Evolving Patient Needs Assessment Models

Introduction

The concept of health is a broad area that surpasses merely the presence of sickness, to accommodate the state of both social and psychological well-being. Alongside the spinning wheel of time, there have been radical changes concerning how the patients’ needs are assessed for the purposes of relevant treatment regimes. Such that we have moved from the traditional approaches that chiefly focused on patients’ physical examination; to offer therapy. The evolution of new modern assessment models have improved the essence of healthcare in many centres, hence induced better results in the operational domain of health as a whole (Low, Yap, and Brodaty, 2011).

In many healthcare systems, integrated care is a possibility to address the incessant need for elevated health outcomes and patient experiences. Over the previous years, different models in supportive of patients’ needs assessment have been discussed in literature and practice (Nici, and Zu, 2012). This paper intends to explore the models for assessing the needs; of patient X, with reference to the contextual case study presentation. Additionally, I will discuss an account for my skills which I deem relevant in the assessment exercise. Then, the paper will provide my views as a manager in the outcomes for patient X, and suggest how I would advise the caregiver to make revisions or additions to the care plan reconsider the formulation of goals and support for Ms. X

Models that are available to Support an Assessment of Ms. X’s Support Needs

Individual Models of Integrated Care

This particular set of integrated care models focuses on personal coordination of care for highly in-risk patients ailing from many conditions. This model is geared to facilitate the most effective delivery of healthcare services and alleviate fragmentation between the care providers (Béland, and Hollander, 2011). Such that; the administration of care to patients follow more than one course, which calls for coordinated partnerships between different care providers. In the context of our case study; the following forms of individual models of integrated care are manifested;

Case management

With a reference to the American Case Management Association; case-management is “A collaborative process that encompasses communication and facilitates care along with a continuum through effective resource coordination. Goals of case management include the achievement of optimal health, access to care and appropriate utilization of resources, balanced with the patient's right to self-determination” in the case presentation, our patient in question is assigned to a care provider to oversee her; who in turn strives harder towards restoring her capacity to get access to basic services such a bathroom and meals in the hotel. The intention of the care provider is well extracted in this particular context; thus, to enable the patient’s care is coordinated in the medical regimen and social wellbeing (Jansson, Pilhamar, and Forsberg, 2011).

There are four main components of case management depicted in the case presentation namely (Bird, Noronha, and Sinnott, 2010);

Definition and selection of targeted groups of individuals upon which the case management is based on. Patient X in this premise is the target group.

Secondly, assessment and planning for care. The manager has assigned the care worker to look into the patient’s constraints prior to the administration of proper and relevant care.

Thirdly, is the periodic and regular monitoring of patients wellbeing to oversee the progress made.

Lastly is the adjustment of care schedules as per arise in needs. There is an impression in the case study, that there is a possibility to induce new mechanisms or practices to foster the health of patient X; either through addition or subtraction of particular care plan (Mbwele, 2014)

Empirical studies have demonstrated times without number; that case management greatly reduces numbers of patients in health centres, readmissions and brings about increased patients’ satisfaction (Boorsma et al., 20110). In view of these studies, it is therefore essential to consider designing and offering of case management to patients who are likely to find it of great help.

Individual care plans

Care planning is also depicted in the case study. This approach is suitable for patients having long-term conditions such as patient X who is characterized by the inability to move around effectively due to paralysis. The aim of this model is to offer more personalized care while designing shared care strategies to track are processes (Low, Yap, and Brodaty, 2011). For instance, the patient X’s care worker has put in place logistics for the accessory of food and access to bathroom services to the patient. The care worker has conducted a need assessment to unravel the particular needs of the patient; for a better-informed decision concerning the delivery of fundamental food services (Bousquet et al., 2011).

Notably, care plans are labour-intensive and costly; and therefore they ought to be administered on the threshold of legible beneficiaries. While developing the care strategies, it is critical that the care worker develop mastery of matters at hand concerning the patient. Additionally, Burt et al., 2014, note that the care plans ought not to be rigid; but flexible in nature. This is to allow room for adjustments after assessments and patient feedback are rendered. Care plans have been harnessed to curb various conditions such as bronchitis, diabetes, and stroke as in the case study presentation. The selection of this model ought to fall within the limelight of relevance to the needs of the patient to avoid duplicating it to a wrong patient (Chouvarda et al., 2015).

