In a Microsoft Word document of 4-5 pages formatted in APA style, describe the information collected about a person with a chronic illness. Please note that the title and reference pages should not be included in the total page count of your paper.
Identify one person from the illness group you chose in Week 1 to interview (Diabetic patients). The person should not be a patient at the facility in which you work. You can use friends, family members, or coworkers. Do not use the person’s name in the paper, only initials.
Administer the questionnaire you created in Week 1 to that person and address the following:
- Compile the data and analyze the responses to better illustrate where this person, his or her family, and friends are in relation to accepting the diagnosis in relation to the standard health or illness definitions.
- The analysis should also include coping skills, treatment, and support aspects of the illness.
- Explain how this information will direct care plan development for the chosen illness group.
- Include a copy of the interview you created with the responses from the person interviewed in an Appendix.
Support your responses with examples and information from library resources, textbook and lectures.
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction: This paper will analyze the information collected about a person with a chronic illness, specifically a person with diabetes. The questionnaire developed in Week 1 will be administered to an individual chosen from the illness group. The responses collected will be analyzed to illustrate this person’s acceptance of the diagnosis and their coping skills, treatment options, and support aspects of the illness. Finally, we will discuss how this information will direct care plan development for the chosen illness group.
Question 1: What information should be collected about a person with a chronic illness?
When collecting information about a person with a chronic illness, it is important to take a holistic approach to understand the patient’s physical, emotional, and social well-being. The following information should be collected:
1. Demographic information, such as age, gender, race, and ethnicity.
2. Medical history, including the date of diagnosis, disease progression, and any complications.
3. Symptoms and current treatments, including medication, dosage, and any side effects.
4. The patient’s quality of life and functional status, including how the illness has affected their daily activities and relationships.
5. Emotional and psychological well-being, including coping strategies and any symptoms of depression or anxiety.
6. Social support, including the patient’s support network and any community resources available to them.
Collecting this information allows healthcare providers to understand the patient’s overall health status and develop a personalized care plan that addresses their unique needs and preferences.
Question 2: What are the coping skills, treatment, and support aspects of diabetes?
Coping skills are essential for individuals with diabetes to manage the disease effectively. Coping skills involve problem-solving strategies, emotional regulation, and cognitive restructuring. Problem-solving strategies include identifying obstacles and developing strategies to overcome them, such as meal planning and regular blood glucose monitoring. Emotional regulation involves understanding and expressing emotions in a healthy way, such as seeking support from family and friends or talking to a counselor. Cognitive restructuring involves challenging negative thoughts and beliefs and replacing them with positive ones, such as focusing on successes in managing the disease.
Treatment for diabetes includes lifestyle modifications, such as diet and exercise, and medication. Lifestyle modifications include maintaining a healthy diet, regular exercise, and avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption. Medications include insulin, oral hypoglycemic agents, and other medications to manage complications such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
Support aspects of diabetes include support from family and friends, healthcare providers, and the community. Family and friends can provide emotional support and practical assistance in managing the disease. Healthcare providers can offer medical advice, education, and support. The community can provide resources such as support groups and financial assistance.
Question 3: How will the information collected direct care plan development for the chosen illness group?
The information collected about a person with diabetes can direct care plan development for the entire illness group. By understanding the patient’s needs, preferences, and coping strategies, healthcare providers can develop a personalized care plan that considers the individual’s unique circumstances. For example, a patient who struggles with meal planning may benefit from meeting with a nutritionist for additional support. Alternatively, a patient who struggles with emotional regulation may benefit from counseling or participating in a support group. Understanding an individual’s support network can also inform care planning by identifying resources available for practical and emotional support.
In conclusion, collecting information about a person with diabetes allows healthcare providers to understand the patient’s overall health status and develop a personalized care plan that addresses their unique needs and preferences. Coping skills, treatment options, and support aspects of the illness should be considered when evaluating and developing care plans for diabetic patients.
