Essay Optimising Care in Chronic Conditions – Jean Case Study – Nursing Essay Writing Assignment Help

Assignment Task:

Task 2: Person-centred care
Intent: The aim of this assessment to further develop your understanding on how to support optimal care to a person with a chronic illness using patient centred care. In Australia, people with chronic conditions may have multimorbidities with varying levels of complexity; require increased, ongoing access to a range of services and self-management support; and are likely to be on multiple pharmacotherapies.Without effective support these people often experience poor health and reduced quality of life.

Case study 1:
Jean is a 55-year-old woman. She has previously been diagnosed with a chronic condition and recently experienced an exacerbation of symptoms. Jean does not like attending the hospital as she has states that everyone is in a rush that no one really listens to her, she is concerned about the lack of privacy when clinical staff discuss her condition and worries if an appropriate care plan has been made that will support her health on discharge. Jean is taking regular medication although she confides that it is sometimes difficult to remember her medication particularly when she is feeling well.
Jean describes her marriage of 36 years as fairly happy she enjoys her children and grandchildren. Jean smokes ten cigarettes a day she knows this is not good however finds it difficult to quit as her husband also smokes. Jean had noticed some weight gain over the years regardless she was embarrassed at her last clinic visit when the nurse had suggested a weight management plan. During the week dinner mainly consists of takeaway with a few fruits and vegetables. She does not drink alcohol, however, has six cans of soft drink a day. On the weekend Jean has the family over as she cooks a traditional meal and they socialise.

Case Study 2:
Harry is a 68-year-old man who lives alone. His wife of 49 years died five years ago. He has five children, four of whom are married with children and live some distance away from him. Harry has one son who is single and has never married. He lives in the same locality as Harry and visits him at least weekly, during football season they watch the game together.  Harry 

shops at his local Woolworths where he purchases frozen ready to cook meals as he finds that fresh produce spoils in his fridge. Harry takes pride in his rose garden and ensures his lawn is always well manicured. Harry was diagnosed with a chronic condition some time ago. In the past he has managed to maintain a full and active life but recently he has struggled at times to cope with this condition. Now Harry has stopped going to the Bowling Club and attending the Men’s Shed of which he is a foundation member. When asked Harry feels that his health can no longer manage these trips. Harry’s children have developed a belief that Harry has become a hypochondriac over the last four year and attributed this to him being lonely since the passing of his wife.

Case Study 3:
Joel is a 13-year-old teenager who lives with his mother Kate and 16-year-old sister.. Joel’s parents are separated he visits with his father and paternal grandparents on two days of each week. Kate works part-time at the local council performing administrative duties to make ends meet financially. She maintains a small garden at the rear of the house where she grows produce for the family’s consumption. Joel was diagnosed with a chronic condition some time ago. Kate believes in supporting Joel’s health holistically, this has influenced his dietary choices and preference for health care regimes. This month Joel is starting high school, like most students he desperately wants to fit in with his new environment. Joel becomes anxious when he speaks of the students finding out about his chronic condition he is convinced that they will treat him differently. He is concerned the condition will restrict him from participating in bonding activities such as camps, parties or sports. Joel confides that he thinks his condition makes him look different from the other boys. He gets angry sometimes as he does not understand why this has happened to him. Joel does not like taking his medication and recently requested that he cease treatment for a short while so he can feel like a normal teen.