Personal Health Budgets

This model is well characterized by its tendency to grant patients an elevated position and autonomy over their care. Such that; the voice of patient echoes and her feelings are highly taken into consideration before the launch of the treatment regimen (Makai et al., 2015). The care worker is committed in the collection of information from patient X as a basis to meet her needs. This model postulates that acting as a budget holder; the patient is at a better position to coordinate his/her care as per the current needs buying services across providers. The patients’ families are also an important entity in the fulfilment of patients’ positive outcomes. The family members are therefore supported financially or in any other way, to consequently induce a positive change to the patients around them (Davidson et al., 2015).

Dimitrijevic (2013) notes that Personal Health Budgets have been operating in the United Kingdom over the past 20years, and have begun to spread beyond to new countries such as Germany, Austria, Norway, and the Netherlands. The assessments conducted have demonstrated the model very effective and efficient concerning care delivery, based on its ability to avoid duplication and improved continuity.

Disease-specific Integrated Care Models

There are models are of various types developed to offer improved and integrated care for people with particular conditions such as stroke, diabetes mellitus, and bronchial asthma (Israelsson‐Skogsberg, and Lindahl, 2017). The first typology is the Chains of Care which intends to interconnect hospital, primary and community care through incorporated pathways founded on the premises of local agreements and care providers. Another sub-set of Disease-specific Integrated Care Models is the managed clinical networks which constitute of professional primary, secondary and tertiary organizations working in a coordinated manner to yield quality clinical services (Evans, and Baker, 2012). The model places the patients at a central position to sparkle service access are reduce variations in the quality of healthcare-acquired.

Integrated Care Model for Elderly and Frail

These models are designed for the vulnerable society members especially the elderly and the weak. According to this model, integration is enhanced through the establishment of a collective governing entity of health and social care. The created entity is geared to define strategies, and allocate resources to the widespread chain of social care. The objective of the model is strengthening the autonomy of patients (White, 2011). To supersede the fragmentation of concerns for the aged people; five integrated social care team have been put in place, in England. The groups are arranged in accordance with the territorial doctrines and practices of that particular area (Mechanick et al., 2013).

Reflection on My Own Current Skills would be Effective during this Assessment Process

The healthcare docket is one which requires a strategy of skills for the effective communications between the care worker, the patient, and the management or any other involved stakeholder (Scott, 2015). The docket cannot be run in isolation of the pertinent soft skills utilized in the exchange of words, perceptions, and feelings across the involved parties. Soft skills impact our careers, performances and other domains of life. In my broad encounters of life, I have continually grown up, as I learn through experiences; and in the field. I have no monopoly of the skills that I am going to discuss forthwith, but I am compelled to reminisce over myself, and confidently say that situations while on the pedestals of a Healthcare Assistant; I have had the capacity to apply them in different dimensions.

The first skill I want to reflect on is empathy. I have continually found the health professional fully characterized by the commitment to deal with situations and constraints faced by patients. To address the psychological, mental and peoples’ sickness is a calling that is propagated on the threshold of empathy to our clients. It is through empathy, that we feel the needs of others, and work towards helping them come out of such sick situations. Being sympathetic with others especially my patients rekindles my will to immediately react towards changing their ways, which therefore sets a rapport for best diagnostic engagements (Heinberg et al., 2013).

As a Health Assistant Officer, I have not only mastered communication skills but also learn t that without it, I would just be an empty vessel unable to link and connect to my clients. My profession would be obsolete and irrelevant for how would I address anyone? Being with the capacity to communicate clearly and effectively with patients and colleagues is a norm in the health centre. Throughout my college days, I perfected my communication skills through the avenues as a student leader and academic group discussions which indeed induced confidence in me. I have learned a lot experientially concerning communication skills in the capacity of a Health Assistant Officer; and yet I learn every day.

As much as it may be hard to talk about myself, I have a full realization that I have at times worked for too long hours in the desire to improve and save the life. I have strong work ethics for that matter. In so doing, I have discovered my job is not time-bound, as I have to work longer at the benefits of my people. My career pathway has instilled me with such adaptability to work as need arises without the command of time. As a result, I have come to appreciate and understand the source of my joy in working longer for the service of humanity. It gives me inspiration and purpose in life; to make people feel better.

Time management is also the characteristic attribute that helps me manage my position. The ability to keep time assists me to ensure I have achieved my schedules as a set. The skill helps me get to work in time and adhere to elemental duties and perform office tasks within the required time. I am a firm believer that time is the greatest teacher as a Health Assistant Officer; and that life is saved on the premise of time management. For that, I have continuously growing to respect time; for I know the rationales.

