Vine Clinic Observation

This week, I started to see patients on my own at the Health Department. I saw more infants compare to when I was at the Vine Clinic. I noticed there is a high prevalence of Hispanic patient population in this office, which explained why there were three Spanish interpreters at the site. The preceptor who I am with also can speak some Spanish. I do see the benefit of having a bilingual provider when serving a population like this. Despite of having the interpreter available, there are multiple providers working at the same time, and there will be a time when all the interpreters could be occupied. Unable to communicate with patients can be a barrier when delivering the care. For instance, when I interact a patient who speaks a different language, …show more content…
The only interesting case was a young boy who came in for suture removal. It took 3 of us plus the mother to prevent the child from moving. His sutures are on his face above the left eyes and on the nose. Moreover, the sutures and the knots were tiny and it was difficult to visualize them. At the first half of the time, the mother only was siting at the corner attending the baby who was also with them. When we were having a difficult time keeping him stay still, and the boy was crying asking for his mother, the provider had to help to distract the boy and comfort him. I feel the provider did the right thing. Even though there was a baby in the room, she was secure in the carrier. At this point the boy needed his mother more than the baby. I do not understand why the mother was not trying to help at the first place. Maybe she was not sure if she was able to help since there were already three of us? She did look kind of young. It is important for the care provider to direct the parents and educate them on proper care for the their children such as emotion support. We have to pay special attention when the parents are young. They will need additional