Week 6: February 22-26th
Monday, February 22: Today, I continued implementing the new health literacy assessment, but there was only 1 English speaking patient so I only did 1 patient. This patient had a very hard time completing the nutrition label portion of the assessment, and this opened my eyes to how difficult nutrition labels can seem to people who are not familiar with them. I sensed the patient getting frustrated and embarrassed while answering the questions, so I made an effort to assure her she was doing very well and that it is completely normal to struggle with answering these questions. I spent an extra 5 minutes with her after the assessment in an attempt to break down the nutrition label and explain some key aspects of it. She will still be contacted to schedule a Health Education class at Mercy, which will be very beneficial to her. Today, I learned how important it is to meet the patients where they are to give them a sense of confidence and security to move forward. Instilling confidence is an essential part of promoting behavior change.
2.3.7. Tailor strategies/interventions for priority populations
2.3.8. Adapt existing strategies/interventions as needed
Tuesday, February 23: On Tuesday, I worked triaging patients by obtaining vitals and running tests, and I continued implementing the health literacy assessment to two more patients. In the afternoon, I had a patient that had a dangerously high blood sugar level. I had to follow protocol to lower his blood sugar, and with insulin injections and hydration, we were able to lower it. While talking to him, I realized his blood sugar was so high because he was uneducated on how to properly inject insulin, check his blood sugar, and manage his diet. I saw this as an opportunity to provide health-promoting lessons on how to deliver insulin and check his blood sugar to give him the tools to manage his condition himself. Since I completed my program plan on diabetes self-management, I was educated on diabetes care tactics and was able to share some helpful handouts with him. I learned today that sometimes, people who do not engage in health promoting behaviors are not doing so for lack of motivation, but for lack of knowledge. This man wanted to learn and do it right, but he just did not know how. I gave him the knowledge and skills he needed to properly manage his diabetes, and I truly hope he will have significantly lower blood sugar at his next visit.
2.4.8 Develop a process for integrating health education/promotion into other programs when needed
6.3.3 Provide expert assistance and guidance
Wednesday, February 24, This Wednesday, Mercy had a presentation from Georgia Colon Cancer prevention teaching us about prevention and screening to promote awareness during March, the Colorectal cancer month. They provided us with posters promoting screening, educational pamphlets, and postcard reminders. I was elected the colon cancer prevention representative for triage volunteers, and this means I am responsible for promoting our FIT tests to screen for colon cancer to our patients and triage staff. This was an honor for me and I am excited to gather as many FIT tests as possible. This is a great way to educate our patients on the importance of secondary screening, and I really hope we catch a lot of cases in the early phases so they can be more easily treated. I learned a lot about colon cancer today and I realized the massive impact that early detection has on the success of the treatment. I began planning how I will make sure all the staff knows how to promote the screening to maximize FIT tests this months.
6.2.2: Develop a plan for conducting training
6.3 Provide advice and consultation on health education/promotion issues
7.2.8: Comply with organizational policies related to participating in advocacy
Thursday, February 25: Thursday, I worked as triage during night clinic. We only had 3 patients, so I spent most of the time brainstorming for what we were going to include on the bulletin boards for the morning. I got inspiration for a physical activity bulletin board by researching examples from other health education specialists, and I began getting valid information about exercise guidelines form the cdc.
1.2 Access existing information and data related to health
Friday, February 26: Today, I worked on the physical activity bulletin board. I printed information on why physical activity is important and how to integrate into your daily lives. I catered the information to a lower education level by using short words and big font to get the message across. I also used simple language and pictures to convey the message. I included tips on how to work out on a budget, like simply going for a walk, taking the stairs, parking far away, etc. I learned that it is actually very difficult to make a cohesive, aesthetically pleasing board that also includes relevant, population-specific material. I feel like I gained a new skill of communicating information on paper and arranging it in a board, and I am excited to build upon this skill next week when I make a few other boards for the exam rooms.
2.3.7 Tailor strategies/interventions for priority population
3.1.1: Create an environment that is conductive to learning
3.1.2 Develop materials to implement plan
6.1.4 Convey health-related information to the consumer
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