The Impact Of Chronic Illness (Heart Disease And Stroke) ✓ Solved

The Impact of Chronic Illness (Heart Disease and Stroke) Th

The Impact of Chronic Illness (Heart Disease and Stroke)

Summary of the Interview

The questionnaire was given to a 55-year-old woman called B.T. She is a close family friend who currently copes with heart disease and stroke. She first experienced this problem one year ago when she had a heart attack and a stroke within a one-month period. She has had a fairly satisfactory experience with her healthcare provider. However, she feels that the treatment is currently quite expensive.

Nonetheless, the experience has made her alter her lifestyle and she now engages in regular physical activity and consumes a healthy diet.

Analysis of the Interview Responses

From the interview responses, it is clear that B.T. is taking her medical condition very seriously. After her near-death experience, she has made a lot of effort towards ensuring that she has a low probability of getting another heart attack or stroke. B.T.’s family has no history of stroke or heart disease. Therefore, her condition is down to her previous poor lifestyle choices.

She has since changed her ways and only consumes healthy foods instead of junk foods. Also, she does regular exercises and a considerable amount of physical activity. She takes all her medication on time and goes for her therapy sessions as scheduled. In addition, B.T.’s physician has comprehensively educated her on all the early warning signs to look out for and how to respond if she experiences any of them. Moreover, her friends and family are aware of these signs and know what to do in case she experiences an impending heart attack or stroke.

Therefore, she has a strong support system to aid her in the management of her chronic illness. Due to the steps she has taken, her health has significantly improved and she has never experienced another episode of heart attack or stroke. Also, her mobility has improved considerably.

How the Information Will Impact the Care Plan Development

The information provided will be very helpful in the formulation of a good care plan. From her responses, it is clear that B.T. has responded positively to her setback. Despite getting a chronic illness, she has gone out of her way to adhere to her physician’s advice and treatment plan. She is actively taking part in the restoration of her health and has even included her family and friends as a strong support structure for her recovery. Therefore, creating a care plan for such an individual will be relatively easy.

According to Hill, Carson, and Vitale (2019), a good care plan has a high likelihood of enhancing a patient’s quality of life, lowering the chances of hospitalization, and improving the patient’s mortality. Additionally, good care plans are crucial in maximizing the patients’ health potential via pharmacological and lifestyle interventions.

Based on B.T.’s response so far, it is clear that the inclusion of a comprehensive care plan will help her since she is an individual who adheres to her physician’s recommendations.

Nevertheless, it is vital to get more information on B.T’s case concerning certain elements that might impact the creation of a care plan. This way, it will be easy to enhance the quality of care and support given to her.

First, there is the issue of communication and information. According to NHS Scotland (2009), poor information-giving and communication on the part of healthcare practitioners often leave patients anxious, confused, and disempowered. This is surprising considering that chronic illness patients require confidence, reassurance, and strength to cope with their conditions. Although the current physician attending to B.T. is doing well to communicate effectively with her patient, it is vital that the care plan developed is good enough to ensure that even if the physician is changed, B.T. will continue having a good relationship with her physician regarding open communication and extensive education on her condition.

Second, there is the issue of self-management. NHS Scotland (2009) notes that self-management is vital in patients such as B.T. The patient plays a central role in his/her recovery or disease management. Therefore, the care plan should be comprehensive enough to include vital information to aid B.T. in effectively managing her condition.

Finally, there is the issue of preparing for other conditions that are related to heart disease and stroke. For instance, Hill, Carson, and Vitale (2019) assert that such patients are at risk of cognitive decline. Therefore, the care plan must contain a section that highlights the need for patients to undergo regular checkups to ensure they do not succumb to the conditions that heart disease and stroke patients are prone to. This is vital in ensuring that B.T.’s care not only focuses on heart disease and stroke but is comprehensive enough to prepare her for further chronic illnesses early enough.

Copy of the Interview

1. “On a scale of 1 to 10, what is your satisfaction level with the healthcare services you get from your healthcare provider with regards to your chronic illness?” Response: My satisfaction level is a 7. My physician has been very helpful in helping me cope with my condition. She does not only offer treatment but also gives me advice on preventive measures to ensure I manage my heart condition. However, the treatment is quite costly. Despite having health insurance, I still find myself spending extra to get the best medical attention available.
2. “Are there any negative side effects of the current medication and therapy you are using to manage your condition?” Response: So far, there have been no side effects from the medication I am taking. I have been using anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents for the past one year. The former aids in the prevention of recurrent strokes while the latter prevents the formation of blood clots.
3. “Are you indulging in preventive measures such as physical activity and eating a healthy diet?” Response: Yes, I partake in motor-skill exercises to enhance my coordination and muscle strength. This therapy has been helpful in restoring my abilities after the stroke. Also, I have dumped junk food and now only consume a healthy and balanced diet. I feel that this new lifestyle is improving my overall health.
4. “How confident are you in your ability to identify the signs and symptoms of an impending stroke or heart attack?” Response: I feel fairly confident in identifying early signs and symptoms of a heart attack or a stroke. My physician has been very helpful in this regard. She has comprehensively educated me on all the early warning signs to look out for and how to respond if I experience any of them. Additionally, my friends and family are aware of these signs and know what to do in case I experience an impending heart attack or stroke.
5. “Kindly list three things that you require from your healthcare provider to enhance your quality of living and help you effectively manage your chronic illness?” Response: First, I need my healthcare provider to find ways of subsidizing my treatment. Second, I need my healthcare provider to include my close friends and family in the sensitization program where they are educated on my condition. Finally, I need my healthcare provider to promote the importance of preventive healthcare in dealing with this chronic condition, not only for me but other people who are at risk of getting heart disease or stroke.

