HLSC 102
Case Scenario: Subacute Care
Unfortunately, Mrs. Fox’s right leg could not be saved, and a surgical amputation was performed below the level of the knee. At that time, the patient also displayed impairments to the following: swallowing solid foods, speaking words and full sentences, anterograde memory, fine and gross motor function of the right upper and lower extremity.
Mrs. Fox spent 2-3 weeks in inpatient care receiving all necessary rehabilitation services with good improvement in objective measurements. However, it was determined that the patient was not yet prepared to return home safely with her family. The necessary paperwork was processed so that the patient could be transferred to Helen Hayes Hospital, a skilled nursing facility, where she could continue to receive rehabilitative and nursing services.
Prior to her accident, Mrs. Fox had a 15 year history of cigarette smoking. Her physician strongly advised her to cease smoking due to its negative effect upon tissue healing and overall negative effects upon her health. During a rehabilitation session, the patient reported that her situation had left her feeling depressed, particularly because of her difficulty communicating with her husband and 2 children. She also expressed fear that she would never walk “normally” again or be able to do things such as brush her hair or feed herself like she did before. She stated that the only time she felt “happy” lately was when she was painting in the common room.
Based on the case scenario above, answer the following questions:
1. Of the health professionals discussed after the midterm exam, which may be involved in Mrs. Fox’s care?
2. What would be the role of each provider?
3. Why might providers need to communicate with one and other specific to this case?
4. How might they communicate?
5. What other healthcare team members, previously or not yet discussed, might be involved and what would be their roles?
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction: In this case scenario, a patient named Mrs. Fox has undergone a surgical amputation below the level of the knee and displays impairments to several functions. She has spent time in inpatient care and is now being transferred to a skilled nursing facility for further rehabilitation. In this context, the following questions need to be answered.
1. Of the health professionals discussed after the midterm exam, which may be involved in Mrs. Fox’s care?
– Medical doctors, nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, social workers, pharmacists, dietitians, and case managers may be involved in Mrs. Fox’s care.
2. What would be the role of each provider?
– Medical doctors would oversee Mrs. Fox’s medical treatment and medications; nurses would administer medications, monitor vital signs, and educate the patient and family; physical therapists would help her regain mobility and strength; occupational therapists would assist her in regaining skills needed for daily living; speech therapists would help her with communication difficulties; social workers would provide emotional support, counseling, and assist with discharge planning; pharmacists would review and manage her medications; dietitians would ensure that she receives a proper diet and nutrition; and case managers would coordinate and manage Mrs. Fox’s care.
3. Why might providers need to communicate with one and other specific to this case?
– Providers need to communicate with each other to ensure that they are working towards the same goals for the patient, to address any concerns or issues that may arise, to coordinate care and avoid duplication of services, to ensure that the patient receives safe and effective care, and to ensure that there is continuity of care when the patient transitions from one setting of care to another.
4. How might they communicate?
– Providers may communicate through written or electronic medical records, phone calls, emails, or face-to-face meetings.
5. What other healthcare team members, previously or not yet discussed, might be involved and what would be their roles?
– Other healthcare team members who may be involved in Mrs. Fox’s care include respiratory therapists, wound care specialists, psychologists, and recreational therapists. Respiratory therapists would help her with any breathing difficulties that may arise; wound care specialists would help prevent and treat any wound infections; psychologists would provide mental health counseling and support; and recreational therapists would provide therapeutic activities to help improve Mrs. Fox’s physical and emotional well-being.
