Question

walter's case study

The Questions based on the case study

Patient First Review: Patient Experience Case Studies Walter found the system difficult to navigate, observed a lack of communication among his providers, and was constantly anxious due to lack of communication and information about his test results and next steps. During the follow-up visit with his doctor, she told him she would refer him to Saskatoon for further testing. She said her receptionist would fax the referral that day and he should receive a call shortly to book the appointment Unfortunately, the circulatory problems that were causing the numbness in Walter's foot continued to worsen. While waiting for calls about his next test or appointment, Walter continued to struggle with depression, spent much of his time watching television, and ate poorly. In the end, Walter ended up requiring amputation of his right foot because he wasn't able to maintain his health. It is now extremely difficult for him to look after himself. His ill health and frequent travel have contributed to more frequent episodes of depression, and he increasingly relies on family and friends to transport him to Prince Albert or Nipawin. Walter found the system difficult to navigate, observed a lack of communication among his providers, and was constantly anxious due to lack of communication and information about his test results and next steps. He also felt inadequately served by the system from a cultural perspective, as he frequently encountered language barriers and felt that he was not receiving the same level of care as other non-Aboriginal individuals. It was also difficult and costly for him to arrange travel. Key Questions How could Walter's family physician have behaved differently to change his outcome? What are some of the incentives or disincentives that contributed to his family physician's behaviour? Are there interventions that could have helped Walter avoid his use of the Emergency Department? What could have been done to ensure Walter's referral for diagnostics wasn't lost"? What can be done to reduce the amount of travel Walter is required to endure? How can care be shaped to help Walter help himself in achieving his health goals? - What can be done to improve cultural sensitivity for Métis and First Nations patients?

Answer 1

1. Walter's family physician must have behaved differently by arranging the cardiologist appointment timely for him which would have resulted in saving his right foot. Even if the physician does not have the time to arrange appointment for him or had any language barrier then he must have some help for him in the form of translator or a medical assistant who would have tracked his cardiovascular health review and follow up .

2. According to me ,the disincentive that contributed to his family physician behaviour is the language barrier .

3. Yes , there are interventions that would have helped Walter avoid his use of emergency department :-

- use of a translator to break the language barrier

- proper tracking of the patient by confirming whether he reached the cardiologist or not

4. To ensure Walter's referral for diagnosis is not lost, the physician must have tracked and follow up him after his consultation with the cardiologist regarding his treatment plan