Introduction
The Shadow Health Comprehensive Assessment Experience is an experience that enables students to practice skills like communication, physical assessment of the patient, and documentation.
Intended Accomplishment
I intended to build good communication skills, which will enable me to have proper interpersonal relationships with my patients. In addition, I aimed at making accurate diagnosis after appropriate physical examination of a patient. I also intended to learn appropriate documentation of details during patient handling.
Communication Skills Used
I employed empathy when handling my patient by immersing myself in the patients feeling; this will boost patient satisfaction during the treatment process (Taliercio, 2017). Besides, I practiced listening as I was handling my patient. Listening involved giving the patient time to explain her feelings without interrupting. Proper use of body language is also another skill that I used.
Which Skill Worked Well?
Listening worked well while I handled my patient as I responded directly to what they required me to. Consequently, I employed proper body language, sitting up and being alert, to make my patient aware that I have dedicated my time to attend to her. Additionally, I practiced honesty while administering an injection when I mentioned that it would be a slight prick so that the patient is aware of what procedure I’m undertaking.
Insights Gained
First, I realized that patients are in their vulnerable state and hence want some assurance of quick recovery, and this is where empathy comes in. Second, proper body language is essential; staying calm when the patient states something shocking will encourage them to talk more. Finally, honesty will enable patients to prepare psychologically for the intended treatment, thus contributing to the general recovery of the patient.
Thing Learned
I learned the importance of documentation while handling my patients. This serves as a go-to book when the patient comes back, making it easier for me to understand my patient.
Challenge Encountered
Maintaining proper facial expressions is difficult, significantly when the patient’s situation worsened.
How the Experience will Inform my Practice
During my Practice, I will ensure that appropriate body language and honesty will be part of my daily routine when handling patients (Agboli et al., 2020). Listening attentively will help me diagnose accurately; hence the medication given will automatically work. Concern and follow up will ensure my patient adhere to the prescription given, which will quicken their recovery.
Bibliography
Agboli, A., Richard, F., & Aujoulat, I. (2020). “When my mother called me to say that the time of cutting had arrived, I just escaped to Belgium with my daughter”: Identifying turning points in the change of attitudes towards the practice of female genital mutilation among migrant women in Belgium. BMC Women’s Health, 20(1). Web.
Taliercio, R. (2017). What’s in a word? My Journey toward Empathy Education and Practice at the Cleveland Clinic. Journal of Patient Experience, 4(2), 61-63. Web.