Different people perceive varying images as far as public health is concerned. Moreover, it can imply different ideas depending on the context used. In the United States, there are various public health perceptions. Public health refers to the science of improving and guarding peoples health.
This is achieved through strategies such as research on diseases, enhancing healthy lifestyles, preventing injury, and creating awareness. Public health experts play a great responsibility in assessing how the environment, personal decisions, and genetics influence health. Through the assessment, they are able to come up with strategies for guarding societies, families, and individuals.
Public Healths Contribution towards Improvement of Quality of Life and Health Status
As a result of public health, individuals can live for longer periods. This is attributed to the fact that public health deals with creating awareness about the strategies that are most effective in preventing diseases. In addition, individuals are advised on appropriate diets, which promote healthy immune systems. When people are aware about prevention of diseases and the significance of nutrients in the body, they are able to take appropriate measures, which lengthens their lives.
Public health also deals with environmental protection. This ensures that air, land, and water pollution are prevented. A clean environment is vital for ensuring that water- borne and air- borne diseases are prevented (Webster, 2001). Consequently, this ensures healthy communities. Public health is extremely important in ensuring safer births. Public health experts advocate for better maternal and health services that entails the care of all age groups.
The vulnerable groups such as children aged less than five years, expectant and lactating mothers, people suffering from chronic diseases, and HIV/ AIDS victims have their health needs cared for comprehensively. As a result, expectant mothers are guaranteed safer births. Children aged less than five years, expectant and lactating mothers are provided with comprehensive health care programs, which reduce maternal and infant mortality and morbidity.
Historical Phenomena Responsible for Public Health Responses Development
A Quarantine refers to a public health policy that was practiced during the fourteenth century. Various quarantine systems were developed as a strategy of isolating merchandise and travellers believed to be coming from infected regions. A majority of the urban authorities operated cordon sanitaire, which had strict regulations. These controls methods were practiced until the nineteenth century.
This was particularly during outbreaks such as cholera, measles, and chicken pox. Moreover, the control methods were aimed at protecting the health of people (Griffiths & Hunter, 1999).
During the 2nd quarter of the 19th century, state medicine was used. Through the sanitary idea, a dominant public health administration would be established to ensure that local authorities provided appropriate street cleaning, sewers, and drains. Moreover, there would be environmental regulation of offensive businesses, nuisances, and housing.
Distinctive and Unique Public Health Features
Public health gives quarantine a significant role as far as disease prevention is concerned. The movement of people and goods can act as a mode of transferring public health dangers.
Therefore, public health ensures keen surveillance. Public health relies heavily on creating and transmitting information on disease prevention. There is a key concern that every person has a great role in safeguarding their health, which promotes a healthy community. Public health considers the eradication of smallpox a great success. Therefore, immunization is a key public health feature (Webster, 2001).
References
Griffiths, S., & Hunter, D. J. (1999). Perspectives in Public Health. Oxford: Radcliffe Medical Press.
Webster, C. (2001). Caring for health: History and diversity (3rd ed.). Buckingham: Open University Press.
In the recent past, Wisconsin government has invested a good share of both the state and federal money to improve the health of its citizens, mostly children and women (Leone and Robertson, 1989). This study will try to establish the number of children and their parents, who earn less than 200% below poverty level and thus eligible to start enjoying BadgerCare health service starting the fall of the year 1999. The objective of the study is to identify different categories of people especially the less fortunate in the society who are likely to seek constant medical assistance to be offered by Badgercare health service. Under this system, other sub- programs will be adopted with the objective to cater for a significant Wisconsin population who are not insured, and therefore do not enjoy the states free health services. The program however does not encompass people with comparatively higher earning and who enjoy greater medical coverage for a period exceeding one year.
Introduction
A considerable population in the state of Wisconsin is composed of poor children, parents and farmers who do not enjoy a fixed income. These disadvantageous groups do not enjoy medical bill waived from schemes such as pensions or those offset by most employers. Through states records, the level of income will be identified and put against a standard plan to benefit people mostly those from families whose earnings falls below 200% of federal poverty index and those with no fixed payments. Pregnant women with dire health care needs, children below one year, young youths, those under foster care and some foreigners will be included in the plan (Bell and Carver, 1980).
Two sub programs, that is, BadgerCare standard program and Benchmark plan will help children whose parents earnings ranges between 200% to 300% of federals poverty level as well as pregnant women who are in a relatively higher earning scale, but have hefty medical bills. Children born while their parents still enjoyed BadgerCare Benchmark plan alongside farmers who after their pay deductions are left with less than 200% of federal poverty level will also be beneficiaries of the program too.
Method
BadgerCare is going to establish the categories of people who are going to be eligible in receiving its services and ensuring that they are attended to. In this study, margins will be drawn from certain poor groups of women and their children and others who are deemed as needy. Each category is going to be designed a mode of service depending on the nature of the health demands. Other targeted groups of people are the farmers who are also parents and entirely rely on their farms. It will be established if their income, when deducted from the surplus, will exceed their assets level and thus devise a method to identify those that would suit as beneficiaries (Rubin, Provenzano and Luria, 1974).
The Wisconsin BadgerCare healthcare will explore ways to avail their service to children and youths with no earnings and thus not pensionable. Such effort would include negotiation with the state to seek a possibility of excluding them from paying medical bills. A legislation proposal will be made to discourage private health dominating against public health and ensuring BadgerCare is not abused but rather utilized. Since the program aims at alleviating the greater medical bill load, certain fixed amount of money will therefore be expected to be raised by the beneficiaries according to prescribed rates (Voge et. al., 1991).
