Give a one page description of the situation you experienced and explain how incorporating or not incorporating patient preferences, social determinants of healthLinks to an external site., and values impacted the outcome of their treatment plan. Be specific and provide examples. Then, explain how including patient preferences, social determinants of health, and values might impact the trajectory of the situation and how these were reflected in the treatment plan. Finally, explain the value of the patient decision aid you selected and how it might contribute to effective decision making, both in general and in the experience you described. Describe how you might use this decision aid inventory in your professional practice or personal life.
(Please Note: The underlined “social determinants of health” in the above content is meant to hotlink to the following Walden webpage and content:
In my experience as a healthcare professional, I encountered a situation that vividly demonstrated the importance of incorporating patient preferences, social determinants of health, and values into the treatment plan. The situation involved a middle-aged patient, let’s call her Jane, who was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Jane’s primary care physician recommended a treatment plan that included medication and dietary changes. However, the initial treatment plan did not take into account her personal preferences, social determinants of health, or values, leading to suboptimal outcomes.
Jane’s social determinants of health played a crucial role in her ability to manage her diabetes. She lived in a low-income neighborhood with limited access to affordable, healthy food options. Additionally, she had a demanding job with irregular hours, making it challenging for her to establish a stable routine for her medications and diet. These social determinants of health significantly impacted her ability to follow the initial treatment plan.
Furthermore, Jane’s values were not considered in the initial treatment plan. She had strong cultural values and traditions around food, and the recommended dietary changes did not align with her preferences. As a result, Jane felt like she was forced to abandon a significant part of her identity, which created emotional distress and resistance to treatment.
The lack of consideration for patient preferences, social determinants of health, and values led to poor adherence to the treatment plan, resulting in uncontrolled blood sugar levels and potential complications. To address these issues, we revisited the treatment plan, taking a more patient-centered approach.
In the revised treatment plan, we incorporated patient preferences, social determinants of health, and values. For her dietary changes, we worked with a dietitian who considered her cultural preferences and budget constraints, helping her make healthier food choices that still honored her cultural background. We also adjusted her medication regimen to better fit her work schedule, making it more convenient for her to adhere to the prescribed treatment.
The impact of these changes was significant. Jane’s blood sugar levels improved, and she reported feeling more engaged in her healthcare. She appreciated that her healthcare team had taken her individual circumstances and cultural values into account, which increased her commitment to the treatment plan. Overall, the treatment became more effective and aligned with her needs and values.
The patient decision aid that played a crucial role in this situation was the “Diabetes Management Decision Aid.” This decision aid allowed us to engage Jane in a shared decision-making process. It provided information about different treatment options, their potential benefits, and the importance of considering individual preferences and values. It helped Jane understand the importance of personalized care and encouraged her active participation in shaping her treatment plan.
In my professional practice, I have since adopted the use of decision aids like the “Diabetes Management Decision Aid” to facilitate shared decision-making with patients. These tools empower patients by providing them with essential information and involving them in the decision-making process. The experience with Jane reinforced the value of incorporating patient preferences, social determinants of health, and values into treatment plans, ultimately leading to better outcomes and patient satisfaction. These lessons have also been valuable in my personal life, as I now approach healthcare decisions for myself and my loved ones with a more holistic and patient-centered perspective.