A middle-aged patient has awoken from surgery. He begins screaming for someone to talk to him about his condition. Earlier in the day, he was told by his doctor that his surgery revealed intestinal cancer. No one has been in to see him since that conversation. The patient doesn’t understand why a hospital that is supposed to want to help and care for people would leave him alone for so long.
· Take on each of the roles below and determine how you would communicate with the ill
patient:
o Medical assistant
o Hospital administrator
o Family member (wife, mom, dad, sister, or brother)
I understand this but isn't a medical assissatant and a hospital administrator the same thing?
No they are not the same. A hospital administrator is a manager who makes sure that all parts of the hospital work well together -- that the patient is cared for, gets food, medical treatment, etc. The administrator is also responsible for making sure there's enough money to run the hospital.
The medical assistant has clerical duties that help doctors or hospital administrators. Check this site.
http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos164.htm
After surgery, the patient is placed in intensive care, where a nurse should be available to communicate with the patient.
If he has just awakened, I don't understand how the doctor could tell him that "his surgery revealed intestinal cancer." The cancer might have been revealed by X-rays or some other non-invasive method.
I hope this helps a little more. Thanks for asking.
The patient does not understand why a hospital that is supposed to want to help and care for people would leave him alone for so long.
No, a medical assistant and a hospital administrator are not the same thing. They are different roles with distinct responsibilities within a healthcare setting.
A medical assistant typically works under the supervision of a physician or nurse, providing direct patient care, gathering medical history, taking vital signs, and assisting with various procedures. They may also be responsible for scheduling appointments and managing administrative tasks in a clinical setting.
On the other hand, a hospital administrator is responsible for managing the overall operations and strategic direction of a hospital or healthcare facility. They oversee various departments, coordinate resources, develop policies and procedures, and ensure compliance with regulations. Hospital administrators play a crucial role in ensuring efficient and effective healthcare delivery.
Now, let's discuss how each of these roles can communicate with the ill patient in this scenario:
1. Medical assistant: A medical assistant can be the first point of contact for the patient. Their primary focus is to provide direct patient care and support. In this situation, the medical assistant should approach the patient calmly and empathetically. They should listen actively to the patient's concerns and provide reassurance. The medical assistant can explain that the patient's surgery revealed intestinal cancer and that the doctor will be discussing further treatment options soon. They should ensure that the patient feels heard and understood, answering any questions within their scope of practice and escalating any concerns appropriately.
2. Hospital administrator: The hospital administrator has a broader view of the hospital's operations and policies. In this scenario, the administrator should address the patient's concerns about being left alone for an extended period. They can investigate why no one has attended to the patient since the initial conversation about the cancer diagnosis. The administrator can communicate with the nursing staff or other healthcare providers to ensure appropriate follow-up and support for the patient. They should also consider implementing measures to improve communication between healthcare providers and patients to prevent similar situations in the future.
3. Family member: The family member, such as the patient's wife, mom, dad, sister, or brother, plays a crucial role in providing emotional support and being an advocate for the patient. They should approach the patient with empathy and understanding, acknowledging their distress. The family member can ask the patient what they would like to know or discuss, and try to address their questions to the best of their ability. They should encourage the patient to communicate their feelings and concerns to the healthcare providers, and if necessary, help facilitate further conversations between the patient and the medical team.
Each of these roles has a distinct perspective and responsibility in the healthcare setting, and their approaches to communication will differ based on their specific roles and relationships with the patient.