Results
In the year 2007 alone, there were approximately 540,000 people who were not insured in any form and thus never enjoyed any medical bill waiver. More so, approximately 50% are considered to be below poverty line. (Berndt and Heller, 1986). BadgerCare will thus be very instrumental in alleviating heath complications.
Discussion
The results of this study will be tabulated and hypotheses made to seek if BadgerCare health care system in Wisconsin will provide quality and affordable services to both outpatients and inpatients with varying health complications. These services will spread throughout the Wisconsin state under the state officials management. Both the state and the federal will finance this program. BadgerCare waiver will also allow the federals SCHIP money to be used towards the poor population.
Reference List
Bell, N. J., and Carver, W. (1980). A reevaluation of gender label effects: Expectant mothers responses to infants. Child Development, 51, 925-927. Web.
Berndt, T. J., and Heller, K. A. (1986). Wisconsins 2007 Health Care: A developmental study. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 50, 889-898. Web.
Leone, C., and Robertson, K. (1989). Some effects of sex-linked clothing and gender schema on the stereotyping of infants. The Journal of Social Psychology, 129, 609-619. Web.
Rubin, J. Z., Provenzano, F. J., and Luria, Z. (1974). The eye of the beholder: Parents views on sex of newborns. American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, 44, 512-519. Web.
Voge, et.al. (1991). Childrens and adults sex-stereotyped perception of infants. Sex Roles, 24, 605-616. Web.
Due to the nature of modern supply chains and the production of food products, it is common to find traces of pollutants or contaminants in everyday products. Milk is an essential dairy product in any household and is considered a necessary source of calcium in a human nutritional diet. However, it also presents a high chance of exposure to pollutants since the production of cows milk is geographically dispersed, and the process allows for the bioaccumulation of contaminants through the food chain.
Persistent bioaccumulative and toxic (PBT) chemicals and dioxin can be found in milk, and over time build up to acute toxicity in the organism. A significant concern for dairy is residue from a synthetic hormone (rBGH) utilized to stimulate milk production in cows. Long-term effects are unclear, but it has been identified as a possible carcinogen.
Community-supported agriculture (CSA) is a system allowing to connect producers with consumers, benefiting both parties directly. Food producers can attain funding for their operation while consumers have access to direct fresh food sources, chosen based on their needs. The process ensures the quality of food and eliminates food waste. California has a diverse food production network and a number of agricultural farms participating in CSA. Cupertino has several entirely organic sustainable farms offering fresh fruit, vegetables, dairy, eggs, and honey. Some farms are specialized in a specific product such as salad greens or more seasonal foods.
There are also organizations near water sources that focus on providing fresh and unprocessed seafood. Overall, farmers markets are abundant in the area, especially on weekends, for those people seeking a large variety of products without participation in CSA services.
Why You Should Care About Nutrition
Most of the health conditions that cause death and disability in modern society are preventable through proper nutrition. Therefore, it is important what we consume on a daily basis. Life longevity is directly correlated to a persons diet. However, nutrition is being undervalued in medical care, as doctors are not given the appropriate resources or education to advise patients competently.
Taking Personal Responsibility for Your Health
The only diet proved to be effective against heart disease, one centered around whole plant foods. Dieting has become a commercial market, many having no or detrimental health effects. A whole plant food diet is based on research and has been linked to reversing a number of severe health conditions. Despite the evidence, a mainstream medical practice usually fails to recommend appropriate nutritional changes adequately. As exemplified historically, industries have a tremendous influence on these decisions, and most doctors choose to practice unhealthy habits themselves. As a result, a rather simple solution that can have enormous long-term benefits is not being publicly endorsed.
The Actual Benefit of Diet vs. Drugs
People highly overestimate the ability of medical drugs and treatments to prevent or combat specific health conditions. This leads to a lack of lifestyle and diet changes, which are more critically effective in the long-run. Most drugs have less than 5% effectiveness over a span of 5-years, which places medical professionals in a difficult position of revealing the figures since it would most likely severely reduce the uptake of the medications. It is more logical to take a lifestyle and diet approach to fix the root of a problem rather than taking medicine, which has a minor impact since a fundamental change is practically 20 times more efficient.
How Not to Die from Heart Disease?
Each person has the ability to make decisions about nutrition, which directly impacts heart disease, the primary cause of death in the US. Based on current diets, children are already showing the first stages of atherosclerosis in their arteries. It progressively gets worse until devastating effects as early as age 30. However, through proper diet and lifestyle changes, it is entirely possible to reverse the effects of the disease. The human body is only able to restore and heal with the right conditions, even without medication.
Academy Health is an organization that involves several interest groups that aim at fostering the interaction of individuals regarding their topic of interest in the field of health care. Its members have the opportunity to meet both online and face-to-face to discuss one or another issue. Such interaction also helps professionals to learn from their colleagues and share relevant knowledge.
Body
Academy Health consists of advisory committees and interest groups, which purposes align with my professional attitudes. Lisa Simpson, the President and CEO of this interest group, assisted in the introduction of such projects as International Exchange for Health Care Policy and Research and Improving Hispanic Elders Health: Community Partnerships for Evidence-Based Solutions. My professional interests involve the study of the health care system, its strengths and weaknesses, along with opportunities that may be used to improve health care delivery and ensure the best health outcomes.
