Embedded Files
WEEK 1- M1S1
WEEK 1- M1S1
In this reflection, we were tasked to reflect on our understanding of interdisciplinary learning. I did not know the meaning of interdisciplinary learning until I was a university student. I got to experience multidisciplinary learning firsthand, through our new curriculum, which integrated multiple subjects into one course, for example, the integrated sciences for medical students. Interdisciplinary education is a way of teaching and learning that brings together different topics to solve complicated issues and develop new ways of thinking. Two goals are achieved with this approach that are not achieved with the conventional educational methodology. By utilizing several disciplines at once, it first broadens the scope of the educational process. Second, it fosters critical thinking by pushing pupils to work through challenging problems. For example, we studied biology, chemistry, and physics together in our integrated sciences course to understand how these subjects interact in medical settings. Through this method, I was more equipped to handle the complicated aspects of practicing medicine in the real world, in addition to expanding my knowledge base. Linking it to the DFL (Drama for Learning), they integrated and represented different social issues faced in healthcare and by patients. Instead of being taught in class through slides, we watched these issues depicted in a drama and got to suggest solutions for the problems presented. This innovative approach deepened our understanding and engagement, making the learning process more dynamic and impactful.
REFERENCES
REFERENCES
soeonline.american.edu. (2023). Interdisciplinary Education: An Overview. [online] Available at: https://soeonline.american.edu/blog/interdisciplinary-education/.
Drama for Life Wits University. (2021). Drama for Life Let us breathe together Petro Janse van Vuuren
WEEK M1S2
WEEK M1S2
HOW WILL YOU GET THE MOST OUT OF THIS COURSE?
HOW WILL YOU GET THE MOST OUT OF THIS COURSE?
To get the most out of the Person Family Community (PFC) course this year, I will actively engage with its diverse learning methods and themes. I will attend all lectures and tutorials, ensuring active participation to deepen my understanding of topics such as health constructs, planetary health, and community ecology. I plan to fully engage in workshops like Community Mapping and Interprofessional Learning to enhance my practical skills in communication and teamwork. Experiential learning opportunities, such as shadowing healthcare professionals and participating in patient longitudinal follow-ups, will help me connect theoretical knowledge with real-world applications. Immersing myself in community-based service projects will broaden my perspective on healthcare challenges and the social determinants of health. Utilizing resources like Ulwazi collaboration pages, individual portfolios, and tutor support will aid my learning, while regular self-reflection and self-care check-ins will ensure I maintain my well-being throughout the course. By combining these strategies, I aim to develop a comprehensive understanding of the various factors influencing health and healthcare delivery, ultimately preparing me for a successful career in medicine.
M1S3-Courage Community Workshop
M1S3-Courage Community Workshop
This community workshop was the first interactive session we had for the PFC course. Our first activity was to draw pictures using crayons to portray what we thought of when we thought about a safe community. It was really funny that we had to use crayons and draw, but it was very effective as we all presented our safe communities and realised that none of the communities we have seen or we come from are safe. We were given a community map that was presented with all the different challenges that are faced in communities, challenges that were threats to child protection, and we were asked to prioritise challenges. Personally, it was hard to decide that a certain issue is more important than the other. As I prioritized the challenges, I realized that some issues are more pervasive than others, requiring immediate attention. However, understanding how these challenges manifest in daily life was equally crucial. It made me more empathetic towards the struggles faced by children and their families and more determined to advocate for effective solutions. Developing strategies to address these challenges was both empowering and enlightening. It taught me the importance of community involvement and collaboration in driving meaningful change. I learned that while individual efforts are vital, collective action amplifies the impact and creates a more sustainable pathway to safeguarding children.
Angesisa Sithole Courage CP Certificate.pdfREFERENCES
REFERENCES
Courage Child Protection & Empowerment. (2022). Child Protection. [online] Available at: https://courage-community.com/workshop-themes/child-protection/ [Accessed 2 Sep. 2024].
MIS4- The physician as healer
MIS4- The physician as healer
Recently, I went to campus health, particularly in the mental health section, to collect the medication that I was supposed to collect two months ago. I defaulted on the medication that I was prescribed by the psychiatrist. I thought I was getting better and therefore I did not need to take my medication, additionally my family and friends did not support the idea that I was consuming medication for mental health issues. I started experiencing panic attacks and dysregulation in my mood patterns. I then decided to consult campus health for my pills. The psychiatric nurse made me aware of my inconsistency of taking pills. She told me the consequences of defaulting and the importance of taking care of my mental health. She further explained her own story dealing with depression and how prioritising her mental health helped her to become better. The fact that she os a psychiatric nurse who also dealt with depression moved me and made me want to help myself overcome depression. I would say what really empowered me as her sharing her story with me even though it was the first time seeing me and the fact that she is now working as psychiatric nurse.
