Introduction
End-of-life care is a complex and important issue that requires the expertise of healthcare professionals. It is essential that healthcare providers have an awareness and knowledge of holistic healthcare that considers biopsychosocial-cultural factors in order to provide competent care. Healthcare professionals must be aware of holistic factors and understand the impact of their decisions on patients, families, caregivers, organizations, and communities. This essay examines the elements and steps of quality care to benefit all involved.
The Impact of Chronic Illness
Chronic illness affects patients, their family members and caregivers, as well as various institutions and societies. Patients may suffer physical and mental health issues, families feel emotional and financial strain, and caregivers struggle to provide care (Arantes, 2020). Organizations must allocate resources to meet the demands of those with chronic illnesses. Communities may need to provide additional support to those unable to engage in activities.
Hospice and Palliative Care
Hospice and palliative care are both types of medical care that focus on providing comfort and support to those with a terminal illness. However, there are some distinct differences between the two. Hospice care is typically given when a person is expected to live six months or less and is centered on providing comfort and support rather than attempting to cure the illness (Arantes, 2020). Palliative care is provided to those with a serious illness regardless of their prognosis and is aimed at enhancing the quality of life for the patient and their family.
The Role of an Interdisciplinary Palliative Care Team in Supporting Patients
The interdisciplinary palliative care team consists of specialists collaborating to provide holistic support for individuals nearing the end of life. The physician guides medical treatment and offers advice to families. The nurse assesses the patient’s needs, and the social worker provides counseling and end-of-life planning. The chaplain offers spiritual guidance and support, the pharmacist manages medications, and the volunteer coordinator provides respite care.
Communication Techniques that Support Patient-Family-Centered Care
Patient-family–centered care at the end of life can be supported by employing effective communication techniques. It is important to create a safe and comfortable environment where family members can openly share their feelings and express their needs. Empathy, active listening, and clear, concise verbal communication can also help ensure everyone’s needs are heard and addressed (Arantes, 2020). It is also essential to acknowledge and respect the family’s culture and beliefs to ensure everyone’s values and wishes are considered during the end-of-life process.
Impact of Professional Behavior and Etiquette
Professional behavior and etiquette can be extremely important when it comes to establishing and maintaining interpersonal communication at the end of life. Healthcare professionals must be respectful and patient when communicating with end-of-life patients and their families (Arantes, 2020). They also should be conscious of cultural and religious beliefs, maintain a calm and professional tone, and never use disrespectful language. Ensuring patients and families understand all options and providing resources if needed are essential to support patients at the end of life.
Shared Decision-Making Models
The SHARE model is a patient-centered approach to healthcare that emphasizes open communication, shared decision-making, and addressing patient preferences. The acronym is Shared Decision-Making, Health Education, Advocacy, Resources and Education. This model encourages collaboration between patients, families, and healthcare providers. The Decision Aids model is another approach that emphasizes providing information and resources to patients and families so that they can make informed decisions. The Supportive Decision-Making model emphasizes providing emotional and practical support to patients and families by building relationships and creating a safe space for dialogue. All three models promote patient-centered care and shared decision-making between all involved parties.
Resources That Help Engage Culturally Diverse Clients
In order to ensure that all clients and families receive the best possible care, regardless of their cultural background, healthcare organizations should evaluate the resources available to them. Utilizing interpreters can help ensure that all parties involved are on the same page, and using technology can help bridge the gap between locations and provide more access to care. Providing culturally sensitive materials, such as handouts and pamphlets in various languages, can also help ensure everyone is informed and engaged.
Strategies for Ensuring a Client’s Privacy
When transitioning a client from one care setting to another, it is essential to ensure the client’s privacy. First, all healthcare providers should know the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and its regulations (Arantes, 2020). This includes following all applicable standards for the use and disclosure of protected health information (PHI). Additionally, a client’s right to privacy should be respected at all times, and any PHI should only be disclosed to those who have a legitimate need to know.
Differences Between Medical Insurance
Medicare covers many services, including hospital care, physician visits, prescription drugs, and hospice services. Medicaid is a state-managed health program for individuals with low incomes who can’t afford to pay for health care. States have the freedom to choose the services it covers and the eligibility requirements for its programs. Third-party insurance is a health plan provided by employers or associations, such as unions.
Conclusion
To summarize, chronic illness can have a far-reaching effect on patients’ lives, families, caregivers, organizations, and community ties. Therefore, it is imperative that healthcare providers, organizations, and communities are sufficiently supplied with the necessary tools to offer thorough care to those living with chronic illness. By implementing successful communication methods, shared decision-making models, and techniques for guaranteeing a client’s confidentiality, we can guarantee that people with chronic illness and their families are provided with the best care and assistance available.
Reference
Arantes, A. C. d. L. Q. (2020). Clinical assessment of human suffering: Planning care in the end of life. Springer International Publishing.