Evaluating Short-Term Outcomes

The assessment process is the back bone to any package of care and it is vital that it is personal and appropriate to the individual concerned. Although studies have found that there is no singular theory or understanding as to what the purpose of assessment is, there are different approaches and forms of assessment carried out in health and social care. These different approaches can sometimes result in different outcomes.

initial step of assessment. I find it important to read patient’s biographical details, medical history, social background and their health progress by then inviting 10 of my clients. Within the community ,who has respiratory illness such as asthma suffering from exacerbation of symptoms of shortness of breath.

It is crucial to act upon findings present in the A-E assessment, but also to ensure the stability and safety of the patient by monitoring the patient for the continuing time of care, such as 24 hours for Colin.

Through basic observations, health professionals are able to evaluate the performance of an individual’s health status. In relation to Casey, it is noted in her Observation Chart that in the time span of two hours the patient’s health status had changed from being relatively normal (to the patient) to an increased respiratory rate, heart rate and temperature as well as a decrease in blood pressure. It is also noted that the patient has a score of 8 in the pain scale (compared to the score of zero two hours previously), relating to the lower abdomen. Programs such as Between the Flags acknowledges the fact that the early recognition of deterioration of patients can reduce harm to patients through designing and implementing systems which provide a structural response in the event of a deteriorating patient, such as Rapid Response and Clinical Review. There are two phases involved in the rapid response, which includes the afferent phase and the efferent phase. The afferent phase focuses on the overall monitoring and recognising the deteriorating patient whereas

* My reflections on training I have attended recently, progress with my NVQ or other qualifications

Assessment tools are used in the care planning process to build up a holistic picture of an individual’s needs. When all the details have been recorded an assessment can be made and suitable care and support can be identified. A few of the assessment tools are information from the individual such as diaries, observations, medical histories and checklists.

At the start of the health and social care course I knew that I wanted a career working within the health or social care sector. From working with local authorities (such as schools, elderly care home) I have learned how to communicate effectively with different service users. Professionally I have learned the importance of guidelines within a health and social care sector. I know and understand the relevant that I am able to promote later within my career with working with service users.

In this Assessment nursing course, one of the major things that is taught is the most important part of giving proper care to a patient. Correct patient assessment is needed before any nursing care plan or treatment can be implemented. This post-review of a person’s assessment will demonstrate the proper way to go about assessing a person’s health.

This essay sets out to discuss the importance of comprehensive and accurate assessment on a registered nurses’ ability to make excellent clinical decisions. It will examine what factors can change a nurses’ capability to be aware of, and act on abnormal assessment findings. As well as assessment being part of the nursing process that is used in every day nursing, it is also a critical part of patient safety (Higgins, 2008). Assessment findings are used to determine what needs to be done for the patient next. Early warning scoring systems currently exist to aid in the early detection of patient deterioration (Goldhill, 2005). The rationale for the use of these systems is that early recognition of deterioration in the vital signs of a

The first stage of the process is assessment. Roper et al (2001) refer to this process as ‘assessing’ indicating an ongoing activity; this encourages nurses to recognise the on-going nature of this initial phase. The assessing stage includes gathering information about a patient, reviewing this information, identifying actual and potential problems and prioritising (Roper et al 2001). Roper et al (2001) explain the importance for assessing, as early as possible in the patient’s stay. Extensive, in-depth information may not be gathered on an initial assessment, however any information obtained contributes towards individualised care (Roper et al 2001). Ambrose and Wittig (1998) explain that the initial assessment becomes a foundation for ongoing assessing and holistic care. Barrett, Wilson and Woollands (2009) concord with Roper et al and Wittig in that assessing is an ongoing process and elaborate on this explaining that assessment should not be confused with admission. They state “an admission tends to be a one-off process when you first meet the patient, whereas assessment carries on throughout your relationship with the patient” (pg22). Assessment enables the nurse and patient to identify actual and potential problems. Although, some problems can be directly related to biological needs, holistic needs must be considered, i.e. psychological state and cultural/social standing

In this analysis of professional practice I shall examine the work I have undertaken in my current work setting and also evidence the progression in my practice. The names of the service users discussed has been changed in order to protect identity and to follow confidentiality policy (HCPC SOCPE: point 2). To conclude I shall identify and discuss my future learning needs.

Alice needed an assessment of her needs and to have a care plan that is regularly reviewed by professionals. Assessment is the decision making process, based upon the collection of relevant information, using a format set of ethical criteria, that contributes to an overall estimation of a person and her circumstances (Barker, 2004). I was going to get most of the information from Alice. Barker (2009) suggests that wherever possible information should be obtained directly from the person, either in the form of some kind of self report or via observation. Good communication and a systematic approach to data collection are needed for a successful assessment.

A major component of the care Paramedics provide is the assessment of a patient’s physical status, which is the ground for any further treatment. The assessment method that an Advanced Care Paramedic follows is a systematic assessment referred to as the Primary Survey. The aim of this fundamental assessment is to give an initial diagnosis of the patient as well as identifying any imminent threats to the patient. This assessment is used so that a Paramedic can decide how to treat the patient while staying within the boundaries of their scope of practice. Throughout this essay the concept of a primary survey within the scope of practice of an Advanced Care Paramedic will be understood. Additionally

This program’s intended outcomes comprise both short-term and long-term outcomes. Firstly, the short-term outcome is that for every patient who is fifty years and older is given the choice to undergo either the colonoscopy or the CT colonography (CTC) procedure. Consequently, if more patients choose the CTC method, then it will vastly affect the adherence rates for colorectal cancer screenings and in effect cost (Pooler et al., 2012). In turn, this will increase the life years gained for the individual. Secondly, the long-term outcome arises when Medicare sees the benefit of CTC and its adherence for CRC screenings and will reimburse for this CTC procedure for screening purposes for Medicare-aged individuals.

Johnny Obrien aged 79 years, presented to the Emergency Department after a fall at the RSL, resulting in a laceration on his left elbow which required 3 stitches. He lives by himself with no family close by, and has a history of hypertension and alcohol addiction. Clinical reasoning is a cyclic process, where cues are collected and their data processed to come to a conclusion of the patient situation so that appropriate interventions can be implemented and evaluated through reflective practices which allows for further learning (Levett-Jones 2013). Applying these clinical reasoning skills in practice is important as it has a positive impact on patient outcomes, resulting in less adverse effects due to the detection of patient deterioration throughout this process to ensure safe and effective care (Levett-Jones 2010).Subjective data is information from the patient’s point of view, including their feelings, perceptions and concerns, whereas objective data is information that is observable or measurable (Delmar Cengage Learning 2015).