M4. Interprofessional Communication: Scene 4A

Summary

The transcript follows Maria, a stroke patient, and her healthcare team during a session of collaborative care. Maria is adjusting to life at home with the help of various professionals, including a physical therapist (Alice), occupational therapist (Robin), and social worker (Lorraine). The team discusses Maria's progress, including her use of health tech, her recovery from the stroke, and modifications made at home to ensure safety. They also address concerns about her speech, particularly her difficulty with English, and engage her in a pilot project to evaluate their collaborative care efforts. The session highlights the importance of teamwork, communication, and patient-centered care.

Takeaways

• 😀 Maria is making progress with her cane and feels more confident since leaving the hospital.
• 😀 Maria feels slow walking and compares herself to a turtle, showing some self-consciousness about her pace.
• 😀 Lorraine highlights the importance of technology like the stroke app and wearable monitors to track Maria's recovery.
• 😀 Maria has been following recommendations, like adjusting her living space, and is considering a lift-chair, although it makes her feel old.
• 😀 Robin, the OT, suggested a lift-chair as a precaution due to Maria’s difficulty standing up from her easy chair.
• 😀 Alice, the PT, disagrees with the lift-chair suggestion, emphasizing that Maria's progress on her right side is more important.
• 😀 Maria expresses discomfort with the idea of a lift-chair and is concerned it may impact her independence.
• 😀 The healthcare team reassures Maria that the goal is to keep her independent and safe, ensuring she does not feel overwhelmed by the many people involved.
• 😀 Maria reports fewer fears at home compared to the hospital, feeling more secure in her environment.
• 😀 Robin and the team plan to work on kitchen tasks with Maria, including a modified recipe for her health and nutrition needs, showing their focus on practical recovery.
• 😀 Maria has some concerns about her speech, particularly not being loud enough at work, but the team reassures her that her issues are likely due to stress and not a severe effect of the stroke.

Q & A

What is the purpose of the health tech tools used by Maria?

The health tech tools, like the stroke app and wearable monitor, are used to track Maria's progress, including step counts, stability levels, and calorie intake. The data from these tools is uploaded directly to her Electronic Medical Record (EMR).

How does Maria feel about using a lift-chair, and what is her concern?

Maria expresses that the idea of a lift-chair makes her feel depressed, as she associates it with aging. She doesn't think she needs it and prefers to remain independent.

Why did Robin suggest a lift-chair for Maria?

Robin suggested a lift-chair because Maria was having trouble getting up from her easy chair, even with her walker. Robin was concerned about the risk of a fall.

What is the main goal for Maria’s rehabilitation and care?

The main goal is to keep Maria independent and safe at home. The health professionals are working together to ensure her well-being while respecting her preferences.

How does Maria feel about the number of people involved in her recovery?

Maria feels confused by the number of people helping her. She wasn't aware that so many professionals would be involved in her recovery process.

How does Maria feel about her speech and voice after the stroke?

Maria is concerned that her voice isn't as strong as it used to be, especially given the noisy environment at her work. She also mentions sometimes mixing up words, like asking for a rake when she meant a comb.

What did Robin think about Maria’s difficulty with mixing up words?

Robin believes that Maria's difficulty with mixing words is more likely due to stress and the fact that English isn't her first language, rather than a condition like anomia, which involves mixing up words due to a stroke.

How have the therapists and professionals assessed Maria's progress?

The professionals are pleased with Maria’s progress. Alice, the PT, has noted improvements in her speech and motor skills, and Robin, the OT, is satisfied with the modifications to her home environment.

What is the kitchen activity planned for Maria's therapy?

Maria will work through a recipe for 'Sancocho' in the kitchen lab as part of her therapy. This activity will also involve modifications suggested by the nutritionist to support her recovery.

What is the collaborative care pilot project mentioned in the session?

The collaborative care pilot project involves different health professionals working together to coordinate Maria's care. At the end of the session, Maria will be asked to answer some questions to evaluate how well the team is working together.