Identify Two Strategies You Can Implement To Provide

Identify Two Strategies You Can Implement To Provide

The management of chronic conditions is becoming an integral part of medical care in most parts of the world. The elderly, in particular, are living with one or more chronic illnesses for very long periods. Access to care is not easy, given that most of them are not insured.

The situation gets worse when the patient is from an ethnical minority background. Since it can be hard to reach such patients, the first strategy that both the medical staff and the care givers of the patient should put in place is fostering positive communication. Putting a lot of focus in disease prevention, health promotion and early detection is a very effective strategy for enduring successful chronic disease management. This is especially helpful for the frail seniors (Hitchcock, 2016). It is, therefore, important for the care givers to listen carefully, show compassion and work with the patient to ensure care goals.

The second strategy would be to embark on a patient-centered approach. Such an approach is supposed to be responsive to, and respectful of, the preference, needs and values of the patient. Physicians should never make assumptions about the treatment option that the patient would choose. Rather, they should discuss also the available options. Doctors should also recognize when such senior patients need help in managing their chronic illness (Iecovich, 2018).

Again, it may be important to carefully watch the interactions between different medications that are used to treat different conditions. The physicians and the patient should further come up with an action-plan and always keep it up to date. While caring for the elderly patients can pose a big challenge for physicians, it does not mean that it is an impossible mission. With the right strategies in place and with the coordination of the doctors, the patients and their caregivers, it will be easier to manage such chronic conditions.

Paper For Above instruction

Effective management of chronic diseases in older adults, particularly those from ethnically diverse backgrounds, requires tailored strategies that respect cultural, social, and individual differences. Two primary strategies that can significantly enhance comfort and maintain function in this demographic are fostering positive communication and implementing a patient-centered care approach.

Fostering Positive Communication

Communication is foundational to healthcare delivery, especially for older adults with chronic illnesses from diverse ethnic backgrounds. Language barriers, cultural differences, and health literacy levels can impede effective communication, leading to misunderstandings, reduced adherence to treatment plans, and dissatisfaction with care. Therefore, healthcare providers should prioritize establishing clear, respectful, and empathetic communication channels. This process involves active listening, cultural competence, and validation of the patient’s beliefs and values.

Research indicates that culturally sensitive communication improves healthcare outcomes by building trust and facilitating patient engagement (Saha et al., 2017). For example, using professional interpreters rather than family members can help ensure accurate information exchange. Moreover, employing visual aids, simplified language, and confirmatory questioning can bridge gaps in health literacy. Healthcare providers should also be trained in cultural awareness to understand and respect various cultural health beliefs that influence patients’ perceptions of illness and treatment (Betancourt et al., 2016). Enhancing communication not only improves the care experience but also encourages active participation of older adults in managing their chronic conditions, ultimately promoting comfort and functional stability.

Implementing a Patient-Centered Approach

A patient-centered care paradigm respects and responds to individual preferences, needs, and values, ensuring that patient autonomy remains at the forefront of decision-making. For older adults from ethnically diverse backgrounds, this approach involves tailoring interventions to align with cultural norms and personal values. Healthcare providers should engage in shared decision-making, thoroughly discussing available treatment options, including nutrition, physical activity, and medication management, while considering the patient's cultural context and life circumstances (Epstein & Street, 2011).

In practice, this involves assessing the patient's level of health literacy, cultural beliefs about illness, and social support systems. Recognizing that some cultures may have specific dietary restrictions or traditional healing practices can inform more respectful and effective care plans. For example, incorporating culturally relevant dietary recommendations can enhance nutritional adherence. Additionally, establishing trust through consistent, empathetic engagement encourages older adults to express concerns and preferences openly (Kelley et al., 2018). This approach not only fosters adherence but also enhances the patient's sense of control and comfort, which are vital for managing chronic diseases effectively.

Furthermore, careful medication management, regular review of treatment plans, and involving caregivers when appropriate are crucial elements. This collaborative, respectful approach ensures that the care plan is feasible, culturally compatible, and aligned with the patient's goals, thereby promoting sustained function and comfort (Beach et al., 2013).

Special Considerations for Diverse Age Groups and Cultural Backgrounds

The strategies outlined above are adaptable across different age groups, but they require tailored modifications based on developmental and cognitive stages. For example, in pediatric populations, communication must be simplified and involve caregivers directly, emphasizing family-centered care. Conversely, in younger adults, establishing a sense of independence and integrating technology might be more effective (Greenfield et al., 2014).

In all age categories, cultural competence remains crucial. For instance, aging in different cultural contexts involves distinct attitudes towards independence, family involvement, and acceptance of medical interventions. Understanding these nuances ensures that care strategies remain respectful and effective. For younger populations, addressing lifestyle and psychosocial factors becomes more prominent, with emphasis on preventive measures and education tailored to their cultural beliefs (Cao et al., 2020). Ultimately, irrespective of age, healthcare approaches should be dynamic, culturally sensitive, and adapted to meet evolving needs.

Conclusion

Providing comfort and fostering functional maintenance in ethnically diverse older adults with chronic diseases necessitate strategic communication and patient-centered care. These approaches foster trust, cultural respect, engagement, and empowerment, leading to improved health outcomes. While specific modifications are essential for different age groups and cultural backgrounds, the core principles of empathy, respect, and shared decision-making remain universally applicable. Implementing these strategies within a culturally competent framework can significantly improve the quality of life for older adults facing chronic health challenges.

References

  • Betancourt, J. R., Green, A. R., Carrillo, J. E., & Park, E. R. (2016). Cultural competence and health care disparities: Key perspectives and trends. Health Affairs, 35(2), 269–276.
  • Cao, H., Huang, R., & Chen, Y. (2020). Cultural influences on health behaviors and implications for health care providers. Journal of Cultural Diversity, 27(4), 123-130.
  • Epstein, R. M., & Street, R. L. Jr. (2011). The values and value of patient-centered care. Annals of Family Medicine, 9(2), 100–103.
  • Greenfield, D., Peiris, D., & Williams, A. (2014). Tailoring health services for adolescents: Strategies for engaging young people. Health Services Management Research, 27(3), 128-136.
  • Kelley, K., Hurst, J., & Sussman, A. (2018). Culturally competent healthcare: Strategies for practicing physicians. Journal of General Internal Medicine, 33(9), 1357-1363.
  • Saha, S., Beach, M. C., & Cooper, L. A. (2017). Patient centered communication, cultural competence, and healthcare quality. Journal of General Internal Medicine, 29(3), 555-561.
  • Hitchcock, J. (2016). Chronic disease management in aging populations. International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 31(2), 145–152.
  • Iecovich, E. (2018). Patient-centered care: Principles and practices in multicultural health settings. Geriatrics & Gerontology International, 18(11), 1593–1599.

Related Assignments