A2 The responsibilities of people who work in health and social care settings. Flashcards
What are policies and procedures in healthcare settings?
Health and social care organisations have guidelines that describe procedures which ensure that the care provided meets the service user’s needs. Policies and procedures aim to ensure all staff and volunteers work within the law and to the highest professional standard.
The specific policies in place in a care setting will vary according to the client groups served and the function of the setting.
These policies may include health and safety policy, equality and diversity policy, medication policy, safeguarding policy, DBS referral policy, death of a resident procedures, complaints policy.
What is prescribing medication?
Doctor’s primarily take this role, however some nurses may train to become nurse prescriber’s , some other healthcare professionals such as dentists, physiotherapists and chiropodists may do this
What is surgery?
Will play a part in an individual’s recovery from illness and other physical disorders. Cancerous tumours may be removed via surgery if cancer is diagnosed early.
Older people may require hip or knee replacement surgery.
Health and care workers have a role in supporting people after surgery, such as visits from the district nurse to provide treatments such as changing dressings.
Physiotherapists and occupational therapists may be involved to promote mobility and assist in daily living activities.
Social workers may provide emotional support and ensure patient is accessing available services. Home care workers may provide practical help in home, such as preparing meals when necessary.
Community support is important for patients as they will continue recovering outside of the hospital.
What is radiotherapy?
Treatment using high energy radiation, it is planned by skilled radiotherapists and a team which includes highly trained nurses and radiographers.
Radiotherapy is primarily used in cancer treatment however it can be used to help other conditions such as diseases from thyroid gland and blood disorders.
Patients may need GP support after radiotherapy to ensure full healing. Common side effects of radiotherapy are itchiness, peeling, blistering of the skin.
What is organ transplants?
Moving body part/organ from one person’s body to another, or a person’s body part from one part of a person’s body to the other.
The transplant replaces the damaged/absent organ. Organs which can be transplanted are the heart ,kidney, lungs, liver, pancreas, and intestines. Heart, liver, and kidney transplants are the most common.
A living donor can transplant one kidney, part of their liver, and other tissues such as bone marrow.
Other transplants may come from dead donors so in recovery, the person may need a counsellor.
Highly skilled surgeons and their team will carry out the transplant, however more care professionals will be involved in physical preparation for the transplant, such as specialist nurses. Physiotherapists, occupational therapists, counsellors, and social workers will provide post operative support.
What is supporting for lifestyle changes?
Changing harmful routines, patterns and habits are essential to improving health.
Counselling and self-help groups may help implement lifestyle changes, for example, a healthier diet, or more exercise, or reducing cigarette and alcohol consumption.
Healthcare professionals such as GP’s, practice nurses, and district nurses can assist individuals to set up self-help groups by allowing them to meet in a room of a GP practice.
What is enabling rehabilitation?
The purpose of a rehabilitation programme is to enable a person to recover from accident or serious illness and to live an independent and full life.
These programmes are particularly important after instances such as a heart attack, stroke, or an accident that has reduced mobility or reaction speed. Rehabilitation also helps people with mental illnesses.
The programme will vary based on a person’s physical and psychological needs and their home and family circumstances such as support from family, friends, and carers.
Rehabilitation may include support from physiotherapists, OT’S, counsellors, or psychotherapists, this may include complimentary therapies (non-conventional medical treatment).
What is providing equipment and adaptations to support people in being more independent?
A vast range of equipment is used to support people with independence and daily activities. There are many reasons for people needing temporary or permanent assistance with mobility or other daily activities, these are assessed by physiotherapists and occupational therapists. Other healthcare professionals such as doctors and nurses may refer a service user to a physiotherapist and occupational therapist for assessment. Care assistants and health care assistants often provide ongoing support using equipment effectively and having adaptations to increase service user’s independence.
What is equipment to increase mobility?
Mobility appliances help a person maintain physical activity and independence in daily activities, people who may use this equipment are arthritis patients, people who have broken a limb or recovering from surgery or stroke, people with progressive disease such as multiple sclerosis, motor neurone disease and muscular dystrophy.
Mobility aids include
Walking sticks and frames
Wheelchairs
Adapted shopping trolleys
Stairlifts
Adapted cars
What is appliances to support independence?
Special cutlery with thick, light handles that are easy to hold
Feeding cups or angled straws for drinks
Egg cups and plates with suctioned bottoms
Special gadgets to help people who can only use one hand to take lids off of jars and tins, others to help with peeling potatoes and buttering bread, kettles on tipping stands and adapted plugs
What is providing personal care?
(Washing,feeding,toileting)
When people become physically or mentally ill or they’re disabled, they may find it difficult to do daily tasks. Dealing with personal areas of life has an impact on self-esteem and general confidence. These issues should be sensitively approached.Carers must discuss routines and preferences in terms of diet and personal hygiene, when washing, a client may prefer a shower, most people would prefer personal responsibility over their tasks. Independence should be encouraged, however when it is possible, dignity and privacy should be maintained. Toilet, bathroom doors and shower curtains are closed. You should follow the policies and procedures of the setting.Domiciliary care workers will often provide care of this type
