Discussion 1

Prior to engaging in this discussion, read Chapters 10 and 11 in your text as well as the “Steps for Effective Discharge Planning” article, and review any relevant Instructor Guidance.

For this discussion, refer to the information in the “Introduction to the Miller Family” document.  
Select one of the family members below whose medical condition has the potential to have worsened to the point that they would need to be hospitalized. Once you have chosen your subject, create a discharge scenario. Each of these family members has been introduced in an earlier assignment. Be sure to review your materials for that assignment including any relevant instructor feedback.

Option 1: Elías – leukemia
Option 2: Lila – diabetes (IDDM)
Option 3: Sam – liver disease caused by heavy drinking
Option 4: Lucy – bipolar disorder and serious substance abuse (dual diagnosis)

In your initial post, create and present a possible scenario in order to respond to the subject’s discharge from the hospital. See earlier assignments for samples of how to begin crafting the scenario for your subject. Remember to be creative, refer to the “Introduction to the Miller Family” document, and include as much detailed information as appropriate. Be sure to address the following points in your initial post.

• Describe the specific issues that need to be addressed when discharging this patient. 

• Briefly identify who (individuals, professionals, agencies, or organizations) might be identified in the plan, what needs to be done, and when it should happen. 

• Identify community resources (e.g., doctors, counselors, and agencies) that will be needed, what their roles are in the plan, and assess how they might meet the needs of your patient. Integrate the biological theory of intellect and cognition with your subject’s sociocultural experiences in order to better ascertain his or her needs.

• Identify and discuss at least one barrier for success based on the individual’s intellect and his or her sociocultural experiences and perspectives. Critique the contributions of community-based programs and how they might alleviate issues related to this barrier.

Discussion 2

Watch one of the eight videos from The Future of Medicine playlist.  Then, go to the Ashford University Library and find two research articles related to the social impact or relevance of the topic addressed in your selected video. For assistance with finding peer-reviewed articles, please see the tutorial on the Ashford University Library website. Consider the work you have completed in the previous discussions throughout the course. Summarize how we, as individuals, are affected by disease, disability, or disorder. What emotions do we experience toward others with these conditions (empathy, judgment, fear, guilt)? Critique the contributions of community-based programs and how they influence our societal reactions to diseases, disabilities, and disorders.  Examine and comment on the ways in which individuals, families, communities, and society as a whole will either benefit or suffer from current directions.  Do the trends seem to indicate a path toward better health care for the individual, improved availability of needed care, changes or options in types of care, and better resources in the community?  List at least two potential positive directions and two potential negative directions or barriers still left unaddressed.  Offer your own ideas for improving health care in the future. For example, do we need more technology, financing, community resources, options, or alternatives in handling our health care? Do you feel that we are heading in the right direction?