Copyright © 2007 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.1

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3 Importance of Lifelong Learning Lifelong learning: all purposeful learning activities World changing faster than ever before Technological advances New products Learning continues after graduation Need to keep up with changes on the job

4 Keeping Up With Changes in Health Care The ongoing changes in health care require ongoing education. –Constant changes means knowledge quickly becomes outdated Graduation is end of formal training, but beginning of lifetime learning Cross-Training is resulting in an expansion of duties rather than increased specialization. –The increase in third-party payers of health care costs means that health care workers need to learn more about coding and billing.

Copyright © 2007 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.5 Continuing Education Units CEUs –Credits earned to add to professional knowledge, after graduation. –One CEU is 50 to 60 minutes. Also known as CPE Some professions require a specified number of CEU before relicensure or recertification

Copyright © 2007 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.6 Ways to Earn CEUs Special sessions or workshops –Documentation is necessary, so you have to sign in when you attend or chance missing the CEUs. Home study or study packets Distance education courses Internet courses Evaluate quality and applicability of course

Copyright © 2007 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.7 Criteria for Choosing CEUs Before enrolling in a workshop that offers CEUs, you should check with your professional organization and/or regulatory organization to be sure that the units will be accepted. –Future career goals –Reputation of educational provider –Areas of personal and/or professional weakness that need improvement –Personal and/or professional interests

Copyright © 2007 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.8 Self-Directed Learning Planned activities to increase your knowledge and skills –They don’t have to earn CEUs in order to be of value. *Observe others Ask questions In addition to attending courses and studying on your own, two good ways to learn with others are in a study group or with a partner/mentor. Read books and journal articles

Copyright © 2007 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.9 Self-Directed Learning Attend professional conferences and meetings Watch videos or DVDs and educational television programs Explore the Internet

Copyright © 2007 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.10

Copyright © 2007 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.11 Patients as Individuals Patient well-being is affected by attitude, expressed concern, and technical skills Individuals are complex Cultural influences, personal experiences, and basic human needs all play a role

Copyright © 2007 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.12 Philosophy of Individual Worth Every human being has worth and is entitled to respect. Give same level of care regardless of any other factors Some patients present very unique challenges A statement of ideal behavior to stay motivated when facing patients who do not appreciate your efforts.

13 Dealing With Prejudice “Minority” groups of the past now make up significant percentages of the total population. Prejudice defined –Prevents seeing people as unique individuals Don’t assume. Be respectful and collect information about the beliefs of the patients. Ex. Spanish speaking doesn’t always mean Catholic. –Leads to unfavorable judgments –Almost everyone has prejudices –Must identify prejudice to deal with it Being aware of your own prejudice allows you do deal with them. Difficult to recognize because they become part of our belief system or reality.

Copyright © 2007 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.14 The Meaning of Culture Culture defined –All factors that influence an individual’s beliefs and actions Dominant culture Personal space (distance between people in conversation) and personal contact Cultures vary in their approved behaviors. –What is polite in one culture is rude in another. –Different customs can still be appropriate ways to live.

Copyright © 2007 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.15 Health Care Beliefs Vary widely among cultural groups –“Western” medicine is based on scientific methods Religious beliefs, harmony, and health –Faith Healing: belief that illness can be cured through prayer –Humors: body fluids that control the body’s state of health Herbs and plant medicines –Home Remedies: medications from roots and herbs –Just because it’s “natural” doesn’t mean it won’t cause serious problems.

16 Health Care Beliefs Respect these beliefs, but it does NOT mean the patient knows best. –Evil Eye: stare that can cause physical harm. –Charm: protects against evil spirits –Yin and Yang: opposing energy forces that influence health –Tai chi: movements that promote flexibility and healthy joints –Hot-cold principle: classification of illnesses with corresponding medications and foods.

Copyright © 2007 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.17 Determining Individual Needs Effectiveness of health care worker –Understanding and respecting individual differences Patients have different perceptions of the health care setting

Copyright © 2007 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.18 Individual Needs Observe patient’s behavior and ways of interacting with others Determine whether language barriers are present Ask questions to learn individual preferences

Copyright © 2007 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.19 Individual Needs Listen carefully to patient’s responses Some patients need more information than others –Explain what you are doing and why

20 Maslow’s Hierarchy of Human Needs Developed by American Psychologist, Abraham Maslow You can move up without completely realizing the previous step. Understanding this allows you to understand patient motivations for their behavior.

Maslow’s Hierarchy Confidence is own abilities, achievement of personal goals Feelings of self-worth, trusted by friends Strong friendships, good family relationships No anxiety, strategies for stress Peaceful sleep, adequate oxygen Copyright © 2007 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.21

Copyright © 2007 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.22 Defense Mechanisms –Compensation: drinking heavily after spouse dies –Denial: refusing to believe diagnosis –Displacement: rude to coworkers after a fight with your spouse –Projection: criticize everyone, then accuse boss of being too tough when own work is corrected

Copyright © 2007 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.23 Defense Mechanisms Rationalization: Can’t quit smoking because life is too stressful Regression: 12 year old wetting the hospital bed Withdrawal: recently divorced declines all invitations for social activities

Copyright © 2007 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.24 Dealing With Loss What is a loss? –A loss will significantly influence patient behavior –Health care workers can help patients deal with loss You need to be willing to discuss loss if a patient wants to talk about it.

Copyright © 2007 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.25 Ways of Dealing With Loss Seek support from family and friends Find comfort in religion Draw on self-esteem Employ problem-solving techniques Use defense mechanisms Become angry and depressed