Older Adults Patient Education Issues

Older Adults Patient Education Issues Essay and Interview
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Older Adults Patient Education Issues Essay and Interview
The focus of the essay will be on a male family friend who is 71 years old. We have known Bob (not his real name) for a long time, and he has been a friend to me as well. Bob was diagnosed with a urinary tract infection, and he shared his experience with me through the questions I asked. In the interview, I got to understand how patient education is key in a person’s eventual outcome while undergoing treatment. One thing that was made clear to me was that a healthcare system must engage patients. Partnerships with patients are a sure way to provide patient-centered care while also increasing patient’s adherence to medication. Paterick et al. (2017) write that through patient education, healthcare professionals can enhance healthcare outcomes. The researchers continue to write that in 1990, half of the number of deaths reported in the U.S. were premature. The major causes were alcohol consumption, poor diet, lack of exercise, risky sexual behavior, tobacco use, etc. Today, deaths as a result of these factors have continued to go down, mainly because patients and the general public have been more sensitized. People know more than they did back then, and the impact is greatly felt. So, in promoting patient education, healthcare professionals can help ensure that more lives are being saved. Provided herein is a discussion that helps to affirm the notion that the more knowledgeable patients are, the higher the chances they will make better health choices.
Did a patient education representative give you instructions on how to care for yourself after your illness or operation?
Yes. Bob agreed that a patient education representative did give him instructions on how to care for himself after his illness. One of the major mistakes that happen in hospitals today is that after patients are released or discharged from hospital, they are left to care for themselves with no education on prevention or caring for themselves. In Bob’s case, he did have someone to share certain tips that helped him remain healthy. However, others do not have this privilege, and many end up back in the hospital for treatment.
Increasing health literacy among patients can be a great way to help enhance health outcomes. Paterick et al. (2017) write that it is crucial for patients to “have a deep understanding of the impact healthy interventions can have on their present and long-term health.” Bob understood the importance of the role he needed to play to help prevent future re-occurrences of the same condition. His understanding of his role helped him to adhere to the instructions he was given, and he boldly agrees that it helped keep him safe.
Did a healthcare professional, pharmacist, nurse, doctor, or elder counselor advise you on your medication, diet, or exercise?
Bob said that there was a nurse who advised him on his medication, diet, and exercise as well. The Harvard Medical School (2019) writes that “most urinary tract infections in men cannot be prevented.” However, the article also indicates that for other men, especially those with benign prostatic hyper...