NOAH
I met with Dr Williams yesterday my project supervisor at the Park Center located in Carew st. I shadowed with her and had the opportunity to interact with patients, mostly the psych patient. I observed her do a complete H&P for a newly admitted patient. We talked about the diabetes project that and I am working on. The main reason why I am carrying out this project is to help educate the underserved population about the disease. From all indications, this population has a higher risk of getting diabetes because of their diet which might consist more of carbohydrates and sugary drinks. I am focusing on the mechanism of actions of the commonly used diabetic medications. My goal is make a booklet, that will explain the various mechanism of actions of these medications in a patient friendly language. The goal is to hand these booklets to patients upon consultation, request or availability.
NOAH
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Park Center is a private nonprofit mental health center offering several services to the underserved especially the mentally challenged population. Some of their services include inpatient psych, outpatient psych, home based services etc. They have 22 locations in 3 counties of Indiana and most of their patients are insured by Medicaid and Medicare.
.NOAH We all want to care for our patients, but there are many challenges.......
As a student pharmacist, I like to give my patients the best care possible because that's what every patient deserves. However, often times there are many barriers that prevent this from happening. What I have experienced most at the Park Center is the biggest barrier being health illiteracy and/or mental illness challenges. Nearly all of the patients don't understand their diagnoses and only take their medications until they feel better and then they stop. The healthcare providers there spend countless hours working with these patients, their families, and social workers to help the patient realize the important of their conditions/medications, however, sometimes it is not enough. Even with medication, some patients will still have a difficult time with their medication regimen and functioning on their own. Another challenge I've found to be rather common is the lack of insurance and inability to pay for medical care and/or prescriptions. Some patients are getting the care they receive, however, are not able to execute fully (taking medications) because they simply cannot afford it. This is frustrating to not be able to help a patient if they cannot help themselves. If I could afford to make sure everyone was able to pick up their routine prescriptions I would buy them all! Unfortunately that is not realistic. There will always be challenges in the world of pharmacy, but I think that the real challenge is just overcoming the challenges at hand and still making sure the patient receives optimal care. Kadie There are many challenges we come across with patients when it comes to healthcare, and some appear more than others depending on the population you are caring for. Some challenges I have seen are more from my job at Walgreens, my store is in the south part of town and I see more underserved patients than anything. I try daily to push vaccines such as the flu shot during this season and many patients just make a face and say “oh no, I don’t ever get that!” When it comes to trying to convince these patients, a lot of them just do not understand or believe what family members have told them about these vaccines and how bad they are. This challenge is just one of many that I see on the daily with these patients, it is important to be calm and not judge these patients but to try your best to allow the patient to express their concerns and try to offer help further understanding the issue.
- Fernie There are many Challenges we face while wanting to care for our patients. Many patients are not insured which means they can't afford for their treatments or regular doctor appointments. An example can be if someone has Bone cancer and they have to go to Matthew 25, Matthew 25 may provide the patient with a treatment plan they can offer from their office but it may not be the right and the best treatment option for the patient. Another thing I realized is that many patients in Indiana struggle with Obesity which leads to Diabetes, Cardiovascular issues, stroke and many more issues. We tell our patients even at the Pharmacy that we believe its best if they watch their diet and exercise if they are able to. Some patients just say yes because they don't even care about their health themselves. We want them to take care of themselves but sometimes the patient's end up with chronic illnesses due to the patient not being adherent to my instructions on losing weight.
The elderly patients struggle with basic care because some patients live alone and may not be able to make it to all their doctors appointments. The elderly may not have the transportation accessible to them to get around even to the Pharmacy to pick up their medications such as Insulin which is a necessity. We want to prevent chronic illnesses in the children but they need to be adherent and strict with their diet. Becoming a future Pharmacist, what I can do is provide counseling for children. A few things I can say that may lead to a difference in their lives can be: quit smoking, encourage physical activity (sports), eat fruits and vegetables and avoid fast food or foods high in fat/sodium. Working with United Way of Allen County I am now aware of the hidden poor in Indiana. Majority of Indiana has a low income household so when they struggle to make ends meat and something occurs where they have to make a big payment, they sometimes can't afford to pay their bills. The hidden poor needs to be taken care of because they do not qualify for Medicaid since they make just enough to not be qualified. - Mehvish Elahi |
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October 2016
2016 AuthorsKadieMy name is Kadie and I would describe myself as easy-going and just living and loving life one day at a time! :)
Mehvish Elahi
My name is Mehvish Elahi =)
I am 21 and from New York I strive to become a Pharmacist! FernieI enjoy life by taking it one day at a time can't wait to become a Pharmacist!
NOAH OBEN
Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others,
even the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story...DESIDERATA... I am very family oriented and I like traveling and enjoy watching and playing football (soccer). Ahmed Adow
I am friendly and outgoing persons, I like to travel and meet new people, my hobbies are player soccer and watching soccer. Dinh HaI am very friendly and I like to laugh a lot. For study breaks, I love to play games and sleep!
2015 AuthorsShealy Todd
I enjoy life and everything that comes with it and I find happiness from helping others enjoy it too. Misty R. GordonA work in progress.
I am better than I have ever been but nowhere near as great as I will become. Nichelle Logan
I love food and pharmacy! Matt Bessesen
Open to all avenues of the pharmacy profession while searching for a vocation that motivates me to be a better person Tyson
Long-term care is my pharmacy thing...and cats are my other thing. Jen
Currently striving to have a career in psychiatric pharmacy. I like to spend my time with my two Australian Cattle Dogs and three horses!. . 2014 AuthorsBriInterest is in psychiatric pharmacy and I have 2 adorable German Shepherds that keep me busy. MartrellI have a strong interest in retail pharmacy but I am open to learning about all aspects of the profession. KellyEverything happens for a reason. I am grateful and happy with all I am blessed with. JoeI am always up for trying new things. Looking forward to what the future has in store. EzzaI love photography, travelling, and food! |