University Healthcare Module: Reflective Report on Betty's Case Study

This report is a reflective analysis of a case study involving a 79-year-old woman named Betty, who is diagnosed with multiple health issues including stage 3 chronic kidney disease, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and ischemic heart disease. The report explores Betty's primary concerns related to her health conditions and the impact on her daily life. It further examines the role of a counselor in providing support and guidance during end-of-life care, emphasizing the importance of stress-relieving therapies. The report also discusses various strategies for incorporating improved care, such as enhancing communication, active listening, and the involvement of a multidisciplinary team to address Betty's complex needs. References include relevant journal articles and online resources.

REFLECTIVE

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Basic concerns of Betty..........................................................................................................1
Role in Betty's life..................................................................................................................1
Strategies for incorporating....................................................................................................1
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................3

Basic concerns of Betty
As Betty is 79 years old and few days back only, her daughter told her that she is
suffering from stage 3 chronic kidney disease (CKD). Along with that, Betty has also been
diagnosed with diabetes type 2, hypertension and ischemic heart diseases. Some of the factors
are major concerns for Betty, which includes that she is not able enough, her husband Alan
makes most of the meals and she is tired from living this type of life (Betty's story, 2018).
Apart from this, Betty knows that she cannot get over it and has to suffer from it.
Although the team of clinic supported her the most but she feels sick. She is not able to eat and
her legs are swollen. She is m worried of the fact about what will happen to her. These are the
major concerns of her at present and she thinks of interacting with a multidisciplinary team to get
a short-term solution. She is feeling tired over time , so taking help from a multidisciplinary team
can help her in providing some sort of relief (Pillay, Wootten and Costello, 2016).
Role in Betty's life
I think at this stage of life when Betty is progressing to the end of life care stage, I can
efficiently act as a counsellor. It is because as a counsellor, I can help Betty to suggest some
ways and methods by which she can stay relax and quite calm. Although this is quite
difficult at this point but with the help of some medications, I can help her to achieve that. It is
because Betty is suffering from various numbers of issues and there are major possibilities that
she must be going through a hard time. Therefore, at this stage of time, taking stress can only
make her situation more complex; so as a counsellor, I will be able to help her in guiding various
stress relieving therapies. This will also help Betty to stay calm and peaceful.
Strategies for incorporating
From the experience of this activity, there were various factors that I learnt. In addition,
there are various strategies as well that can be involved in order to provide Betty an extra amount
of care. Some of these strategies can be involving proper communication with the patient. It is
because in case of Betty as she is suffering from variety of issues, a better rate of interaction will
help her to open up (Danby, Harri and Butler, 2015). By these means, she can also open up and
share her feelings; therefore, she can feel relaxed enough. In addition, this will reduce the overall
rate of her stress as well.
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Another strategy that can be adopted is meeting a counsellor or practitioner that should
ensure to listen to Betty, instead of only speaking and guiding. It is very important because the
patient also wants to be listened (Lamont-Mills, Christense and Moses, 2018). This helps in
making a well and appropriate conversation rate between the two, thus making the entire process
simpler, clearer and easier. So, these can be considered as some strategies that can be
incorporated for providing a better rate of support and care.
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REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Danby, S., Harris, J., & Butler, C. W. (2015). Helpline Discourse. The International
Encyclopedia of Language and Social Interaction. 1-10.
Lamont-Mills, A., Christensen, S., & Moses, L. (2018). Confidentiality and informed consent in
counselling and psychotherapy: a systematic review.
Pillay, B., Wootten, A. C., & Costello, A. J. (2016). The impact of multidisciplinary team
meetings on patient assessment, management and outcomes in oncology settings: a
systematic review of the literature. 42. 56-72.
Online
Betty's story. 2018. [Online].Available through: <http://www.pcc4u.org/learning-modules/focus-
topics/topic-1-multidisciplinary-care/1-principles-of-a-multidisciplinary-approach/activity-
2-bettys-story/>.
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