a2 - responsibilities of people who work in health and social care settings Flashcards
following policies and procedures in health and social care settings
- organisations have guide lines that describe working procedures that should be followed to ensure that care provided meets service user’s needs
- policies and procedures aim to ensure that all staff and volunteers work within the law and to the highest professional standards
policies may include -
- health and safety policy
- equality and diversity policy
- medication policy
- safeguarding policy, protects vulnerable people from abuse
- DBS referral policy
- death of a resident procedures
- complaints policy, allows all individuals to raise issues to senior staff
- whistleblowing policy to encourage employees who have concerns about safeguarding issues to raise them without fear of repercussions
healing and supporting recovery for people who are ill
range of treatments and care procedures may include - prescribing medication = traditionally doctors role but some nurses undergo training and take on role of nurse prescriber. other healthcare practitioners may also prescribe medicines.
- surgery = cancerous lumps or tumours may be removed, for example. some people may require joint replacements. community health and care workers have an important role in helping people recover.
- radiotherapy = treatment using high-energy radiation. often used to treat cancer. patients may need support from GPs to ensure proper healing.
- organ transplant = autograft (moving organ from one location in body to another location) or allograft (moving organ from one person to another), to replace damaged or absent organs. many care professionals are involved in preparation for surgery and care.
- support for lifestyle changes = changing the pattern of unhealthy daily habits. counselling and self-help groups can help, healthcare professionals can assist in setting this up by providing rooms for meetings etc.
- accessing support from specialised agencies = Age UK provide services and support to promote health and wellbeing of older people. Mind provide advice and support for people with mental health problems, and campaigns to raise awareness and improve services. Youngmind is committed to improving the mental health of children and young people, through individual support and campaigning.
enabling rehabilitation
- rehabilitation programmes enable someone to recover from an illness or accident and to live as independently as possible
- programmes may be a part of recovery for those with mental illnesses
- specific programme varies depending on physical and psychological needs
- may include support from physiotherapists, occupational therapists, counsellors or psychotherapists
- may include complementary therapies, a wide range of treatments designed to treat the person as a whole
equipment to increase mobility
- allow people to be more physical and more independent in carrying out daily routines
- for example, people who have had a stroke, people with arthritis or people who are losing bone strength due to age
mobility aids include -
- walking sticks
- walking frames, including tripods and tetrapods
- wheelchairs, manual or electric
- adapted shopping trollies
- stairlifts
- adapted cars, or other motorised transport
appliances that support daily living activities
- some people may need a range of other appliances to support daily living activities and promote independence
these include -
- special cutlery with thick and light handles for people with arthritis
- 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 do things like taking lids off or buttering bread
- special dining chairs and armchairs adapted to meet individual needs
- bathing aids such as walk-in baths and showers, bath and shower seats
- raised toilet seats for those who find it difficult to sit down or stand up
- adapted computer keyboards and screens for those with epilepsy, arthritis etc.
- some people with chronic illnesses may need highly specialised equipment in their homes, such as oxygen cylinders
technology and other resources that support educational achievement
- assistive technology and other resources are available to help those with disabilities or illnesses to meet their educational potential
this includes -
- adapted computers for visually impaired or blind people
- availability of signers or other communicators for deaf or hearing impaired people
- ensuring wheelchair access to all learning spaces
- additional time in examinations for those who are dyslexic
- enlarged text for people with poor vision
people who provide personal care
- domiciliary carers often provide personal care in homes, such as assistance in going to the toilet
- care assistants in a residential home
- in hospitals this is a regular task for health care assistants
equipment that is available to extend personal hygiene independence
- walk-in baths
- non-slip bathmats
- showers for wheelchair users
- bath and shower seats
- handrails
- bath lifts and hoists
religious and cultural differences
- muslims and hindus prefer to wash in running water rather than having a bath
- muslims and hindus prefer to use a bidet rather than toilet paper
- sikhs and rastafarians do not usually cut their hair
- muslims and hindus would strongly prefer to be treated by someone of the same sex
specific dietary requirements
- vegetarians do not eat fish, meat or meat-based products
- vegans do not eat any meat or animal-related product
- muslim and jewish people do not eat pork and require their meat to be killed and prepared in particular ways
supporting routines of service users in day-to-day life
- many health and care staff try to address wider personal needs
- for example a nurse being aware of social, emotional, spiritual, educational needs as well
- these may be just as important to maintaining a speedy recovery
- professionals will want to support individuals in having a fulfilling and satisfying daily life
- this includes being aware of the community in which the patient lives and works, their family etc.
- also need to be aware of care provided by informal carers such as family and friends
assessment and care and support planning
care planning cycle involves -
- assessing individual healthcare needs
- agreeing a care plan that promotes health and wellbeing
- evaluating effectiveness of care implemented
- cyclical process, interventions and changes can be made at any point
- professionals will agree plan with service users and often family members
- informal carers often contribute to reviews and evaluations of care provision