According to the official information provided on the organizations website, it strives to promote communication and collaboration between health care policymakers and practitioners so that they can work effectively in a team ( About Academy Health, 2017). Personally, I believe that the mentioned approach to modern health care issues is the most appropriate and feasible. My position also corresponds to those of Academy Health, namely, to ensure equal and accessible health care services.
Speaking of certain ways interest groups may impact policymaking, it is essential to note conferences and special events, programs and projects, and work with policymakers at all levels of research. By having interest groups as part of the legislative process, the areas these groups operate in may receive the most complete and relevant information. In other words, the collaborative efforts of interest group members are likely to ensure the consideration and the subsequent implementation of important points ( About Academy Health, 2017). Another benefit is associated with the fact that interest groups present a platform for research.
For example, a scholar from the US and one from the UAE may communicate via Academy Health and conduct research comparing some critical health concerns in the mentioned countries. Such work is likely to cover plenty of health topics and result in their comprehensive understanding and treatment.
As for the negative aspects, there may be some misunderstanding and misinterpretation between members regarding their approaches and attitudes to certain issues. For example, the topic of fructose intake causes many debates all over the world. While some scholars believe that fructose may cause obesity and diabetes, others argue that adequate fructose consumption prevents caries and plaque.
Personally, it seems that I can impact the position of interest groups by collaborating with other members and expressing our vision and arguments, thus contributing to the improvement of the overall approach and activities. The increased formation of political action committees had positive effects on health care as they facilitated change and outlined new trajectories in its development (Mason, Leavitt, & Chaffee, 2014). Thus, I believe that political action committees improve health care legislation and the very processes of filing, consideration, and approval of new bills and regulations.
Conclusion
To conclude, it should be emphasized that Academy Health involves several interest groups, each of which focuses on a special health issue and integrates people from all over the world. My professional interests coincide with those of Academy Health. It seems that interest groups and political action committees are rather important in the legislative process concerning health care.
Mason, D. J., Leavitt, J. K., & Chaffee, M. W. (2014). Policy and politics in nursing and healthcare (6th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Elsevier Health Sciences.
The Public Health Implications of the Jacobson v. Massachusetts Case
In 1905, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a judgment on the famous Jacobson v. Massachusetts Case that became a subject of contradictory discussions ever since. The central ground for the trial initiation was the denial of the Swedish immigrant, Henning Jacobson, to be vaccinated at the time of the smallpox outbreak. The man claimed that the vaccine produced some adverse effects on his sons health.
That is why he did not support the state in its attempt to eradicate the health concern. The consequences of the court trial did not satisfy Jacobsons demands though since the Supreme Court reacted in a negative way to the citizens appeal. Specifically, the position of the official jurisdiction took a stance of the public policy, for it was claimed that the citizens of the country have to subordinate to its laws, especially when disobedience can inflict some harmful effects on the public health (Mariner, Annas, and Glantz 585). The case gave a start to the development of particular health concerns and implications.
Mainly, a variety of contemporary socio-medical policies reveals that Jacobsons impact is evident both in the sphere of social life and public health. For instance, the logic of the dispute is efficiently utilized in the Model State Emergency Health Powers Act, due to which there should be a distinction between civil rights protection and treatment of public health under the circumstances of medical emergencies (Curtis par. 9). Moreover, the dispute influenced quarantine laws and vaccination treatment as well as the regulations of public health.
Franklin Roosevelt and Health Care Reform
President Franklin Roosevelt is claimed to be the founder of the modern legislative agenda in the U.S. since his views and reforms complied with the ideas of Americans about their country as well as followed the model of efficient implementation. Some experts, however, regard the issue of public health reformation as a missing link of Roosevelts career, for the president did not manage to carry out his intention of the American medical care modification. The legendary personage claimed that no country could be prosperous if sick people lived in it ( A Brief History: Universal Health Care Efforts in the US par. 6).
Therefore, Franklin Roosevelt developed a plan of public health reform enactment but the regulation was put on delay and was regarded as a secondary task at the time of his presidency. The political critics argue that the ultimate reason for such an attitude was the presidents idea of the interrelation between the citizens of the country and the health regulations. Mainly, Roosevelt claimed that it was illogical to direct the health insurance, which accounted for a fundamental innovation, to the Congress until it was asserted that the community understands the implications and the meaning of the conception. Unfortunately, the president did not manage to accomplish his plan, due to his sudden death before the end of the war (Morone 1097).
The Negative Implications of Dumping: Public Health Perspective
Illegal dumping disrupts the flow of natural processes both on earth and in the water. The process of bringing some harmful materials into the water accounts for such damaging consequences as animals starvation, oxygen depletion, as well as clogging the places of fish spawning, depending on the type of the dumping substances ( Environmental, Health, and Economic Effects of Illegal Dumping par. 2). The public health administration both on a state and county levels predetermines fighting the negative implications of the illegal practice.
In the situation of unrecognizing the sources of dumping, The Director of Public Health launches the investigation program, the aim of which is to focus on the nature of harmful allocations. The research planning may be created in compliance with three fundamental questions that need to be answered so that to solve the problem of dumping. First, it is vital to disclose the chemical properties of the materials that are let into the water. Second, one needs to research the medical implications of the material used since it helps to find out whether the substance can damage human health. Finally, it is crucial to study the alternatives that can potentially be embraced by the company that commits dumping.
The Toxins Usage Concern: Finding a Legal Solution
The case review dwells on the contamination of soil and water with toxins, which damages human health in several ways. First, it is acknowledged that the dumping of toxic elements can inflict bioaccumulation, cancer, separate organs deformation as well as some considerable economic losses (Kennedy par. 2).
