Abstract The 1991 film, "The Doctor", directed by Randa Haines, tells the story of a surgeon, Jack McKee, who suddenly finds himself in the role of the patient when he is diagnosed with throat cancer. Initially, McKee's bedside manner is severely lacking, and he shows a lack of empathy for his patients. By the end of the film, McKee has changed. This paper shows that, while the story told is a personal journey, it also illustrates many aspects of communication. By following the actions and behaviors of McKee from start to finish, various phases of communication are illustrated in this paper.
From the Paper "This personal change for McKee can also be understood by relating his journey to Maslow's hierarchy of needs. Initially, McKee is at the esteem or ego level, where he seeks recognition. This recognition and esteem is provided by his position as doctor. When McKee is diagnosed with throat cancer, his level suddenly changes to basic survival needs. As his journey continues, he then strives to have his social needs met as he realizes that he needs love and friendship. This includes the recognition that his friendships with the other doctors are not really based on personal needs, but on esteem needs. This explains why he does not find any comfort with these relationships."
Abstract This paper examines the unfortunate incidences of medical errors in a hospital situation. The paper presents a proposal to increase patient safety with bar coding at the bedside. The paper discusses the relevant statistics of medical mishaps and the ensuing effects on all involved. The paper contends that bar coding is a simple solution to a huge problem, a process which will save lives, promote longevity and quality of life, avoid legal actions, financial losses, reputation and licensure losses.
Outline
Introduction
The Analysis
Iatrogenic Study Comparison
The Reporting
The Drug-Related Morbidity Solution
Bar Coding
Early Compliant Hospitals
The Justification
Summary
Bibliography
From the Paper "Patient care and recovery statistics demonstrate that the United States has a medical care system with which Americans are less satisfied than other citizens in developed countries. There are many reasons for this: correlation between health and socioeconomic status; non-universality; federal government is not involved in medical planning although it purchases a large percentage of the 14% health care GNP; lobbying and special interest group interference; and political opposition to restraining medical developments."
Abstract This paper discusses questions related to nursing and political activism based on an article that states that it is the nurse's ethical and moral obligation to do more than believe their role is limited to bedside patient care. The papers presents answers given by nurses when questioned on various topics, including politics.
From the Paper "Nursing in the Political Arena According to the shifting paradigm of nursing, the definition of nursing has been expanded from one of simply caring and providing care to that of advocate. Kosik (p. 698 as cited in Ballou, 2000) states, "Nursing must become actively involved not only in nurse-patient relationships but also in socio-political relationships in order to be a patient advocate" (p. 176). Ballou's (2000) thinking is in line with the American Nursing Association's key documents and Code for Nurses when she states that the nurse must be keenly aware of the individual and collective obligations of nursing in order to satisfy the needs of society for nursing care. The words of the Nursing Code parallel this thought. Additionally, as pointed out in the Ballou (2000) article, "the theme of moral practice as the foundation of professional nursing is firmly established in contemporary nursing literature" (p. 174)."
Abstract In this article, the writer discusses the E-MAR that consists of a combination bedside medication administration tool and electronic medication administration record (E-MAR) which is designed to provide safety and flexibility in medication administration. The writer explains that the primary function of bar-coded medication administration is to reduce medication errors at the point of care. The E-MAR makes use of bar-code scanning technology which scans the patient's ID, identifies the caregiver and the medication. The writer then discusses advantages and disadvantages to the use of the E-MAR. The writer notes that the most significant benefit of the E-MAR is that it greatly reduces the potential for drug errors. The writer concludes that bar-coded medication administration should be adopted because of its contribution to optimal patient safety.
Outline:
Benefits of the E-MAR
Disadvantages
Recommendations
From the Paper "The system contains its own built-in decision making tools related to certain medications. It is also designed to conform to regulatory compliance. Use of the E-MAR assists in preventing drug interactions as well as missed doses. These tasks are achieved through reminders received at the nurses' station that display a window of opportunity for effective dose administration along with identifying critical drugs that require priority administration. The system is designed to capture pre- and post-dosage clinical charting. The E-MAR identifies the patient to the system, and determines the medications that have been ordered. The system then checks for allergies and drug interactions, and reviews the dosing schedule. The E-MAR also can manage its own inventories for medication supplies on the floor.
"The E-MAR system assists in documentation since it provides reminders related to charting, assessment, or documentation of an outcome. In addition, the E-MAR allows for complete point of care documentation, automated ordering of medications, along with critical pre- and post-dosing clinical charting support."
Abstract In this article, the writer notes that the term healthcare communication can refer to all types of communications used in the healthcare industry, be it communication between and among healthcare agencies, healthcare providers, and healthcare clients. In this paper, however, the writer concentrates on the topic of healthcare communication between healthcare providers and their patients-clients. The paper emphasizes the importance of this communication and looks at the current movement in healthcare education to bring back the human touch into healthcare practice in order for medicine to regain its soul.
Outline:
What is Healthcare Communication?
Relevance of Healthcare Communication
Emergency Room Situations
Confidentiality
Dealing with Family Issues
Dealing with Sociocultural Issues
Communication in the Process of Healing
Principles of Therapeutic Communication in Healthcare Settings
Verbal communications
Verbal communications
Nonverbal communications
From the Paper "Communication is an exchange, a two-way process. But sometimes this is forgotten in the healthcare setting when the patient-client becomes the passive, receiving end while the healthcare provider does all the talking and fails to listen. However, for healthcare delivery to be effective, there should be an exchange of information between the two parties.
"Healthcare providers have a 2-fold responsibility towards their patients who are basically their clients. First, they must have the technical skills, and second, they much have the ability to communicate and empathize. In other words, a healthcare professional does not only need the brain and skill to perform his/her work. He/she must also have his/her heart into it."