Positive mental attitude is another skill that I have nurtured in my experiences as a Health Assistant. A positive mind is critical when dealing with not only patients but also colleagues. A right attitude towards my clients inspires hope and life to my clients, which consequently improve the outcomes. As a caregiver, it is essential to carry a positive attitude to my patients during the exchange and assessment of their needs. This is so critical because it brings forth trust and confidence which makes the patients open up more and thus for more informed and relevant therapies (Musen, Middleton and Greenes, 2014)

Teamwork skills are also part of my course is a Health Practitioner. At many times, we are under the guidance of team works; working in groups to maximize our outcomes concerning situations we are confronted with. The ability to work and maintain in groups is vital for anyone to keep on operating nicely (Moloi, 2015). As a team player, I am able to render my support and encourage each other toward a common goal. The health domain is an area were meaningful group work is eloquent of abundance. Through such opportunities, I learned stepwise on how to actively participate and work towards the alleviation of a problem.

Self-confidence and flexibility are another key area of specialization I ought to admit I am good at. With a wide array of experiences I have gathered from college and workplace, I have grown into a confident man, doing things with the aim of helping others; confidently. At times criticisms arise but confidence sets me in motion. It is through confidence that I am bestowed with noble duties to save human life. I work hard to maintain the trust people have bestowed on me.

Additionally, I am a flexible fellow; able to operate again within the constraints of flexible schedules. I can comfortably change shifts and stay longer to solve problems. Being flexible, I have adequately adapted to working in a different environment, either at home or in health centres. Being flexible is indeed a basic necessity to almost all career affiliations.

My Views as a Manager on Mrs. X’s Outcomes and the Advice to the Care Worker on Any Addition or Revisions to the Care Plan

As a manager, I am appreciative of the outcomes derived concerning patient X’s conditions. The models discussed in the first section of this essay are instrumental in the decision formulation process. However, before policies are formulated, it is important that assurance is guaranteed that the models are legitimate and need specific to the patient in question. This is to ensure that there are elemental savings in terms of cost and labour incurred to implement the findings.

I hold the view that; the care worker has applied a structural systematic and dynamic style rather than, a static one to gather and analyse data concerning patient X’ state of health. This is the foundation of giving informed nursing care. Additionally, assessment does not comprise only of physiological data, but it also integrates psychological, spiritual, socio-cultural, lifestyle and economic aspects of a person. In view of this, I recommend that the care worker revisit this precept and reflect as to whether the afore-mentioned tenets were given audience during the need assessment (O'Rourke, Psych, and Hatcher, 2013). Moreover, the diagnosis plan ought to be built on the basis of clinical judgment concerning the patient’s responses to real or potential health needs. The therapy induced should reflect on the patient’s pain and other related aspects the pain has induced, such as poor nutrition, anxiety, familial conflicts, paralysis or any other complication caused (Prevost, and Grach, 2012). In view of assessment and diagnosis, the caregiver ought to set measurable and achievable long-term and short-term objectives which are intended to improve the current state of affairs. Such objectives in the context of patient X may be such the ability to get access to food substances through online measures, and the ability to get access to bathroom services. Data assessment diagnosis and data are prescribed on the patient’s care plan for the purpose of making it available to other relevant bodies such as other health professionals (Reich, Rapold and Flatscher 2012).

The implementation of nursing care according to the care plan needs to get documented in the patients’ record book. For easier retrieval, the records should be vivid enough for readability. The efficiency of the nursing care and the patient’s status ought to be evaluated. Evaluation unveils the effectiveness of the entire experiences as undertaken from the advent of needs assessment stage all along through the initiation of a change on the side of the patient. Essential modifications are rendered accordingly to improve on areas of weaknesses. Evaluation is also done to benchmark the successes relative to the set objectives (Salz et al., 2012).

Conclusion

There are different models supporting the patients’ needs assessment. The above-presented models fall within the context of patient X. It has been possible to single out the major guiding principles of the models falling within the jurisdiction of the case study; as exemplified above. Notably, any kind of integrated model for patients’ needs assessment is thus contextually-bound. These various model typologies are essential and have substance. It is important that a careful study is done before the application of suggestions rendered by the models, to avoid misuse of capital, time and labour in the implementation of outcomes.

As discussed in this essay, I have submitted a self-proclamation of my gathered skills that I deemed critical in the docket of Health Assistant Officer. It is hard to talk about oneself, but the presentation of such skills was based on how they have assisted me to thrive and walk through my career pathway, as a resourceful [person to many. In summary, I did mention about skills on empathy, communication skills, strong work ethics, time management, positive attitude, teamwork, and flexibility. Such skills are not only essential in the health care domain; but also other broad contexts of life.

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