Barriers to Interprofessional Collaboration

Interprofessional Case Study
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Interprofessional Case Study
Answer 1
Irene Hendricks Eagan, a 58-year-old female, visited a Medical Home with back pain and toothache after two years of not seeing a doctor. Mrs. Eagan has stayed for an extended period without seeing a dentist since she could not afford the medical expenses. In that light, the first primary concern found for Mrs. Eagan is the lack of an affordable insurance program to cover her medical costs (American Diabetes Association, 2018). Mrs. Eagan depended on her husband's medical insurance. However, since he died in a car crash, Mrs. Eagan does not have any health coverage, and she pays for any hospital visit out-of-pocket. Her job as a teacher’s aide does not offer any health insurance. Another concern is not having enough money to pay her mortgage. Mrs. Eagan lost her job due to state budget reductions and was forced to relocate to San Francisco County, where she stays with her cousin in low-income housing. Another problem that Mrs. Eagan faces is unmonitored diabetes, chronic back pain, hypertension, periodontitis, and dental caries. Since Mrs. Eagan pays out-of-pocket every time she visits a hospital, it becomes difficult for her to afford medical expenses since she does not have any insurance coverage.
Answer 2
When it comes to the management of Mrs. Eagan’s health condition, she needs specific health professionals. For example, when it comes to monitoring dental caries and tooth extraction, a dentist must do it. Mrs. Eagan should see a physical therapist to get proper advice on managing her pain through regular physical exercises for chronic back pain. If possible, the trainer can refer Mrs. Eagan to a group of individuals of a similar age who performs physical activities to motivate her. When it comes to hypertension and diabetes, the patient should see a doctor and nutritionist get the appropriate medication and know the proper dieting. On that note, Mrs. Eagan’s health concerns cannot be managed by all health professionals. For instance, when it comes...