The issue pertains to the case, in which a company conducts shaded dumping of toxins that pollute soil and water in the county. However, the management of the industry does not confess to committing public health violations. Though the administrative organs of the county have no direct evidence that could back up the conviction theory, the Director of the County Health Department is entitled to employ the so-called argument from ignorance, according to which every claim has to be checked and verified unless there is some reliable evidence of its faultiness. Therefore, this right signifies the pretext for launching an independent investigation, the aim of which would be the analysis of industrial procedures.
Works Cited
A Brief History: Universal Health Care Efforts in the US 2002. Web.
Curtis, Henry. Revisiting Jacobson: An Analysis of the Modern Day Implications of Jacobson v Massachusetts. 2014. Web.
Environmental, Health, and Economic Effects of Illegal Dumping 2012. Web.
Mariner, Wendy, George Annas, and Leonard Glantz. Jacobson v Massachusetts: Its not Your Great-Great-Grandfathers Public Health Law. American Journal of Public Health 95.4 (2005): 581-590. Print.
Morone, James. Presidents and Health Reform: From Franklin D. Roosevelt to Barack Obama. Health Affairs 29.6 (2010): 1096-1100. Print.
Recent healthcare reform (The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act) has affected not only patients but also healthcare organizations. Healthcare organizations are now relying on payments from patients to maintain their facilities and pay their workers. The creation of new insurance plans has increased the number of patients who pay for their health care costs out of their own pockets.
This situation has been aggravated by high rates of unemployment and the introduction of self-directed health care plans in the American health care system. The result of such reform has been the active involvement of patients in the daily decisions of their care. On the other hand, it has compelled health practitioners to improve their strategies to collect payments from patients through the development and adoption of strategic plans.
When patients fail to pay accounts receivable, the cash flow dwindles, bad debt accumulates, and the long-term growth of the organization is compromised. The enhancement of patient pay accounts receivable is the most effective way of improving the operations of health care facilities. My plan to enhance out-of-pocket accounts receivable would include the implementation of policies to encourage prompt payments and the utilization of technology to improve payment processes.
Literature Review
Poor payment processes are major causes of the mismanagement of patient receivables (Newby & Carr, 2013). Patients inability and reluctance to pay their out-of-pocket health care expenses is affecting many health care facilities that are already stretched financially (Fordney, 2017). Effective plans to enhance patient pay accounts receivable involve patient engagement and accounts management. Educating patients on organizational financial policies could reduce the incidence of missed payments. An increasing patient accounts receivable could signify ineffective front-desk processes and poor communication regarding the organizations financial policy (Paterson, 2014).
My plan to enhance patient-pay accounts receivable would comprise two main components: implementation of policies to encourage prompt and full payment and the use technology to streamline payment processes and remind patients of their financial obligations. Policies that offer cash discounts, time-of-service discount, and impose fines if payments are made late would be implemented (Baker, Baker, & Dworkin, 2017). Discounts would also be offered for cash payments. Many patients make promises to pay their bills but fail to keep them. In that regard, a fine would be imposed for late payments (Baker et al., 2017). A policy that imposes fines would encourage patients to pay on time and avoid extra charges.
The second component would involve using technology to improve payment processes, remind patients of their obligations, and increase the number of payment options available. According to Fordney (2017), technology enhances the process of educating patients and verifying their insurance eligibility. Using technology for check-in enhances upfront payment collection (Paterson, 2014). Technology would also facilitate credit card billing, hence maximize payments and shorten the time taken to collect debt (Marcinko & Hertico, 2013).
Facilitating automated credit card payment would eliminate the possibility of late payments (Paterson, 2014). Patients would be informed about their upcoming payments and insurance eligibility through automated reminder calls.
Summary
Health care reforms have resulted in high health care costs that have increased out-of-pocket payments. As a result, patients are incurring higher premiums, co-payments, and deductibles. Healthcare providers are getting more of their revenues from out-of-pocket payments. Therefore, it is imperative for them to develop plans to enhance patients out-of-pocket accounts receivable. Studies have shown that ineffective and limited payment processes are among the major causes of low out-of-pocket patient payments. My plan to enhance patient payments can be summarized as processes and technology.
Processes can be improved using technology, and technology can be used to educate patients. The plan would not employ aggressive methods such as the involvement of a debt collector because they would damage personal relationships with patients. Technology is used to remind patients of their obligations and improve payment processes. Moreover, it would be used to verify the insurance eligibility of patients. Many patients fail to make payments because of limited availability of payment methods. Part of the plan is the use of technology to allow patients make payments any time from whichever location. Reminding them of their financial obligations ensures that they do not incur extra charges for late payments.
The plans main objective is to make it easy and comfortable for patients to make payments and clear outstanding balances without any coercion. Moreover, the plan is also aimed at avoiding rocking relationships between patients and the staff. The implementation of the aforementioned plan would increase revenues and improve the provision of health care services.
References
Baker, J. J., Baker, R. W., & Dworkin, N. R. (2017). Health care finance: Basic tools for nonfinancial managers (5th ed.). New York, NY: Jones & Bartlett Learning.
Fordney, M. (2017). Insurance handbook for the medical office (14th ed.). New York, NY: Elsevier Health Sciences.
Marcinko, D. E., & Hertico, H. R. (2013). Financial management strategies for hospitals and healthcare organizations: Tools, techniques, checklists and case studies. New York, NY: CRC Press.
