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Self-Care Experiential Reflection

When doing IPPE rotation, I have had chances to apply the PPCP in consulting patients for self-care. I use the protocol of PPCP to collect, assess, plan, suggest implementation and provide follow-up plan for patient. At first, I was trying to collect patient information (subjective and objective) which is relative to the current condition (common cold). The information includes patient profile, medical and medication record, etc. The collected information helped me to assess the clinical effects of patient’s therapy in the context of the patient’s overall health goal and achieving optimal care. I also analyzed the need for treatment and how it would improve patient’s daily activities. Then, I developed a quick treatment plan and started searching for the correct medications in stock, which could treat the cold in a fast and effective way so patient can regain their daily function. I gave medications to the patient along with instruction how to use it and be consistent in drug adherence to gain the fullest benefits. I also provided instruction for follow up and when to contact PCP when symptoms would not improve with treatment or any side effects/adverse drug events may occur.

PPCP is the main protocol that I have followed and got guidance for what to do. It is very supporting tool which all student pharmacists should learn and practice proficiently. It helps to reduce any mistake or missing in information gathering and assessment which is crucial in providing the best care and resolution to patients. Also, I believe we should follow a standardized and complete protocol which helps to ensure the quality and accuracy when providing care. Due to variable scenarios or medical conditions, we need certain guidelines to follow instead of pulling out random ideas to consult patients.

I think overall I did okay I have followed certain steps required in PPCP: collect, assess, plan, implement and follow-up. There may be variation in different situation and patients, however, I believe I could follow essential steps in the process to have the best analysis and decision in treatment. However, if there is any chance for improvement, I would try to speed up the process and make it run more smoothly than previous. As I have been taking quite some time on my first encounter to go over everything, it might have cause some inconvenience to patient but I hope it would improve overtime with more skills learned and experience. Also, I would improve on my confidence and decision-making process to be more certain and firm so that patients can have solid trust in my consultation and follow the direction correctly. As I was a bit uncertain and unconfident in my drug choice, and it also showed to the patient, it would definitely affect my effectiveness in the provided treatment.

Patient Care Simulation helps me to familiarize with patient encounter as I am still new to the profession. We need more practices and experiences from Patient Care Simulation and real life to get rounded and perfected on our skills. However, so far we only do virtual simulation, it would reduce some effectiveness compared to doing it in person. In simulation we were given some time to prepare our prompt and giving out solution. In real life, the process is different and more challenging. We have to listen carefully and analyze patient symptoms correctly in order to provide the most accurate recommendation or treatment. The process may take longer than 10minutes sometimes but not as it is on simulation. We have more difficulty as we do not have time to prepare.