Counselling+-+Providing+Information

=Counselling - Providing Information=

Overview

 * Tailor communication according to patient needs, and be concise/clear
 * E.g. As you might have probably noticed you have a heart that beats abnormally quickly. The doctor has ordered a medication to slow down your heart and make it much more comfortable for you
 * I think your cough is related to your asthma and indicates it is worsening. I don’t recommend using a cough suppressant but recommend you use your preventer more regularly e.g. morning and night before brushing your teeth, and to use your reliever when you has cough, wheeze or shortness of breath. You also stated you didn’t have an asthma action plan? Do you know what it is? I think it will greatly benefit you because it will tell you how to recognize worsening asthma symptoms, what to do with your medications and when to seek medical help. I strongly recommend thatyou speak to your GP about an asthma action plan
 * Be inclusive – involve the patient as much as possible, 2 way contact (During counselling always prompt patient to ensure they understand you)
 * Could you tell me…?
 * Is that clear?
 * Ok?
 * Do you understand what I’ve said?
 * Can you repeat?
 * Be Creative
 * Diagrams to explain concepts
 * Write notes down for patient
 * Use label, drug box, and device interactively
 * Specific Medication information
 * What to expect
 * Side effects and what to do if experienced
 * Use Counselling aids e.g. CMI, Self care cards

For script/New drug – CMI as framework for counselling
· Drug name, what its used for, how it works · Dose – how much to take, when to take (how to apply or use) · When to expect improvements · S/E to expect & what to do if experienced o Explain the concept, don’t list the individual S/E! § “All medicines can have S/E, however it doesn’t necessarily mean you will get them. These unwanted S/E only occur in some people. Its important you know what these S/E are and also what you should do if you experience them.” o Try to categorise S/E into 3 groups § “These are some of the more common ones and usually less than 10% of people get them, but genereally what will happen is that as your body gets used to the medicine they will go away OR might be a minor irritation you could put up with – However if they do start to worry you then you should talk to your doctor” § These are a little more serious and if they do occur you should see your doctor § These are very rare, but very serious and generally associated with allergy to a medication – if these occur you should seek urgent medical attention · Use counseling aid e.g. CMI, self care cards 