Newby, C., & Carr, N. (2013). Insurance in the medical office: From payment to Payment (7th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Higher Education.
Paterson, M. A. (2014). Healthcare finance and financial management: Essentials for advanced practice nurses and interdisciplinary care teams. Lancaster, PA: DEStech Publications.
Penner, S. J. (2013). Economics and financial management for nurses and nurse leaders (2nd ed). New York, NY: Springer Publishing Company.
YW is a 54-year-old woman who was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder of the Borderline type (BPD), Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and Recurrent Depressive Disorder.
Background
The patient has required the help of mental health services since 1995. Her hospital admissions history includes more than 10 admissions over the period 1996 to 2017. Typical reasons for admission included low mood and emotional instability. YW finds it hard to engage with community services and feels more conformable with one on one treatment. Recently, the patient has been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, which has further complicated her road to recovery. She has a past medical history of hypertension, Type II Diabetes, and Hypothyroidism. As a child, the patient experienced abuse from family members, and it is hard for her to recover these lost relationships.
Assessment
YW struggles to manage her self-harm urges and continues to display anxiety symptoms. She often feels discouraged and hopeless because of her Fibromyalgia diagnosis, which prevents her from performing various daily activities. Moreover, YW continues to experience nightmares connected to her past experiences of abuse. The nightmares are also often followed by persistent insomnia. YWs motivation is reduced. However, she continues to engage with treatment and is seen to be more active in her communication with friends and family.
Recommendation
The patient continues to take various medications for all diagnoses. She takes Venlafaxine for her physical pain and depression, Zolpidem to rebalance her sleeping pattern, Doxazosin to prevent nightmares, Lorazepam to lower the symptoms of anxiety such as agitation, and Paracetamol for general pain relief. She was also recently introduced to hydrotherapy. The main recommendations for YW include the continuation of medication and its review, psychological therapy (1:1 and in groups), hydrotherapy, further exposure to community activities and participation in family life.
Links between Mental and Physical Health Issues
The patients diagnosis of fibromyalgia may influence her mental health. According to Palagini et al. (2016), fibromyalgia often affects peoples sleep patterns, moods and levels of energy. Therefore, it is vital to address this problem in combination with all other diagnoses. Physical pain in the case of YW cannot be separated from other health-related issues. For instance, the patients difficulty in sleeping caused by PTSD may be enhanced with physical pain. The patient often feels distressed because of her inability to perform activities that could help her through tough periods.
A few years ago, she was able to clean her house as a way of distraction from negative thoughts. Currently, she is unable to do the same, which impacts her ability to cope with low mood. This physical health problem can be identified with such symptoms as pain, fatigue, persistent insomnia and disturbed sleep patterns (Macfarlane et al., 2017). The prescribed medication should also reflect this situation, as some types of drugs can be used to manage physical pain as well as mental health issues.
Desired Effects of Medication
Venlafaxine This antidepressant may improve patients moods, increase their level of energy, and help manage pain. By adjusting the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine, this drug can help the patient to feel better (Paton et al., 2015).
Zolpidem This is a sedative that is used to help people treat insomnia. It is a short-term working medication. It has muscle relaxing properties, which may assist YW with falling asleep.
Doxazosin It is a psychotropic that is used for treating PTSD. In this case, it is expected to help YW with nightmares (Smith and Koola, 2016). The evidence shows that treatment with Doxazosin results in fewer trauma-related nightmares during sleep and improved quality of life during the day.
Lorazepam This medication is usually used to treat anxiety disorders. Here, it is prescribed with an intention to reduce YWs levels of agitation (Silk, 2015). As the patient has to take Lorazepam during a moment of panic, it should lead to the fast management of severe anxiety.
Tramadol and Paracetamol These medications are used to reduce physical pain and discomfort. As YWs symptoms are improving, she does not take Tramadol anymore and uses Paracetamol occasionally.
Unwanted Effects of Medication
Venlafaxine This antidepressant has many adverse effects directly connected to YWs mental health issues. The possible risk of increasing YWs suicidal thoughts and behaviours is especially notable as the patient has expressed fewer suicidal ideations in the last few months (NICE, 2017). Thus, a higher dose of Venlafaxine may lead to negative outcomes. Moreover, the increased probability of self-harm is another alarming effect of this drug.
Zolpidem Such side effects as a headache, dizziness, chest pain, and depression are rather common among people that take Zolpidem. This drug may also negatively affect the patients sleep and her ability to perform various tasks during the day.
Doxazosin Dizziness in the most probable unwanted effect. Shortness of breath and confusion can also affect the patient and limit her ability to function. Other adverse outcomes, such as swelling, fainting, and blurred vision, are less common. The risk of hypotension from this medication is lower than its analogues (Smith and Koola, 2016).
Lorazepam Low blood pressure as an effect of Lorazepam can negatively affect YWs health. Cognitive problems can occur, along with opposite reactions such as increased excitement. Suicidal thoughts and memory problems are also among the unwanted effects.
Tramadol and Paracetamol The occasional dosage of Paracetamol should not have many adverse effects on the patient. However, an overdose may cause liver damage, breathing problems, and skin reactions.
Adherence/Concordance Strategies
The patient benefits from taking the prescribed medications as they help her with various parts of her daily life. Therefore, it is vital to show her that adhering to the proposed treatment plan leads to positive outcomes. Stressing the goal to be able to increasingly participate in the life of her son and her friends can be used to motivate YW to continue taking her medication. The concordance between physician and patient can be achieved by providing the patient with all necessary information regarding the medication. YW already positively responds to treatment, and she has experience with various types of drugs. Thus, it may be easier for her to recognize that some medications work efficiently and are useful for her well-being.
