Primarily, patient care should be patient-driven. Apparently, Mr. Jones’ goals do not align with the perceived goals of the medical facility and nursing staff. There is nothing to suggest that Palliative Care interventions are welcomed by Mr. Jones. Clearly, Mr. Jones’ goals did not constitute a Palliative Care consult. Mr. Jones’ goal is to receive aggressive care and treatment of his medical condition. He is “adamant about not wanting to talk about Hospice or Palliative Care. He only wants his care team to talk about how he can improve and get better.” This particular stance then begs asking, “Whose need is it?” Is this the need of the medical facility, the nursing staff, or the Palliative Care Team to move in a direction which differs
…show more content…
Jones’ goals, the hospital and nursing staff should honor his wishes to the best of their abilities to successfully manage his symptoms and do “everything until [his] last breath of life.” As a “disabled auto worker,” Mr. Jones has gained much training and experience in fixing things. His health and medical condition (in his perspective) is something that can be fixed, though obviously otherwise.
His health decline and impending death is clearly not a discussion Mr. Jones is willing to have at this point ... Perhaps in the future but not now. It is clearly Mr. Jones’ decision not to discuss it now and his election should be respected by his medical care providers (though they may clearly disagree with his decision). Yet, his medical care providers should accommodate frequent opportunities to discuss it and the options available (including Palliative Care or Hospice) if and when Mr. Jones and/or his family are willing.
Mr. Jones’ fear of dying is largely embedded in his concern for his wife and family’s financial future. Are there other fears and concerns not being expressed? Is there a fear of being in pain or discomfort that supersedes his other concerns? These are issues that can be explored and addressed more readily by the Medical Social Worker and …show more content…
Jones’ decision. As an African-American male, discussions involving end-of-life decisions and care provision are often considered taboo. Historically based upon the medical experiences of many in African-American communities, American health care is often viewed as Caucasian driven with much distrust and skepticism for the medical system as a whole and for medical practitioners in general. For this reason and others, in African-American culture, to consider death above consideration given to preserve and sustain life gives suggestion to an alternative motive. In addition, many African-Americans view end-of-life discussions and end-of-life options as an abandonment of hope and hope should never be abandoned. For many, where there is life, there is hope. Therefore, if the medical staff assigned to Mr. Jones’ case is not sensitive to these cultural issues, they may very well alienate themselves from healthy discussions on the topic, especially if they are not of African-American descent. In this instance, from a Chaplain’s vantage point, it would be wise to consider including Mr. Jones’ Pastor, clergy, or another prominent faith leader of African-American descent (if applicable to Mr. Jones and his family) in these end-of-life
Jones’ goals, the hospital and nursing staff should honor his wishes to the best of their abilities to successfully manage his symptoms and do “everything until [his] last breath of life.” As a “disabled auto worker,” Mr. Jones has gained much training and experience in fixing things. His health and medical condition (in his perspective) is something that can be fixed, though obviously otherwise.
His health decline and impending death is clearly not a discussion Mr. Jones is willing to have at this point ... Perhaps in the future but not now. It is clearly Mr. Jones’ decision not to discuss it now and his election should be respected by his medical care providers (though they may clearly disagree with his decision). Yet, his medical care providers should accommodate frequent opportunities to discuss it and the options available (including Palliative Care or Hospice) if and when Mr. Jones and/or his family are willing.
Mr. Jones’ fear of dying is largely embedded in his concern for his wife and family’s financial future. Are there other fears and concerns not being expressed? Is there a fear of being in pain or discomfort that supersedes his other concerns? These are issues that can be explored and addressed more readily by the Medical Social Worker and …show more content…
Jones’ decision. As an African-American male, discussions involving end-of-life decisions and care provision are often considered taboo. Historically based upon the medical experiences of many in African-American communities, American health care is often viewed as Caucasian driven with much distrust and skepticism for the medical system as a whole and for medical practitioners in general. For this reason and others, in African-American culture, to consider death above consideration given to preserve and sustain life gives suggestion to an alternative motive. In addition, many African-Americans view end-of-life discussions and end-of-life options as an abandonment of hope and hope should never be abandoned. For many, where there is life, there is hope. Therefore, if the medical staff assigned to Mr. Jones’ case is not sensitive to these cultural issues, they may very well alienate themselves from healthy discussions on the topic, especially if they are not of African-American descent. In this instance, from a Chaplain’s vantage point, it would be wise to consider including Mr. Jones’ Pastor, clergy, or another prominent faith leader of African-American descent (if applicable to Mr. Jones and his family) in these end-of-life