The Role of Direct Support Professionals in Communicating Health-Related Information

Transcription

1 The Role of Direct Support Professionals in Communicating Health-Related Information Marisa C. Brown MSN, RN DDA Health Initiative

2 Why is communication so vital? People with ID experience health disparities High rates of adverse health conditions and behavioral disorders Disparities in attention to care needs Disparities in health prevention and promotion Inequities in access to health care The culmination effect of these disparities result in the poor health status of individuals with ID. Krahn, G., Hammond, L., & Turner, A. (2006)

3 Information Collection Before a Health Care Visit Health Care Providers (HCPs) need adequate and accurate information about the person and their condition, Not all information is readily apparent to the HCP. Collecting information pre-visit ensures staff s ability to answer questions Prepare the PWD ahead of appointment to maximize their participation In some instances, call HCP in advance to see what information may be needed

4 Communicating a Problem Observe the person to collect all relevant information Discuss your findings with other staff/ supervisors (if available) Know your agency policy and procedure about notification of health changes Read recent progress notes from other staff Review the HCMP for any recent changes/instructions

5 Key Information to Share During a Health Encounter Determine how much assistance the person requires. How can their participation be maximized? If the HCP does not initiate an introduction, you do so. Include your relationship to the person. Clearly state the reason for the visit Be prepared to share sensitive information Be prepared to share your observations or those of other staff members Seek clarification if necessary

6 Sharing Information After the Medical Appointment Follow agency procedures Bring legible consult sheet back to the residence Give the RN/Q/house manager a verbal report about the results of the appointment Make an entry in the progress note Be sure the person is fed, offered to use the bathroom, and rest if necessary

7 Responsibilities for Someone in the Hospital Be prepared to advocate on their behalf Advise the hospital personnel about the information on the Health Passport Receive instruction from the residential nurse or Q about specific responsibilities in the hospital Introduce yourself to the RN and other staff each shift and explain what you are there to do If there are problems in communicating with the hospital staff, request to speak with the hospital s patient representative Assist the person in their recovery by assisting with meals, activity, and emotional support

8 Communications via Phone Situation Describe the situation you are calling to report. (Speak slowly and clearly.) Identify yourself, title, agency and person you are calling about Briefly state the problem, what is it, when it happened or started and how severe it is. Receiving Instructions Have paper and pencil to write down recommendations Repeat instructions given Don t hesitate to ask questions if you do not understand what you are asked to do

9 Communicating by Phone Background Pertinent information related to the situation Be prepared to note current medications (have Health Passport available) Most recent vital signs Assessment What do you think is going on?

10 Communications via Phone Follow all instructions Document actions taken Continue to monitor the person and offer reassurance if the person is in distress Contact supervisor for additional staffing resources if needed Follow up to determine if actions taken have been effective Report changes or lack of change to supervisor. Continue to write progress notes. Keep the person closely supervised.

11 Questions??? Discussion