Mr. Fletcher a man in his late forties visited the hospital complaining of a stuffy chest and incessant coughing. The nurse on duty welcomed him and reassured him that everything would be alright. She then asked him some questions about his general health and habits and gave him ample space to feel relaxed and explain himself. He was them ushered in to see the Physician who showed genuine concern for Mr. Fletcher’s condition. He then gave him a short physical examination using sterilized instruments and gloves. The physician asked Mr. Fletcher to explain the nature of his job.
He was told that he was working in a foundry for the last 15 years. He also explained that he was constantly exposed to dust and smoke for the whole time he was in the foundry. The doctor told him that his health complaint was due to the nature of his work as he was exposed to so much of dust and smoke. The physician explained that his lungs were coated with so much of dust and smoke which was making it difficult for him to breathe easily. The physician then advised Mr. Fletcher that he would have to get admitted in order to get rid of his illness and he asked him for a suitable time.
Mr. Fletcher felt at ease with the doctor as well as the nurse because they showed genuine interest in his condition. He showed interest in wanting to get better soon and so decided that he would admit himself the next day. 12 The next day when Mr. Fletcher got admitted, the nurse in charge took trouble in explaining that personal hygiene was of utmost importance. She advised him on respiratory hygiene by telling him he had to cover his mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing. She also asked him to keep some tissues close at hand in case he had to use them. He was advised to throw the used tissues into a closed waste receptacle.
In case he came into contact with respiratory secretions or other contaminated articles he was supposed to wash his hands with an antiseptic or an alcohol based hand rub. The nurse showed Mr. Fletcher where the tissues and hand wash were kept. The doctor sat with Mr. Fletcher and discussed on the action plan that would best suit him. They went through the procedures once again till Mr. Fletcher was satisfied and happy at the course of action. Medication was administered by the nurse conscientiously from time to time and she and the doctor maintained a good rapport with Mr. Fletcher.
After about a week in the hospital Mr. Fletcher was breathing easily and freely. He was discharged soon after but advised to continue his personal hygiene and his medication. He was asked to visit the doctor for a follow – up after two weeks. When Mr. Fletcher visited the hospital after two weeks he was all praise for both the doctor as well as the nurse in charge of the Respiratory ward and so thanked them profusely. In this scenario, the Roper – Logan – Tierney Model was put into action and the outcome was the patient was thoroughly satisfied with his experience at the hospital which in turn made him get better faster.
References: BBC History – Florence Nightingale ( www.bbc.co.uk 1820 – 1910)