Learning date: 30/10/24

Learning activity:  9:30 AM

Diversity & Equality

Today we discussed the importance of diversity and equality and inclusion in the health and care system. Simply diversity is recognising and respecting as well as valuing differences in people, regardless of their ethnic background, religion, or certain group.

Under Equality Act 2010, every individual must be treated with fairness, respecting and dignity as well as meeting individual’s needs appropriately and challenging the factors that limit individual’s opportunities, irrespective of their personal protected characteristic. such as race, disability, religion or belief or sexual orientation.

Diversity and equality play an integral part in healthcare system as they ensure that the patients and service users receive fair and equitable access to safe, and high standard of care.

All healthcare providers are expected to understand and address the unique needs of their patients from diverse backgrounds which will result to more effective and quality care and facilitate the reduction of disparities in health outcomes as well as improving overall satisfaction of the patients and service users.

As trainee nursing associate is vital that I understand the importance of diversity and equality. As nursing associate, I will always act in the best interest of the patients and respect their dignity and rights of the patient regardless of their background, disability, and health conditions.

KSBs addressed.

K8: Understand how discriminatory behaviour is exhibited

K11: Understand the factors that may lead to inequalities in health outcomes

K43: Understand the influence of policy and political drivers that impact health and care provision Skills

S1: Act in accordance with the Code: Professional standards of practice and behaviour for nurses, midwives and nursing associates (NMC, 2018), and fulfil all registration requirements

S10: Provide, promote, and where appropriate advocate for, non-discriminatory, person-centred and sensitive care at all times, reflecting on people’s values and beliefs, diverse backgrounds, cultural characteristics, language requirements, needs and preferences, taking account of any need for adjustments

S11: Report any situations, behaviours or errors that could result in poor care outcomes

S1: Challenge or report discriminatory behaviour

        

Learning date: 30/10/24

               Time:     13:00 PM

Learning activity:  A-E assessment 

Today we learnt the importance of A-E patient assessment. This method of assessment plays a significant role in patient care. It enables the nurses to systematically evaluate patient’s condition.

The early detection, prioritising and responding to clinically deteriorating patient’s condition in timely manner is the key element of patient safety and enhances patient’s outcome as well as preventing further deterioration.

A-E assessment stands for:

Airway (A) ensure that the patient airway is free from any obstruction. Airway obstruction can results hypoxia and risk of damage to the brain, kidney, and cardiac arrest as well as death.

Signs of airway obstruction include, paradoxical chest and abdominal moment, and the use of accessory muscles of respiration and cyanosis. Complete airway obstruction, there is no breath sounds at the mouth or the noise. Whereas partially obstructed airway, air entry is diminished and often noisy.

Treat of airway obstruction as medical emergency:

• Obtain expert help immediately.
• Provide high concentrated oxygen (15L MIN)
• In acute respiratory failure, aim to maintain an oxygen saturation of 94–98%.
• In patients at risk of hypercapnic respiratory failure, aim for an oxygen saturation of 88–92%.

  Breathing (B) assess the respiratory function to prevent respiratory failure or inadequate oxygenation.

• Check the respiratory rate (12-20 breaths min-1)
• Check rhythm and the depth and oxygen saturation level, are they using their accessory muscles

circulation (C) checks the pulse, blood pressure, the capillary refill time, the urine and the temperature.

• This will help you to recognise the signs of shock haemorrhage, or cardiac arrest.
• Ensure immediate circulation support

Disability (D) check ACPU, are they alert, newly confused, responsive to voice, pain, or they are unresponsive. Check blood glucose level, and pupil reaction.

Exposure (E) identify any underlying causes of injury or illness such as hypothermia, or hidden trauma to guide appropriate interventions.

A-E assessment system is fundamental in emergence settings because it enables healthcare professionals to detect, prioritise and response to critically ill or injured patients efficiently and effectively in timely manner.

 As trainee nursing associate it is vital that I understand the A-E assessment system. It will allow me to assess the patient’s condition thoroughly and escalate, if necessary. In timely manner during the patient assessment, I must maintain the dignity and respect the rights of the patient. By ensuring that, I deliver safe and efficient and effective patient care.

KSBs addressed.

K19: Know how and when to escalate to the appropriate professional for expert help and advice

K20: Know how people’s needs for safety, dignity, privacy, comfort and sleep can be met

K21: Understand co-morbidities and the demands of meeting people’s holistic needs when prioritising care

K24: Know how to support people with commonly encountered symptoms including anxiety, confusion, discomfort and pain

S30: Recognise when a person’s condition has improved or deteriorated by undertaking health monitoring, interpreting, promptly responding, sharing findings and escalating as needed

S2: Keep complete, clear, accurate and timely records