Paper For Above Instructions

The impact of chronic illnesses like heart disease and stroke on patients and their families cannot be overstated. Such conditions significantly alter an individual’s lifestyle, emotional well-being, and the quality of their healthcare experiences. This paper discusses the impact of chronic illnesses through an analysis of an interview conducted with B.T., a 55-year-old woman diagnosed with heart disease and stroke.

B.T. experienced a heart attack and stroke within a month, prompting her to reevaluate her health and lifestyle. The abruptness of her conditions led to a heightened awareness of her health and the potential risks associated with chronic illnesses. According to the CDC (2021), heart disease and stroke rank among the leading causes of death in the United States, thus emphasizing the importance of comprehensive care and management approaches.

Initially, B.T. reported a satisfaction level of 7 out of 10 with the healthcare services received. Although her physician provided effective treatment, the financial burden associated with her medical care has caused some dissatisfaction. This speaks to a broader issue within chronic disease management—access to affordable healthcare. The World Health Organization (2020) suggests that high medical costs can deter patients from seeking timely care, which can exacerbate health conditions.

B.T.’s adherence to a healthier lifestyle following her health crisis demonstrates the potential for positive change in chronic illness management. She adopted a balanced diet and engages in physical activity, which are crucial components of managing heart disease (American Heart Association, 2021). Studies suggest that lifestyle changes can lead to significant health improvements and a reduction in the risk of future cardiovascular events (Mozaffarian et al., 2016).

Self-management is a key aspect of chronic illness care. B.T. reports feeling confident in identifying symptoms of another heart attack or stroke, thanks to her physician's effective communication and education. Effective communication and education are critical in empowering patients with chronic illnesses, as they play a central role in their recovery process (NHS Scotland, 2009). The incorporation of self-management strategies into care plans is essential for improving patient outcomes, as patients who actively participate in their care tend to experience better health results.

Additionally, the support system B.T. has in place is noteworthy. The awareness of her friends and family regarding early warning signs of heart attack or stroke plays an integral role in her care management. The presence of a strong support network has been linked to increased adherence to treatment and lifestyle modifications in chronic disease patients (Cohen & Wills, 1985).

Despite the positive aspects of her care, it’s crucial to address some concerns, particularly regarding communication and the potential for cognitive decline, which can accompany chronic diseases. Hill, Carson, and Vitale (2019) emphasize the need for care plans to be comprehensive, addressing not only the chronic illness at hand but also the potential for related complications. Incorporating strategies to manage cognitive health within care plans for patients with heart disease and stroke is integral to holistic patient care.

Communication remains a focal point in B.T.'s care. Her healthcare provider's ability to convey important information effectively reduces anxiety and fosters a sense of empowerment in patients. As asserted by NHS Scotland (2009), this communication must be maintained, ensuring that even in situations where healthcare providers change, continuity of care and communication is preserved.

The implications of these findings highlight the necessity for well-structured care plans that are tailored to meet the specific needs of patients with chronic illnesses. Such care plans should encompass lifestyle modifications, self-management strategies, emotional support, and continuous medical education. The incorporation of these elements can significantly enhance the quality of life, reduce hospitalization rates, and potentially increase longevity in patients like B.T. (Hill et al., 2019).

In conclusion, the impact of chronic illnesses such as heart disease and stroke emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to patient care. B.T.’s experiences reveal the significance of effective communication, lifestyle changes, and comprehensive support systems in managing chronic illnesses. These findings are pivotal in guiding future care plan developments for patients facing similar health challenges.

References

• American Heart Association. (2021). Heart disease and stroke statistics—2021 update. Circulation, 143(8), e254-e743.
• Cohen, S., & Wills, T.A. (1985). Stress, social support, and the buffering hypothesis. Psychological Bulletin, 98(2), 310-357.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2021). Heart disease facts. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/facts.htm
• Hill, L., Carson, M.A., & Vitale, C. (2019). Care plans for the older heart failure patient. European Heart Journal Supplements, 21(Supplement_L), L32-L35.
• Mozaffarian, D., Hao, T., Rimm, E.B., Willett, W.C., & Hu, F.B. (2016). Changes in diet and lifestyle and long-term weight gain in women and men. The New England Journal of Medicine, 364(25), 2392-2404.
• NHS Scotland. (2009). Better Heart Disease and Stroke Care Action Plan. The Scottish Government, Edinburgh.
• World Health Organization. (2020). The world health report: Health systems financing: The path to universal coverage. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/whr/2000/en/