The Independent reports today:
"Separate guidance on safe drinking levels for over-65s should be issued by the Government as current recommended limits are based on younger adults and are too high for the elderly, the Royal College of Psychiatrists said in a report."
The Health Consultant is content with the provision of information to aid people to make informed choice. NHS choices website also contains useful information. The report goes on:
"Recommendations include screening by GPs for substance misuse amongst the over-65s, as part of a routine health check and a public health campaign on alcohol and drug misuse targeted at older people."
If an individual would prefer not to be "screened" in such a way, when challenged regarding their lifestyle, there is often a detrimental effect upon the therapeutic relationship. The Health Consultant sees a role for somebody to help you manage relationships with your medical team to avoid such problems. As a client of the Health Consultant you would not be required to answer such direct questions.
Wednesday, 22 June 2011
Wednesday, 15 June 2011
Would that the world was a perfect place
A Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) report in March 2011 makes the following comments:
"Things often go badly wrong for patients when they are in transition between different parts of the health service. In such a case the doctor, acting as the patient’s agent, will go out of his or her way to fill the gaps. Patients themselves and their relatives may have to put in enormous effort and persistence to overcome deficiencies in care at the interface, and these can be exceptionally distressing."
"With all the extra activities GPs are encouraged to take on in addition to direct patient care, their working day has become more intense. Surgeries that run for more than three or four hours without a break are now commonplace."
"In many practices it requires enterprise, determination and social skill to get to see your chosen doctor."
Although the RCGP are likely to emphasise the hard work of GPs, this view is shared by most. The report didn't adequately highlight the misunderstandings that can occur due to pressures on time. Issues that are crucially important to the patient are unspoken and the opportunity to correct matters is missed. Clearly it is not ideal that "enterprise, determination and social skill" can alter the way a person is treated; would that the world was a perfect place.
"Things often go badly wrong for patients when they are in transition between different parts of the health service. In such a case the doctor, acting as the patient’s agent, will go out of his or her way to fill the gaps. Patients themselves and their relatives may have to put in enormous effort and persistence to overcome deficiencies in care at the interface, and these can be exceptionally distressing."
"With all the extra activities GPs are encouraged to take on in addition to direct patient care, their working day has become more intense. Surgeries that run for more than three or four hours without a break are now commonplace."
"In many practices it requires enterprise, determination and social skill to get to see your chosen doctor."
Although the RCGP are likely to emphasise the hard work of GPs, this view is shared by most. The report didn't adequately highlight the misunderstandings that can occur due to pressures on time. Issues that are crucially important to the patient are unspoken and the opportunity to correct matters is missed. Clearly it is not ideal that "enterprise, determination and social skill" can alter the way a person is treated; would that the world was a perfect place.
Friday, 10 June 2011
Enablement
The BBC reports this week:
The Dementia Action Alliance - which includes the RCGP, Department of Health, Alzheimer's Society and Age UK - want all prescriptions for antipsychotics to be reviewed by the end of March 2012.
Jeremy Hughes, Chief Executive of the Alzheimer's Society, said it was unacceptable that people with dementia were having their health and quality of life put at risk because of antipsychotics:
"It is essential we bring an end to this chemical cosh and empower people with dementia and carers with the information they need to ensure they are not prescribed these drugs inappropriately. This call to action can do just that."
"It's not just about reducing antipsychotics but also about improving quality care. This means developing alternative treatments and finding better ways to manage pain and other medical conditions."
Most agree that the aim of this campaign is worthy. I wonder how and whether it will be achieved. I consider the use of the term "chemical cosh" could encourage an aggressive indignation from those affected; this risks undermining the trusting relationship with their medical team. There is clearly battle analogy being used with patients pitted against Doctors. This is not likely to lead to empowerment, but I also question whether empowerment is desirable or whether enablement is not more helpful. People would often benefit from assistance in managing relationships with their medical team and avoiding misunderstandings; this needs to be done with care and who is best placed to do this?
The Dementia Action Alliance - which includes the RCGP, Department of Health, Alzheimer's Society and Age UK - want all prescriptions for antipsychotics to be reviewed by the end of March 2012.
Jeremy Hughes, Chief Executive of the Alzheimer's Society, said it was unacceptable that people with dementia were having their health and quality of life put at risk because of antipsychotics:
"It is essential we bring an end to this chemical cosh and empower people with dementia and carers with the information they need to ensure they are not prescribed these drugs inappropriately. This call to action can do just that."
"It's not just about reducing antipsychotics but also about improving quality care. This means developing alternative treatments and finding better ways to manage pain and other medical conditions."
Most agree that the aim of this campaign is worthy. I wonder how and whether it will be achieved. I consider the use of the term "chemical cosh" could encourage an aggressive indignation from those affected; this risks undermining the trusting relationship with their medical team. There is clearly battle analogy being used with patients pitted against Doctors. This is not likely to lead to empowerment, but I also question whether empowerment is desirable or whether enablement is not more helpful. People would often benefit from assistance in managing relationships with their medical team and avoiding misunderstandings; this needs to be done with care and who is best placed to do this?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)