Question

what are three medical social work practice skills, how do a medical social worker might implement them to improve the care and management of COPD

Answer 1

Ans) The care of the patient with COPD offers challenges in management.

- The multidisciplinary model defines the essential elements of a comprehensive plan.

- Ideally the team consists of a physician, nurses, exercise specialists, social workers, and dieticians.

- Theteam's focus is on providing education and reinforcement the medical plan. The medical plan includes not only the prescription of medications but also an assessment of the patient's ability to use the devices and understanding of how and when to use the medications and should include written instructions if needed.

- An assessment of the patient's coping skills and the presence of depression and or anxiety should be included.

- A nutritional assessment focusing on dietary habits should be completed on all patients with COPD. Preventing weight loss has been shown to decrease morbidity and mortality in the low- and normal-weight patient with COPD.

- A weight loss in the overweight patient may decrease breathlessness symptoms. The patient should be prescribed pulmonary rehabilitation.

- Providing the patient with information about advanced directives, traveling, smoking cessation and support groups, and community resources should not be overlooked in the plan.

- Regular assessment of the patient and communication between team members is vital to the management of the patient with COPD.

- This approach offers the patient the greatest opportunity to maximize their respiratory potential.