The whole needs of a person/s Flashcards
What are the potential effects of failure to recognize each aspect of the whole person/s?
The ‘whole’ person contains 5 fundamental aspects: the physical, including the sexual aspect; the emotional the cognitive; the social, and the spiritual aspect (Brill & Levine 2005, Levine 2014). Consideration the most obvious aspect of the person while neglecting the less obvious aspect limits potential outcomes of the intervention. (O’Toole 2016) \
Being aware of the possible impact of particular aspects of the person upon recovery can highlight the need to refer to a relevant profession for fulfilment of the relevant need at that particular time. It is important to remember aspects exist as a dynamic whole. They are mutually dependent and mutually affect each other (Burkhardt 2015). (Page 93)
Physical aspects of the person may appear obvious. Suggest reasons why they might not always be reliable.
It may appear possible to assume the socioeconomic background of an individual by their designer clothing or the amount or type of jewellery they are they wear. However, it is important to remember that this vulnerable person/s is seeking to present a particular image and that their clothing may in fact be an attempt to present a non-existent state.
Respect and professional training in the health professions guide appropriate responses to the physical appearance and physical needs of the person/s, empowering health professionals to respond appropriately to those needs regardless of particular physical aspects. (O’Tool 2016) (Page 95)
What are the components of the sexual aspects of a person/s?
The sexual aspects of individuals refers to their particular reproductive organs and the responsibilities associated with the use of those organs (Honeycutt & Milliken 2012) as well as their sexual preference (O’Toole 2016) (Page 95)
What might assist in meeting the emotional needs of the person/s
Validation confirms the existence of their negative emotions, potentially allowing them to acknowledge and accept the existence of these emotions. (O’Tool 2016) (Page 96)
Recognition and understanding of the communication style of the individual ensure positive communication outcomes. Different cultures, different social groups and different families increase the variations in communication styles. Therefore, in recognition of these variations, health professionals might request clarification of their perceptions rather than assume they have accurately recognised the emotional cues of the person. (O’Tool 2016) (Page 97)
How can a health professional accommodate the communication needs of a person/s with limited cognitive skills?
- Concentration
- Understanding
- Consequences
Understanding the limits of the attention span of the person/s whether their cognitive skills are developing (children) or declining (ageing adults) – is important because it allows the health profession to adjust their communication if necessary. (O’Tool 2016) (Page 99)
It is important that all communicating individuals understand that their words and non-verbal behaviours send particular messages and have consequences. Children (who are still developing their cognitive abilities) and individuals with limited cognitive abilities often find it difficult to understand the idea of cause and effect (Lane & Bundy 2012, Purtilo & Haddad 2007). (Page 99)
Interpreting the non-verbal cues related to potential comprehension is sometimes useful, but may be unreliable in may situations. To confirm adequate comprehension the health professional should ask the person/s to repeat, in their own words, the meaning they ascribe to the delivered message. (O’Tool 2016) (Page 100)
What can affect the social aspect of a person/s?
Humans often seek social interaction. The extent and enjoyment of social interactions may vary according to personality type, but most typically functioning individuals seek company of other humans some time during the day (Brill & Levine 2005, Levine 2014) (Page 101)
Individuals who feel vulnerable and fearful may desire the company of people they trust. In such situations the person/s may not want to actively interact – they may simply desire the presence of a friendly, caring individual. (Hillen et al 2014) (Page 101)
A vulnerable person/s may feel their pet is their only reliable and supportive social relationship and thus acknowledgement of pet is essential.
Why should a health professional acknowledge the spiritual aspect of a person/s?
Consideration of spirituality is an important element of healthcare and can benefit the health and wellbeing of both health professionals and the person/s (Ford et al 2012, White 2006) (Page 102)
If spiritual issues are important are important to the person/s then they require recognition and attention (Hall et al 2004) (Page 102)
If the person/s expresses needs with spiritual implication it is important that the health professional acknowledges and addresses those needs rather than ignoring them, regardless of the spiritual belief of the health professional. (O’Tool 2016) (Page 102)
Spiritual functioning affects the value the person/s assigns to their body, their spirit, their emotions, their thoughts and those around them. It may affect their reaction to the suggestions and interventions of the health professional. (Sohl et al 2014). It may limit or encourage the cooperation of the individual seeking healthcare and that of their family. Ignoring the spiritual aspect, even when that aspect is obvious, is often detrimental to effective communication. Spiritual issues may not appear relevant to the practicing health professional; however, if the person/s considers them relevant they require specific attention. Such attention will contribute to positive outcomes and is therefor a necessary consideration of the health professional. (O’Tool 2016) (Page 103)
