Reflection Paper
The experience with the standardized patient at Mercer University on March 4, 2016 was a great visualization of the skills learned during spring and previous semesters. Calmness sheltered the encounter more than the previous experience, with greater confidence in performing the assessment and communicating with the patient. Practicing these skills has been the key greater self-confidence. Also, in order to obtain pertinent information to assess the situation, effective listening is the key. Overall it was a great learning experience that produced feelings of improvement from the previous encounter.
An important step in the interview process is communication. Maintaining eye contact with the patient as well as simple terminology …show more content…
These attributes have improved greatly since the first visit due to practice, training and study. A systematic approach to the examination process has been practiced, reviewed and repeated leading to a more thorough and organized exam (Goolsby & Grubbs, 2015). The Chief Complaint with the Onset, Location, Duration, Character, Aggravating and Relieving factors, and Timing (OLD CART) was a successful approach to obtain Review of systems. A guide, such as the acronym OLD CART is helpful for the clinician to remain focused.
Weaknesses of the exam include an unorganized history. Organization is imperative in obtaining an accurate history (Goolsby & Grubbs, 2015). The patient had a cough and was not asked about shortness of breath, social or family history. The patient was asked about previous health problems. These are very important factors in determining the patient’s status. Improvement is needed in these areas to bring all pertinent information to the table. Questions were asked during the exam to prevent periods of silence which can often lead to an awkwardness. However, when asking questions, distractions may easily occur. Staying focused during the physical is very important in obtaining a systematic history and thorough physical
The experience with the standardized patient at Mercer University on March 4, 2016 was a great visualization of the skills learned during spring and previous semesters. Calmness sheltered the encounter more than the previous experience, with greater confidence in performing the assessment and communicating with the patient. Practicing these skills has been the key greater self-confidence. Also, in order to obtain pertinent information to assess the situation, effective listening is the key. Overall it was a great learning experience that produced feelings of improvement from the previous encounter.
An important step in the interview process is communication. Maintaining eye contact with the patient as well as simple terminology …show more content…
These attributes have improved greatly since the first visit due to practice, training and study. A systematic approach to the examination process has been practiced, reviewed and repeated leading to a more thorough and organized exam (Goolsby & Grubbs, 2015). The Chief Complaint with the Onset, Location, Duration, Character, Aggravating and Relieving factors, and Timing (OLD CART) was a successful approach to obtain Review of systems. A guide, such as the acronym OLD CART is helpful for the clinician to remain focused.
Weaknesses of the exam include an unorganized history. Organization is imperative in obtaining an accurate history (Goolsby & Grubbs, 2015). The patient had a cough and was not asked about shortness of breath, social or family history. The patient was asked about previous health problems. These are very important factors in determining the patient’s status. Improvement is needed in these areas to bring all pertinent information to the table. Questions were asked during the exam to prevent periods of silence which can often lead to an awkwardness. However, when asking questions, distractions may easily occur. Staying focused during the physical is very important in obtaining a systematic history and thorough physical