Interventions for Health Promotion
As YW has already made some steps on her path to recovery, it is important to acknowledge this progress and focus on the patients strengths. YW is no longer taking medication for pain, and she can participate more in her sons life. However, the patient still experiences occasional physical discomfort, and it is vital to address this before trying to focus on mental health issues. Theadom et al. (2015) note that mindfulness and relaxation therapies can have some positive effects on patients with physical pain.
YW has stopped taking medication for pain management, and now one can suggest some mindfulness training for her. A programme involving stretching and breathing exercises can help YW feel better and be more active during the day. YWs sleeping patterns may also improve with these practices, but here the role of medication is important as well.
Conclusion
YW is a person that has engaged with various types of treatment and achieved significant progress as a result. There is much to be done, but the patient continues to try hard to get better. This case study shows that the issues of physical health can affect ones mental state. However, within their treatment, all aspects of the persons well-being should be considered. YWs case shows that she is in the process of dealing with both physical and mental problems and that her ability to progressively gain control over her life positively affects all her diagnoses.
Write down any five roles of individual doctors in minimizing risk and improving the quality of Healthcare
Doctors should work hard to support the health needs of their clients. Medical practitioners should embrace the most desirable practices in order to improve the quality of healthcare. They should also undertake various roles that can improve quality and minimize risks in healthcare. The first important role towards minimizing risks and errors is communicating effectively with different stakeholders (Brooks, Gerada, and Chalder 6). Open communication increases the level of transparency and coordination. The doctor finds it easier to reduce barriers to quality healthcare. The second role revolves around the idea of effective leadership. Proper leadership empowers doctors to embrace the best competencies and support the changing needs of their patients. The practice has the potential to reduce the rate of harm (Piterman 211).
The third role that can be embraced by doctors is the implementation of appropriate quality improvement initiatives (Martin et al. 4). Practitioners can use these quality improvement approaches to tackle challenges and outline new practices that can improve the quality of care. Doctors will use such quality improvement initiatives to support the needs of their patients. The fourth role that can minimize health risks and improve the quality of care is continued evaluation of patients needs (McCarthy, Mueller, and Wrenn 8). The periodical evaluation of the roles of nurses and healthcare workers will present new care models and produce positive results. This role will ensure every institution implements new changes that can improve the quality of medical support. The fifth role that can be undertaken by doctors is to create powerful multidisciplinary teams (Brooks et al. 7). Such teams can improve the level of coordination in an attempt to address various health malpractices. The teams should include different stakeholders in order to improve the health outcomes of every client.
What are the obligations of a physician towards his colleagues?
Physicians are required to promote the most desirable standards whenever providing medical support to their clients. However, these physicians might encounter conflicting demands from their workmates and patients. Such issues might result in exhaustion, fatigue, and stress (McCarthy et al. 13). That being the case, physicians should be ready to offer effective mentorship to their colleagues. This kind of mentorship will ensure more physicians and clinicians work hard to produce quality health results (Shannon 18). As well, it is appropriate for physicians to support the changing needs of their workmates. This move will increase the level of integration in every healthcare setting.
Many scholars in medical practice explain why physicians should take care of their colleagues. Shannon believes that physicians who fail to take care of their colleagues will produce non-performing healthcare delivery teams (20). Physicians who take care of their workmates will get the best support and eventually realize their career goals. Physicians should therefore use their competencies and resources to support the wellness of their colleagues. This move will empower more teammates to address their patients health needs. Physicians should also embrace the concept of collegiality (Raspovic and Pannan 63). This concept focuses on the idea of continued interaction and collaboration between healthcare providers. The newly-established relationships will encourage more physicians and their colleagues to improve every consultation process. The practice will eventually promote the continuity and comprehensiveness of patient care (Shannon 19). Physicians should also establish professional collaborations with their colleagues and be ready to support them. This move will improve the level of professionalism and safeguard the changing health needs of many patients.
Works Cited
Brooks, Samantha, Clare Gerada, and Trudie Chalder. Review of Literature on the Mental Health of Doctors: Are Specialist Services Needed? Journal of Mental Health 1.1 (2011): 1-11. Print.
Martin, Jacqueline, Wolfgang Ummenhoferb, Tanja Manserc and Rebecca Spirig. Inter-professional Collaboration among Nurses and Physicians: Making a Difference in Patient Outcome. Swiss Medical Weekly 1.1 (2010): 1-12. Print.
McCarthy, Douglas, Kimberley Mueller and Jennifer Wrenn. Mayo Clinic: Multidisciplinary Teamwork, Physician-Led Governance, and Patient-Centered Culture Drive World-Class Health Care. The Commonwealth Fund 1.1 (2009): 1-18. Print.
Piterman, Leon. Educating Doctors about Health Promotion and Preventive Care. Health 1.1 (2011): 209-227. Print.
Raspovic, Anita and Linda Pannan. Practical Steps and Collegiality in the Building of Podiatry Curricula to Meet Accreditation and Health Sector Employability Demands. Journal of Teaching and Learning for Graduate Employability 4.1 (2013): 58-72. Print.
Shannon, Diane. Effective Physician-to-Physician Communication: An Essential Ingredient for Care Coordination. PEJ 1.1 (2012): 16-21. Print.
