The Stages of Life and the Influence of Age in Healthcare

This report examines the significant impact of life stages and age on patient interactions with healthcare professionals. It highlights how factors like age and developmental stage influence decision-making and communication, emphasizing the need for age-specific care. The report discusses the roles of primary care clinics, specialized outpatient clinics, and pharmacies in patient care, including annual checkups, specialized treatments, and medication management. It underscores the importance of family involvement in improving clinical decision-making, emotional support, and patient adherence to treatment plans. The report also explores how treatment options and post-procedure instructions are tailored to the patient's age and stage of life, with family members often playing a crucial role in supporting the patient's well-being throughout the healthcare process. The study references Age-Specific Care: A Guide for Health Care Professionals (2008) to support its findings.

Running head: THE STAGES OF LIFE AND THE INFLUENCE OF AGE IN HEALTHCARE1
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Based on findings of the interview, stage of life and age affects the way a patient interacts
with a healthcare professional. For instance, an adult at college level is fully grown and have the
responsibility of making critical decisions on their own health (Age Specific Care, 2008). Young
children and older people require support from both family members and healthcare providers in
order to make informed decision. Stage of life and age play an important role during patient and
healthcare provider interaction, for instance, young people cannot communicate on their own,
therefore, they need support from their parents and caregivers to speak on their behalf (Age
Specific Care, 2008). Besides, older people are said to be sensitive and have increased healthcare
needs. Therefore, healthcare providers have the responsibility to offer culturally competent
services in order to enhance provide good experience during interaction with an elderly patient.
With reference to the interview, the areas of the hospital that were most concerned with
the well-being and feelings of the patient are the primary care clinic, specialized outpatient clinic
and pharmacy. Physicians at the primary care clinic conducted assessment and regular annual
checkups, and referred the patient to other specialized medical care when necessary. In most
annual checkups, the patient interacted with the family physician and nurses (Age Specific Care,
2008). At the specialized outpatient clinic, the patient was referred to specialty areas including:
cardiology, pain management, and radiology centers. These specialized clinics are recommended
to elderly patients because their stage of life and age increases their risk of developing chronic
diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, mental disorders, and cancer. Specialized healthcare
professionals were majorly interested in screening and proving recommendations based on the
results. In the department of pharmacy, the patient’s medication were reviewed to enhance safety
and reduce chances of drug interactions. In addition, the pharmacist provided medication

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information, and basic health prevention services including reading of blood pressure and flu
shots.
During hospital stay and outpatient visit, the patient’s family was also present.
Engagement of the family improved clinical decision making with reference to health education
and collaborative procedures that were followed during the visit. Besides, presence of the family
promoted better understanding of strengths and caregiving ability, and enhanced communication
between health professionals and family member (Age Specific Care, 2008). It was also noted
that presence of the family during hospital stay or outpatient visits reduced cases legal claims
regarding the patient’s health. In addition, there is improved patient safety and satisfaction when
the patient’s family was present during the visits and hospital stay. In most cases, family
members and caregivers collaborated to provide emotional support for the patient, especially
during hospital stay (Age Specific Care, 2008). Patient’s adherence to medications and
recommendations is also improved during hospital stay because family members resumed the
role of reminding the patient to follow the prescriptions as required.
In general, engagement or participation of the patient’s family in outpatient visits or
during hospital stay is significant for well-being of the patient. During early stages of life, it is
important for a parent to be present during childcare at the hospital as well as presence of a
partner during delivery because their presence offers psychological and emotional support (Age
Specific Care, 2008). It is the responsibility of nursing staffs to educate patient’s family members
in order to promote effective psychological support during hospital stay or outpatient visits.
The patient’s family was included in treatment as well post procedure instructions. First
all, family members were provided with information regarding various treatment options by the
nurse. In addition, the patient was also provided with various treatment options and

THE STAGES OF LIFE AND THE INFLUENCE OF AGE IN HEALTHCARE 4
recommendations through health education and counseling. At early stages of life, parents have
the responsibility to select the treatment options and post procedure instructions for their own
children (Age Specific Care, 2008). For an adult patient, an individual is responsible for his or
her own health, therefore, the patient can select the treatment option and post-procedure
instructions with or without involvement of family members. In this context, family members
were present to help the patient settle on the best treatment option as well post-procedure
instructions. During post procedure, family members were involved through helping the patient
to adhere to prescribed medications, helping the patient to remember follow up dates and
assisting the patient in daily life activities (Age Specific Care, 2008).
Reference
A part of the series Age-Specific Care: A Guide for Health Care Professionals. (2008). Retrieved
from https://lopes.idm.oclc.org/login?url=http://digital.films.com.lopes.idm.oclc.org/
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