You will be given a case to work on considering the impact of functional assessments, diversity, and sensitivity in conducting health assessments.
Post an explanation of the specific socioeconomic, spiritual, lifestyle, and other cultural factors associated with the patient you were assigned. Explain the issues that you would need to be sensitive to when interacting with the patient, and why. Provide at least five targeted questions you would ask the patient to build his or her health history and to assess his or her health risks.
Case Study: Shawn Billings, a 28 year-old African American patient comes in to the clinic today. He has been deemed a “frequent flyer” by the staff at the clinic and was at the clinic last week and 4 days ago with a migraine, given a shot of Toradol and Ativan and sent home. He is here today again for an extreme headache. He is very agitated today. He is here with his father and worried that he will not get any medication.
Resources:
Ball, J. W., Dains, J. E., Flynn, J. A., Solomon, B. S., & Stewart, R. W. (2019). Seidel’s guide to physical examination: An interprofessional approach (9th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Elsevier Mosby.
Chapter 2, “Cultural Competency”
This chapter highlights the importance of cultural awareness when conducting health assessments. The authors explore the impact of culture on health beliefs and practices.
Dains, J. E., Baumann, L. C., & Scheibel, P. (2019). Advanced health assessment and clinical diagnosis in primary care (6th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Elsevier Mosby.
Credit Line: Advanced Health Assessment and Clinical Diagnosis in Primary Care, 6th Edition by Dains, J.E., Baumann, L. C., & Scheibel, P. Copyright 2019 by Mosby. Reprinted by permission of Mosby via the Copyright Clearance Center.
Chapter 2, “Evidenced-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines”
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When assessing the case of Shawn Billings, a 28-year-old African American patient, there are several socioeconomic, spiritual, lifestyle, and cultural factors that may be associated with him. It is important to consider these factors to provide culturally sensitive and effective care. Some of the factors to consider include:
Socioeconomic Factors: Assessing Shawn’s socioeconomic factors can provide insight into his access to healthcare, education, and employment opportunities. Factors such as income level, insurance coverage, and social support systems can influence his health-seeking behaviors and overall well-being.
Spiritual Factors: Understanding Shawn’s spiritual beliefs and practices is crucial, as it can impact his perception of health, illness, and treatment options. It is important to respect and incorporate his spiritual beliefs into the healthcare plan to ensure holistic care.
Lifestyle Factors: Exploring Shawn’s lifestyle factors can help identify potential risk factors and health behaviors that may contribute to his frequent headaches. This includes information about his diet, exercise routine, sleep patterns, substance use (including alcohol and tobacco), and stress levels.
Cultural Factors: As an African American patient, Shawn’s cultural background may influence his healthcare beliefs, preferences, and expectations. Cultural factors such as language, traditions, family dynamics, and healthcare disparities may all play a role in his overall health and response to treatment.
Mental Health Factors: Considering Shawn’s agitation and frequent visits for migraines, it is important to assess his mental health. Factors such as stress, anxiety, depression, and coping mechanisms should be explored to determine their potential impact on his health and well-being.
When interacting with Shawn, it is crucial to be sensitive to the following issues:
Trust and Perception: Building trust is important as Shawn may have had negative experiences or perceptions of healthcare providers in the past. Being empathetic, respectful, and non-judgmental can help establish a therapeutic relationship.
Cultural Competence: Being aware of and respecting Shawn’s cultural beliefs, values, and practices is essential. Cultural competence includes using appropriate language, understanding his health beliefs, and tailoring care to his cultural needs.
Stigma and Discrimination: Recognizing the potential impact of stigma and discrimination on Shawn’s healthcare experiences is important. African Americans have historically faced disparities in healthcare, and being sensitive to these issues can foster a safe and non-discriminatory environment.
Communication Style: Considering Shawn’s level of agitation, it is important to adjust communication strategies accordingly. Using open-ended questions, active listening, and providing clear explanations can help alleviate his concerns and ensure effective communication.
Collaborative Decision-Making: Involving Shawn and his father in the decision-making process can empower them and improve treatment adherence. Engaging in shared decision-making and respecting their preferences can enhance the therapeutic alliance.
Five targeted questions to build Shawn’s health history and assess health risks may include:
Can you describe the frequency, severity, and duration of your headaches? Have there been any triggers or patterns associated with your migraines?
How do your headaches affect your daily activities, work, and overall quality of life?
Can you tell me about your typical diet, including any food or drinks that you think may be related to your headaches?
How would you describe your sleep patterns? Do you have any difficulties falling asleep or staying asleep?
Have you experienced any significant stressors or life changes recently? How do you typically cope with stress?
