PATIENT PREFERENCES AND DECISION MAKING

Sample Solution

     

I was working as a nurse on a medical-surgical unit when a patient was admitted with pneumonia. The patient was a 65-year-old man with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). He was also a smoker and lived in a low-income neighborhood with limited access to healthy food and healthcare.

The patient's pneumonia was severe, and he required intubation and mechanical ventilation. The doctor discussed the patient's treatment options with him and his family. The doctor explained that the patient could be placed on a ventilator for a period of time, but there was no guarantee that he would survive. The doctor also explained that the patient could be extubated and placed on comfort care.

Full Answer Section

      The patient and his family decided that they wanted to try to save his life. The patient was placed on a ventilator, and he eventually recovered from his pneumonia. However, he was discharged from the hospital with a significant decline in his lung function. He was also now dependent on oxygen therapy. The patient's social determinants of health had a significant impact on his treatment decision. As a result of his low income and limited access to healthcare, the patient had developed COPD. He also lived in a neighborhood with limited access to healthy food, which made it difficult for him to manage his COPD. Ottawa Hospital Research Institute's Decision Aid Inventory I reviewed the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute's Decision Aid Inventory and found a decision aid for patients with pneumonia. The decision aid provides information about the different treatment options for pneumonia, including the risks and benefits of each option. The decision aid also includes a worksheet that patients can use to weigh the different factors involved in the decision-making process. The decision aid does not specifically address social determinants of health. However, it does include a section on the importance of considering the patient's individual circumstances when making a decision about treatment. The decision aid also includes a list of resources that patients can use to get more information about their condition and treatment options. Social Determinants of Health and Treatment Plans Social determinants of health can have a significant impact on a patient's treatment decision. For example, a patient who lives in a low-income neighborhood may have difficulty affording transportation to and from medical appointments. A patient who has limited access to healthy food may have difficulty managing chronic conditions such as diabetes or heart disease. It is important for healthcare providers to be aware of the social determinants of health that may be affecting their patients' treatment decisions. Healthcare providers can help patients to overcome these challenges by providing them with information and resources. Example of How Social Determinants of Health Can Be Considered in a Treatment Plan A patient with diabetes who lives in a low-income neighborhood may have difficulty affording healthy food. The healthcare provider can help the patient to find resources to obtain healthy food, such as food banks or community kitchens. The healthcare provider can also provide the patient with information about how to cook healthy meals on a budget. A patient with heart disease who has limited access to healthcare may have difficulty getting the medications and care they need. The healthcare provider can help the patient to find resources to obtain affordable healthcare, such as government programs or sliding scale clinics. The healthcare provider can also provide the patient with information about how to manage their heart disease at home. By considering the social determinants of health, healthcare providers can help their patients to make informed decisions about their treatment and improve their overall health outcomes.