Discuss and support approaches and strategies using evidence-based practice or research data for the provision of culturally competent care
Culturally competent care is one of the most important standards of care provided for different individuals and communities (Andrews & Boyle, 2008). All nurses will convey aboriginal cultural competence to the occupation that will permit extra chances for the attainment of culturally proficient dexterity by nurses (Purnell & Paulanka, 2008). To create a sustained cultural orientated healthcare, the administration needs to come up with various strategies, including the following:
Request the culturally diverse former students to take part in a counseling arrangement. The group would support and help in enrollment efforts aimed at producing culturally varied and accommodative nurses.
EBP practice such appreciation of older adult clients. Nurses should understand that adults need more care and understanding in comparison to young patients, and nurses should realize what approach is more preferable in a particular situation (Andrews & Boyle, 2008).
Mentor learners and nurses on the advantages of sustaining community healthcare clubs, missions, and studies underlining cultural multiplicity/or healthcare differences (Link & Phelan, 2008).
How does culture influence change, and what is the most common approach to change in American culture?
There is a certain system of symbols and signs that is used by a separate group of people, who have their own cultural meaning, preferences, and interests (Andrews & Boyle, 2008, p. 66). The way of how people are able to accept the already settled symbols determines the development of American culture and the quality of health care. Papadopoulos (2006) admits that sometimes it is obligatory to neglect past lifestyles in order to accept the change and survive the existing culture.
For example, a generational change is observed during the process of education (Purnell & Paulanka, 2008). The utilization of signs to discuss the peculiarities of the world around us is part of the fundamental distinctiveness of being human. Some of the most familiar expressions of cultural imagery among Americans are the metaphors (Andrews & Boyle, 2008, p. 67). In metaphor, one feature of life is related to another in the form of a collective symbol.. Rationality and logical reasoning manipulate the American belief system. All people try to subscribe to scientific reasoning, where things and events are analyzed carefully using scientific laws and theories.
Describe your experience with cultural conflicts related to change and why it is important to understand how change occurs in various cultures? Make sure to give a specific example
Lurie et al. (2008) identify how cultural conflicts and societal problems can crop up, particularly when American nurses concede the intense pressure that the ethics of nurses in the US have had on other states globally. Two contradictory material values of integrity-that cause moral conflict are identified: the one is to every individual according to what can be acquired in a liberated market, and the other is to every individual founded in need (Lurie, 2008).
I experienced a situation when personal beliefs contradicted the requirements to be followed by any medical worker. When it was necessary to inform the family neighbors about the importance of surgical interference in an American hospital, the patient refuses to inform her relatives as their religion and cultural background (Arabs) cannot accept the reasons why the surgery has to be done.
Numerous Latino, African American, and Middle Eastern cultures are founded in the magico-religious archetype (Purnell & Paulanka, 2008). The supernatural entails the calling out and directing of bizarre forces for and against others (Andrews & Boyle, 2008, p. 67).
Identify at least 3 strategies that enhance cultural competence as a clinician, educator, and researcher. Again, give specific examples. Make sure to cite your references
Cultural competence turns out to be an important development in American culture and the health care system (Purnell & Paulanka, 2008). To enhance such kind of competence, a number of strategies may be offered.
As a researcher, it is possible to consider some professional values and standards in order to understand whether accommodation of the needs of multicultural patients is an appropriate solution. It is also necessary to define if there are some conflicts. Ethical aspects play an important role in health care, and researchers should focus much attention on this point. A good example of such a strategy is the evaluation of past investigations and the development of ethical values in healthcare.
As an educator, the strategy that promotes an understanding of cultural values and beliefs in practice may be applied. For example, the educator may help to realize how fear and ignorance of particular cultural aspects may influence the quality of medical care as some nurses are not ready to accept particular cultural preferences.
As a clinical, it is possible to support human interactions and interrelationships to foster constructive and strong work settings in nursing college circles and practice (Link & Phelan, 2008). To sustain this healthy atmosphere, cultural understanding, and information about how to slot in culturally receptive training tactics into the teaching of nurses is essential. Cross-cultural knowledge and communication will help clinical avoid stereotypes and offer quality services (Andrews & Boyle, 2008).
Explain the importance of cultural competence for excellence in nursing practice, educational programs, and research
The aim of cultural competence is to advance population health and decrease health inequalities through mounting a satisfactory, greatly proficient, assorted, and perceptible civil health nursing personnel that tackles the health problems of persons, families, societies, and residents using population- supported and racially proficient models, in partnership with other communal health disciplines and societal partners (Andrews & Boyle, 2008; Purnell & Paulanka, 2008).
For this objective to be achieved, nurses from different environments should be conscious of and concerned with communal health nursing as a professional choice (Gahlert & Sohmer, 2008). They should be cultured in population-based and ethnically proficient practice conceptions and proficiency, sufficiently supported and counseled in their admission into the career, and frequently restructured in their acquaintance and dexterities as the communal health structure adjusts to tackle growing communal health requirements and disputes (Andrews & Boyle, 2008).
Cultural intervention in nursing develops an aptitude for communal health nursing practice that is aimed at altering communal health structure by taming civil health nurses, undergraduate nurses, and nursing sense in the familiarity and proficiency needed for offering population-based, ethnically proficient civil health nursing services.
Reference List
Andrews, M.M. & Boyle, J.S. (2008). Transcultural concepts in nursing care 5 Ed. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins: Philadelphia.
