1. ) Negotiation refers to the mutual relationship existing between the doctor who gives the treatment and the patient who seeks for it. This implies that both of them have the responsibility to participate in the treatment process and that both of them should take part in whatever outcome the treatment plan may bring.
2. ) In the past, patients were merely followers of their physician. They were not involved in deciding what treatment plan to take nor in knowing the prognosis of their illness. However, patients are now evolving to be participants in their own healthcare.
Thus, patient education is becoming an important aspect in the treatment process because the patient should be aware of what they can do in order to make the treatment outcome better as it can be.
3. ) Negotiation gives the patient a sense of responsibility in the course of treatment. It makes them more aware of the changes they should embark in their personal lifestyle as well as do’s and don’ts in their daily routine. Because of this, the treatment usually turns out to be effective. However, negotiation does not go well with all patients.
Some patients can be so hardheaded that they don’t care even if they discontinue the treatment especially if it gives them some discomfort. Thus, it’s the physician’s responsibility to make sure that the negotiation process between him and the patient would work.
4. ) A patient contract is utilized to set measurable goals for the treatment plan of the patient. This includes follow up schedules in order for the physician to track the development of the patient. It also ensures the physician of the compliance of the patient.
This enables the doctor to stop a particular treatment if it’s not working or to move to a more advanced treatment if the patient needs it.
5. ) Baby boomers refer to the people who were born after World War II. They make up the majority of the world population and were known to be the offspring of prosperity and development brought about by the cessation of war. However, baby boomers are now of old age. Old age refers to the age of 65 years or older. Because of this, there is an increasing proportion of the elderly in the world.
6.) It is not surprising that a 30-year-old health care professional and an elderly patient would have a number of differences. For the health care professional, health care is a basic right and need of a patient. On the other hand, the elderly patient views it as a matter of life and death that’s why he’ll just consult a physician if the condition is already critical. Moreover, the health care professional may see health care as the patient’s individual decision. On the other hand, the elderly patient may view a health decision as a family matter which should be decided by the majority.
7. ) Because an elderly patient may have a number of chronic illnesses, the treatment plan as well as the patient education could be more complicated. The physician should take into consideration the physical capacity of the patient to do what is required for the treatment. Also, social and emotional stability should be noted in order to assure compliance. Financial competence should also be considered.
8. ) Patient education for the elderly is somehow different. Probably, the best approach is not just to involve the patient but the family as well.
It is important to educate the family so that they will understand the remarkable changes happening to the patient and help in the treatment process.
9. ) The view of death varies in every culture and nation. For the Chinese, death is dealt with mourning. For the Filipinos, death is viewed as a social gathering. For the Moslems, death is a solemn occasion and the burial follows a specific time and direction towards the Mecca.
10. ) It is important to discuss death and dying with an elderly patient in order for the physician to help him anticipate death in a healthy way.
By doing this, the patient is able to improve the quality of his life and at the same time, there is a sense of preparedness on the notion of death.
11. ) Teaching a patient with a life threatening disease is not an easy task. The physician should make the patient feel comfortable especially during the times of pain. Moreover, the physician should be able to understand first the feelings of the patient before giving advice regarding his condition. Also, the physician should also take into consideration the family who will be left by the patient sooner or later.