DB Healthcare

One of the dimensions of quality at the micro-level is the interpersonal aspects of care delivery.

(1) Define the underlined terms and phrases.

(2) What is the importance of interpersonal aspects of care to the provider?

(3) Identify one demographic, one clinical, and one social patient factor that may influence interpersonal aspects of care delivery. Discuss in what ways each of the identified factors influences interpersonal aspects of care delivery.

Post a response to any of the classmate's original post on prompt #2 only. (At least 200 words).

William

Discussion Board #4 - William

COLLAPSE

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Healthcare quality, according to the Institute of Medicine is “the degree to which health care services for individuals and populations increase the likelihood of desired health outcomes and are consistent with current professional knowledge.” (Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, n.d.) There are difference facets to this definition, one of them being that quality can be placed on a spectrum and may be evaluated at different levels (individual or population). In the context of this discussion board, quality will be looked at on the individual level. One of the key micro-level dimensions of healthcare quality is the interpersonal aspects of care delivery. Interpersonal aspects of care delivery are what most patients use to “judge the quality of technical care indirectly.” Because they lack the medical knowledge, patients base their perception of care on their doctor’s interest, concern, and demeanor (Shi & Singh, 2019).

 

It is extremely important for providers to promote and carryout strong interpersonal aspects of care. Think about the saying “look good, feel good, play good” and see that when we put it into the context of healthcare delivery, these things are still true. Another great example of how interpersonal aspects play a large role in perception of quality is Chick-Fil-A. It’s arguable that Popeye’s has better chicken and fries than Chick-Fil-A, however, if you were to poll 100 people you would more times than not see that Chick-Fil-A is the preferred chain. As we probably all know, Chick-Fil-A prides themselves on their service. Being both polite yet efficient, quick yet personal, and always clean despite the 3rd busiest fast food chain in America. While customers might not stop to think about these specifics, there is an overwhelming consensus that Chick-Fil-A has impeccable customer service that has left a lasting impression on how people perceive their brand and food (even if the Popeye’s chicken sandwich does taste better). To summarize, better interpersonal care leads to better satisfaction and outcomes (Svarstad, 1986). It keeps consumers coming back for more.

 

A common demographic factor that influences aspects of interpersonal health care delivery is education level. A major component of education is literacy which has turned out to be a large problem in the health care field as patients lack the knowledge of medical care and information and have decreased knowledge of conditions (Andrus & Roth, 2002). As a result, patients may be less likely to follow through with their at-home care or chose to forgo treatment because they just don’t understand what they are getting themselves into. Knowing this, it is important for health care providers to be diligent, thorough, and clear with their language while also exercising patience so that those who aren’t as well educated as they are have the same opportunity at a positive health outcome.

 

A clinical factor, such as being positive for an STD, can carry a lot of weight with an individual. When someone other than the positive individual has the knowledge that they carry this designation, it can lead to embarrassment, shame, and fear. These emotions can lead a patient to ignore their symptoms and not seek care. It is important for health care providers to act appropriately and clinically in their response to these cases. By taking the time to destigmatize diseases like these, providers are practicing strong interpersonal care and will likely lead to better treatment utilization and adherence.

 

Lastly, a societal factor such as access to transportation can have a huge impact on the health outcome of an individual. It is important for healthcare providers to take into consideration this factor (along with others of its kind) when approaching a patient. Instead of lamenting the patient for letting their symptoms get this bad before seeking care, acknowledge that they might not have been able to get themselves to care until now. By realizing that each individual has their own circumstances and journey that led them to the healthcare facility, providers can tailor their treatment and care so that it best suits the patient. For example, if a patient does not have reliable access to transportation, it might be best to provide at-home exercises, therapy, medicine, or any other form of treatment that can be done in the patient’s residence as opposed to the healthcare facility.

WORD COUNT: 705

 

 

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (n.d.) Understanding quality measurement. From The Institute of Medicine.  https://www.ahrq.gov/patient-safety/quality-resources/tools/chtoolbx/understand/index.html

Andrus, M.R. and Roth, M.T. (2002), Health Literacy: A Review. Pharmacotherapy: The Journal of Human Pharmacology and Drug Therapy, 22: 282-302.  https://doi.org/10.1592/phco.22.5.282.33191

Shi, L., & Singh, D. A. (2019). Delivering health care in America: A systems approach (7th ed.). Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.

Svarstad, B. L. (1986). Patient– practitioner relationships and compliance with prescribed medical regimens. In: Applications of social sciences to clinical medicine and health policy. L. H. Aiken and D. Mechanic, eds. New Brunswick, NJ: Rutgers University Press.

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