Here's what I do:
Beginning with a non-directive discussion to learn the patient's needs, values & priorities
- Support patient in setting their own health goals
- Assess & address info, resource & practical support needs
- Help patient & family prepare for treatment & care transitions
- Provide appropriate referrals such as geriatric case management or family mediation
For those with new diagnoses or acute health problems
Research and share with patient (and family) information about
- patient’s diagnosis as provided by patient’s physician
- potential treatment options
- skill level and reported safety record for doctors and other care providers
- reported safety record for hospitals and other treatment locations
- available resources as needed and requested, e.g.
- community-based support groups
- integrative medicine therapies
- nutrition support or counseling
- Support patient in creating list of questions for healthcare providers
- Accompany patient, if requested, to doctors’ appointments as note taker
- Support patient during his/her decision-making process
- Accompany patient, if requested, during hospitalization to facilitate communication among and between patient, family and caregivers
- Assist patient with records keeping
- Support patient’s efforts toward treatment adherence / support patient in setting and meeting his or oher desired health goals
During
care transitions e.g., hospital discharge
- Assist patient and family with logistics
- Identify resources for practical support
- Facilitate communication among and between family and caregivers
- Help patients and families implement prescribed care routines, e.g., follow up appointments, surgical wound observation
For more info, call or email: 415-505-6961 harriseve@hotmail.com