Gahlert, S. & Sohmer, D. (2008). Targeting health disparities: A model linking upstream determinants to downstream interventions. Health Affairs, 27(2), 339-349.
Link, B. & Phelan, J. (2008). The resources that matter: Fundamental social causes of health disparities and the challenge of intelligence. Journal of Health and Social Behavior, 49(1), 79-91.
Lurie, N. et al. (2008). The national health plan collaborative to reduce disparities and improve quality. Joint Commission Journal on Quality and Patient Safety, 34(5), 256-265.
Papadopoulos, I. (2006). Transcultural and social care: Development of culturally competent practitioners. Philadelphia: Elsevier Health Science.
Purnell, L. & Paulanka, B. (2008). Transcultural health care: A culturally competent approach 3 Edn. Philadelphia, PA: Davis.
In every part of the world, the health of a countrys population is of critical importance for the development of the particular country. A healthy people translate to a more productive nation and in return better placement economically. To analyze the health status of people, medical surveys have to be carried out on the people. The outcomes are based on different research factors. In this paper, these factors will be discussed in the context of conducting health outcomes research.
In almost every health-related research, three factors are almost mandatory: Demographic, social, and psychological factors. These are somehow inseparable and sometimes they overlap other factors. Starting with demographic factors; we know that demography is the study of the population (Weeks, 6); therefore, demographic factors are those that relate to the population in general. These include age, gender, race, residence, social-economic status, and marital status.
These affect the outcome differently, either independently or dependently. Age means different things to different people but the nature of research in question will dictate what we mean by age. Chronologically, children and older adults are more vulnerable to certain diseases than middle aged individuals and also their recovery is slower. Where a person lives whether urban or rural, suburbs or slums etc. affects his/her health outcome. This is dictated by the level of exposure due to the surrounding, distance from a healthcare facility or even the ability to access it. The larger built surrounding has an impact on health and safety (William 1564).
A race refers to a community of people living in a specified geographical location and who share a common genetic origin. This may affect the outcome, especially when it comes to hereditary diseases or those associated with the environment. However, race and ethnicity are two different things and therefore in research outcomes, one should be careful to treat them differently. Marital status is the state of being married, single, divorced or widowed. It has an impact on outcomes with married people faring much better. The social-economic status is defined in terms of residence, income, education, occupation, and social capital (Rossi and Oakes 770). It affects outcomes associated with a variety of health issues such as cardiovascular disease.
Secondly, we have psychological factors which define the mind-body connection. The effects of these are felt in particular areas of study. These factors include the general well-being which is measured as the general well-being schedule. Another thing is the locus of control which according to Rotter is an outgrowth of psychological work on proficiency and efficacy, but there are different conceptualizations of control among individuals and as a result different measures of control, (25).
Affect refers to states of the mind and body. Measures of effect should be sensitive enough to detect any change in these states (Lieberson, 98). Depression as observed by Shaver and Brennan is the commonest mental health disorder in the US, (14). Different instruments are available to aid with the study of the effect of depression among individuals.
Social factors are defined as the ability of individuals to do what is expected of them in a societal setting. These factors and their measures vary depending on the previous role of the case study in question. Often the measures may not be definite; the vagueness of these measures may require extra caution when choosing the right measure to use. It should be based on a particular aspect of that factor. The major outcome of social factors is how the individual fulfils his role.
Measures of social factors include social support which is further subdivided and includes different measurement instruments such as the social questionnaire (Sarason, Levine, Basham & Sarason, 130), a social function that analyzes the individuals status and function (Remington & Tyrer 153) and other complex organizations such as commitment and work control (Dwyer and Ganster, 595). Also, Meyer and Allen brought about the idea of measuring individual commitment to his work (21).
This discussion may not be exhaustive as per the topic; however, the meanings and an overview of the factors involved in health outcome research have been covered.
Works Cited
Dwyer, Debra and Ganster Daniel. The Effects of Job Demands and Control on Employee Attendance and Satisfaction. Journal of Organizational Behavior 12,(1991): 595-608. Print.
Lieberson, Stanley. Making it count: The improvement of social research theory. Berkely, CA: University of California Press, 1985. Print.
Meyer, John P. and Natalie Jean Allen. Commitment in the Workplace.Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications, 1997. Print.
Remington, Marina and Peter Tyrer. The Social Functioning Schedule: A brief Semi-Structured Interview. Social Psychiatry 14.3 (1979) 151-157, Print.
Rossi, Patrick and Oakes J. The Measurement of SES in Health Research: Current Practices and Steps Toward a New Approach. Social Science & Medicine. 56.4(2003): 769-784. Print.
Rotter, Julian. Generalized Expectancies for Internal versus External Control of Reinforcement. Psychological monographs: General and applied,80.1(1966): 1-28, Print.
Sarason, Irwin G., Henry M Levine, Robert B Basham and Barbara R Sarason. Assessing Social Support: The Social Support Questionnaire. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 44.1(1983): 127-139. Print.
Shaver, Phillip and Brennan Kelly. Measures of Depression and Loneliness . In J.P Robinson J.P, Shaver, PR & Wrightsman L.S (Eds.), Measures of Personality and Social Psychological Attitudes. London: Academic Press, 1991. Print.
Weeks, John R. Population: An Introduction to Concepts and Issues (2nd Ed). Belmont: CA: Wadsworth Publishing Company, 1981. Print.
William, Lucy. Mortality Risk associated with leaving home: Recognizing the relevance of the built environment. American Journal of Public Health 93.9 (2003): 1564-1569. Print.