Prompt 1: Describe the type of data that would need to be collected if you were to create a survey to assess the use of opioids in Anytown. Who would take the survey? How would you analyze the data from the survey? This question will help you to prepare for this week’s assignment.
Prompt 2: Pathways to Safer Opioid Use Scenario
Link to access scenario:
Complete the character role of the patient James Parker. You can work through this character more than once, making different decisions to alter the outcome. Once you have completed this role, answer the following:
What decisions did you make? Did you change any of your answers? Did anything surprise you? As a public health professional, how can you work with patients affected by the opioid crisis? Now that you have completed the entire scenario, do you have a better understanding of the diverse perspective needed to combat this epidemic?
Prompt 3: Infectious disease dynamics are complicated. There are often many factors involved in the acquisition and eradication of infectious diseases.
- Review your comments from last week’s discussion, keeping in mind what you have learned regarding pathogens and outbreaks.
- Research and share data regarding C. Difficile as it pertains to incubation, mode of transmission, symptomatology and treatment.
- Compare your week 3 discussion posts in relation to C. diff. What have you learned about infectious disease dynamics and the role they play in outbreaks?
- Respond to at least two (2) of your classmates’ or your instructor’s posts. Your responses should include elements such as follow-up questions, a further exploration of topics from the initial post, or requests for further clarification or explanation on some points made.
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
As a medical professor, I am responsible for creating course assignments and exams for medical students. Additionally, I conduct lectures, evaluate student performance, and provide feedback through examinations and assignments. This post includes answers to three prompts related to my field of expertise.
Answer 1:
If I were to create a survey to assess opioid use in Anytown, I would collect data on the frequency and dosage of opioid use among residents, the reasons for opioid use, and any adverse effects experienced. The survey would also collect demographic data to determine if certain groups are more prone to opioid use. The survey would be taken by a random sample of Anytown residents, including both opioid users and non-users. The data collected would be analyzed using statistical methods to determine the prevalence of opioid use in the community and identify any trends or patterns.
Answer 2:
As a public health professional, working with patients affected by the opioid crisis involves conducting routine check-ups and assessments to ensure patients are on the right track to recovery and avoiding relapse. In the Pathways to Safer Opioid Use scenario, I made decisions to explore non-opioid pain management alternatives and discuss addiction risk factors with the healthcare provider, among others. Through these decisions, I learned that patients may require additional support and encouragement to explore non-opioid options, and it is important to approach addiction risk factors with empathy and compassion. The scenario helped me understand the diverse perspectives needed to combat the opioid crisis and highlighted the importance of healthcare providers in improving outcomes for patients.
Answer 3:
C. difficile is a bacterial pathogen that causes diarrhea and other intestinal diseases. It is spread through contact with contaminated surfaces and is most commonly found in healthcare settings. Research shows that the incubation period of C. difficile is from one to ten days, and symptoms vary from mild diarrhea to severe colitis and organ failure. Treatment includes antibiotics targeted at the specific strain of bacteria. Comparing my discussion posts on C. difficile from week three, I learned about the importance of disease prevention through measures such as sanitation and hand hygiene. Additionally, I learned how infectious disease dynamics can contribute to outbreaks, particularly when proper infection control measures are not in place.
Overall, through these prompts and their respective answers, I have gained a deeper understanding of the complexities of the medical field, particularly regarding opioid use, infectious diseases, and patient care.