Topic: Respiratory Issues Complicated by Economic Disadvantage
A mother brings her 8-year-old child to the clinic, stating the child “just isn’t breathing right, doesn’t want to play, just lies on the couch — this happens all the time.”
The appearance of both mother and child is disheveled. The child’s wheezing can be heard across the room. When asked if the child is better at any certain time of the day, the mother responds, “It’s like this all the time and has been for the past year — we saw a doctor last year who diagnosed asthma but we don’t have any money for drugs or to come back to the clinic.”
Directions:
- Identify the resources currently available in your state (Florida) to support this family in the care of this child, including assistance programs for costs of health care follow-up and pharmaceutical treatment agents.
- Create a communication plan for mother and child for both prescriptive and non-prescriptive drug therapies.
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
Respiratory issues are a common problem around the world, and economic disadvantage often complicates the situation. As medical professionals, it is our responsibility to identify the available resources to support families like the one in this scenario. We must also create effective communication plans for both prescriptive and non-prescriptive drug therapies to ensure optimal care for the patient.
1. Identify the resources currently available in your state (Florida) to support this family in the care of this child, including assistance programs for costs of health care follow-up and pharmaceutical treatment agents.
The state of Florida has various programs that can assist families with low income in receiving healthcare services and pharmaceutical assistance. The first program to consider is Florida KidCare, which offers low-cost or free healthcare services to children up to the age of 19 whose family income meets the eligibility guidelines. Florida KidCare covers outpatient care, medical equipment, and prescription drugs, among other services.
Another program that can support this family is Florida Medicaid, which offers coverage for medical expenses, including asthma medications, for eligible low-income families. Moreover, the Florida Prescription Assistance Program (FPAP) is another resource available in Florida that offers prescription coverage for eligible individuals based on their income.
2. Create a communication plan for mother and child for both prescriptive and non-prescriptive drug therapies.
Communication with patients and their caregivers is key to ensuring successful treatment outcomes. For patients with respiratory issues, proper communication is particularly important because they may require both prescriptive and non-prescriptive drug therapies.
When crafting a communication plan, it is essential to use language that is easily understandable and jargon-free. The plan should also be personalized for each patient, taking into consideration any cultural and socioeconomic factors that may affect the patient’s comprehension.
For this particular child and mother, the communication plan should explain the importance of both prescriptive and non-prescriptive drug therapies in managing the child’s asthma symptoms. The plan should stress the importance of adhering to the medication regimen and identify any potential side effects of the medication.
In addition to medication, the plan should also explain the importance of a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and a balanced diet, in managing asthma. The plan could also suggest alternative therapies, such as breathing exercises, that can be used to complement medication and improve symptoms.
Overall, the communication plan should encourage ongoing dialogue between the health care provider, the child, and the mother, to ensure that treatment is effective and any concerns or questions are adequately addressed.
