room and calls “Alma.” There is no reply so the professional retreats to the work area. Fifteen minutes later the professional returns and calls “Alma Frankenberg.” Still no reply, so he leaves again. Another 15 minutes pass and the professional approaches Alma and shouts in her ear, “Are you Alma Frankenberg?” She replies, “No I am not, and I am not deaf either, and when you get my name correct I will answer you.
“Using the Topic 1 Resource, 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.
2. StatusUpcomingAssessment Description
How would you use collaboration to assist in compliance with a patient as difficult as Alma? 400 words
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction: Patient education and adherence are crucial aspects of healthcare, ensuring that patients understand their conditions, treatments, and medications, thereby improving their overall health outcomes. In this response, we will discuss a plan to help Alma, an 85-year-old outpatient, be compliant with her invasive pelvic procedure and post-treatment medication. Additionally, we will explain how collaboration can be utilized to assist in improving patient compliance with a challenging patient like Alma.
Answer to Questions:
1. Developing a plan to help Alma be compliant with the procedure and post-treatment medication, as well as describing the approach to patient education:
To assist Alma in being compliant with the procedure and her post-treatment medication, several steps can be taken. Firstly, it is essential to establish effective communication with Alma, ensuring that she feels heard and respected. Understanding that Alma values her identity and being called by the correct name is crucial, healthcare professionals should make efforts to address her by her correct name, Alma Faulkenberger.
Education plays a significant role in enhancing patient compliance. A comprehensive and tailored education plan should be developed to meet Alma’s specific needs and preferences. This plan should include a combination of verbal instructions, written materials, and visual aids to ensure that Alma understands the procedure and the importance of post-treatment medication. The healthcare professional should use clear and simple language, avoiding medical jargon, and allowing Alma to ask questions or seek clarification at any point.
Furthermore, it is essential to assess Alma’s health literacy level and adjust the educational materials accordingly. Considering her age and potential visual impairments, large font sizes and audio aids may be beneficial. Additionally, involving Alma’s family or caregivers in the education process can help reinforce the information and support her in adhering to the procedure and medication.
Regular follow-up appointments should be scheduled to evaluate Alma’s progress, address any concerns or issues she may have, and assess her adherence to the recommended treatment plan. Providing ongoing support and guidance can significantly increase the likelihood of Alma remaining compliant and achieving successful treatment outcomes.
2. Utilizing collaboration to assist in compliance with a challenging patient like Alma:
Collaboration among healthcare professionals can significantly contribute to improving patient compliance, particularly with challenging cases like Alma. In Alma’s situation, it is vital to involve a multidisciplinary team to address her physical and emotional health holistically.
Including a pharmacist in the healthcare team can be beneficial in educating Alma about her post-treatment medications. Pharmacists can explain the medication’s purpose, dosing regimen, and potential side effects, addressing any concerns Alma may have. They can also consider potential medication interactions based on Alma’s medical history and other medications she may be taking, ensuring safe and effective treatment.
Involving a social worker or psychologist can assist in addressing any psychological or emotional barriers Alma may have towards the procedure and post-treatment medication. These professionals can provide counseling, support, and strategies to help Alma overcome any anxiety or fear associated with the treatment. They can also assess Alma’s social support system and address any potential limitations or challenges that may impede her compliance.
A collaborative approach also involves effective communication and coordination among healthcare professionals. Regular team meetings should be held to discuss Alma’s progress, share insights, and address any emerging issues promptly. Joint decision-making regarding Alma’s care will ensure a unified and consistent approach, optimizing her compliance and treatment outcomes.
In conclusion, developing a tailored patient education plan and utilizing collaboration among healthcare professionals are essential strategies to enhance patient compliance, particularly in challenging cases like Alma. By addressing Alma’s individual needs, respecting her identity, and involving a multidisciplinary team, we can improve her understanding, address potential barriers, and support her in achieving optimal health outcomes.
