Blog 17: Answer 3

EQ: How can a physical therapist best ensure a patient is effectively cared for in an outpatient P.T program

Answer 3:
Implementing the "patient-centered care" model will ensure high-quality care for a consumer participating in an outpatient P.T. program.

• In the past, patient involvement was limited to physicians giving patients the opportunity to ask questions. But if a doctor rattles off a whole lot of confusing medical terminology and follows up with "Any questions?", the patient is overwhelmed and will be inclined to say "no." The patient-centered approach to this involves "inviting" patients to participate in the thought process as to enhance clarification and put everyone on the same page.

• Since patients rely on caregivers to take them through the healing process, it's crucial for all members of the healthcare team to have open lines of communication with both the patient and other team members. A patient's perception that their multiple caregivers are not talking to one another about the plan of care can lead to frustration and feelings of exasperation. In the patient-centered model, care is highly coordinated among healthcare professionals, the patient, and the patients family, with open communication ensuring the care is consistent and thorough.

•  Patient centered care places heavy emphasis on the environment in which the care is taking place, and the technology used to facilitate the flow of information. A physical therapy facility with a good design that supports and nurtures the healing process goes a long way. Quality supportive technology engages patients and family members by submerging them in the flow of information and communication.

Sources: 

"Patient Centered Care: What Does it Take?" - Dale Shaller

"The Value and Values of Patient Centered Care" - Ronald M. Epstein, MD, and Richard L. Street Jr. PhD.

"Practical Approaches for Building a Patient-Centered Culture." - patientcenteredcare.org

This answer seems like it could be my strongest answer. The amount of research out there and the pressure to shift to this model of care is really intense, so I think this is definitely the right direction to head in.

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Blog 11: Holiday Project Update

1. Over the break, I did some more hours with my mentor. It was pretty slow since I went in a few days before Christmas, but hey, hours are hours right? I also did a little catching up on research checks. I went back and finished notating sources I hadn't completed.

2. The most important thing I learned from the hours I did was that physical therapy can be very physically and emotionally draining for the patients. I was observing my mentor work with a woman who had shoulder pain for the past year, and all of a sudden the woman sort of broke down, like not really crying, but not really not crying, you know? Regardless, she appeared to be very distressed. I overheard her say how she was just tired. Tired of the pain, tired of not being able to handle simple motor function, and tired of being tired of all that stuff. Sometimes the marginal improvements from weeks of physical therapy can be underwhelming at best. I know from personal experience how frustrating it is when you feel like you're not recovering, or not recovering fast enough. That's just something that really stuck with me from this mentor ship experience. The emotional toll can be severe, and it's something you don't really stop and think about 'till it's staring you in the face.

3. If I could interview my mentor, Andrea Haston, again, I'd definitely interview her for this 10 question. She's very knowledgeable and passionate about her work. If that's not an option, I'd have to go with her co-worker Manny. Manny is a PTA, so he works directly under my mentor. He gives off this vibe of wisdom, which I think is rad. He's definitely someone I'd be down to interview.

Blog 10: EQ

1. I reviewed the rule of three for writing an EQ.

2a. No; provides framework of study, can be argued, but wording doesn't make sense. 
2b. Yes; provides framework for study, can be argued, wording makes sense
2c. Yes; provides framework for study, can be argued, wording makes sense
2d. Yes; provides framework for study, can be argued, wording makes sense

3. EQ Revision: How can a physical therapist best ensure a patient is efficiently cared for in an outpatient physical therapy setting?

Blog #5: Mentorship and Research Reflection

1.  Getting my current mentorship was pretty easy, since it was my fall-back plan. My mentor Annie is my mom's friend's daughter, who I've actually met before at parties and such. I already knew she was a physical therapist, so I told my self if I wasn't able to get an anesthesiologist to mentor me, I'd hit her up. I thought I had an anesthesiologist who was down to help me out, but he bailed at the last minute, so at that point I had to get my back-up plan going. All it took was a quick phone call and I was all set. So yeah. It was pretty lucky I had this back-up. Otherwise I'd probably still be looking for a mentor.

2.  By far, the most important source I've come across is the APTA's Book of Body Maintenance and Repair. Mrs. Ortega was nice enough to loan it to me, and after quickly skimming it I knew there was going to be a lot of great information inside. The book is divided into two parts. The first half is all about specific body parts, what they do, how they can be maintained and injured, and how they affect one another. It's got more of an encyclopedia feel to it, as it's very dense with facts. The second half contains in depth explanations of physical therapy methods for different parts of the body and can be read straight through like an article. I plan to refer to this book frequently throughout my research so I can get the most out of it.  

Blog #3: Topic Choice and Working EQ

1. My topic: Physical Therapy

2. Focusing question: How can a physical therapist best develop a patient's plan of care?

3. Check the side bar for my Working Bibliography! -->