Reflection on Ethics of care
Reflection on Ethics of care
1st Question: Would you divert the track on the Trolley problem example?
= I personally, would not divert the track because, as much as it does not sound right to rather let 5 people die to save 1, family members play a very important role in our lives. They are always there for us in moments of need & they show up for us when we need them the most. I'd rather take my chances & save my 1 family member because I know they'd do the same for me.
2nd Question: What is your approach to this thought experiment?
= My approach would be that of Care-Ethics. Although sometimes it is not a good idea to make decisions based on emotions but in most cases, it is human nature to strive and work hard to better the lives of those people who we care mostly about (family or friends), which are the people we share the most deep & meaningful relationships with.
3rd Question: Do you think Heinz should steal the drug? Should he be punished? & Why or why not?
= Yes, I think Heinz should steal the drug but he must be punished for breaking the law. Given his situation and circumstances he did not have any other choice but to commit the crime of stealing, but he should also be aware that his actions have certain consequences and as a man he should be prepared to be accountable for his actions.
4th Question: What is a Care Ethics approach to this thought experiment?
= In a care ethics approach it is to make sure that your loved ones are taken care of, safe and healthy. So in this case it would mean that Heinz should resort to stealing to ensure the safety and happiness of his love one.
5th Question: What is a Deontological approach to this thought experiment?
= In a deontological approach you shouldn't steal even if it was for ensuring the health and safety of a loved one. It requres people to at least find other options rather than doing something bad. So in this case it would mean that Heinz should've never stole the drug & let his wife die in peace.
6th Question: What is the difference between Care Ethics and Deontological Ethics?
= Care ethics involve more emotions while Deontological ethics involve less emotion. For the former approach, you would want to help those who are closer to you or those you love and care for, while for the latter approach, you would want to save the 5 people and let the 1 person die when considering the example of the Trolley Problem.
One fact that I've learnt today about care ethics is the fact that care ethics is a feminist approach, which in one way or another shows that women naturally care way more than men do.
Since the videos that we were supposed to reflect on were taken down, I decided to look for similar videos.
REFERENCES
REFERENCES
Fishchiatris (2021). Care Ethics: An Ethical Theory. [online] www.youtube.com. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E9lD-L65uoo [Accessed 17 Oct. 2022].
Burton, O. (2024). - YouTube. [online] Youtu.be. Available at: https://youtu.be/sZBrCD1aHmg [Accessed 12 Sep. 2024].
M2S4
M2S4
In the episode, Dr. Derek Shepherd, a neurosurgeon, is involved in a car accident and rushed to a nearby hospital. He is conscious but unable to speak, mentally urging the doctors to order a CT scan to assess his injuries. A younger doctor suggests the scan, but an older doctor dismisses the idea, insisting there isn’t time. Derek is taken directly into surgery without the CT, and the severity of his brain injuries goes unnoticed until it's too late. By the time the neurosurgeon arrives, Derek is declared brain-dead due to a blown pupil. After hours on life support, his wife, Meredith, signs the papers to discontinue it. She later advises one of the doctors, Penny, to learn from her mistake of not advocating for the CT scan.
The prompt action to get Derek into surgery went well; it showed urgency and rapid decision-making. But despite one doctor's suggestion, a critical component was missed: a head CT scan was not ordered. The senior physician's rejection of this recommendation exposes a communication gap and a hierarchical mindset that might discourage younger team members' ideas. The procedure of making decisions together may have been improved. The team may have evaluated Derek's health more accurately and possibly prevented the delay in identifying his blown pupil and Derek wouldn't be dead.
REFERENCES
REFERENCES
Wikipedia Contributors (2024). Grey’s Anatomy season 11. [online] Wikipedia. Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grey%27s_Anatomy_season_11
ThirstyTv (2016). - YouTube. [online] Youtu.be. Available at: https://youtu.be/qKwDMCjVZ6c
This is the episode that I reflected on.
M3S1
M3S1
Every community has its own health needs and challenges. For example, the health concerns of a community that lives near factories that produce a lot of air pollution are not the same as those of people who live in Sandton. Therefore, COPC addresses the health needs of a given community by combining primary care concepts with public health strategies that emphasize community engagement and evidence-based interventions, for example conducting a SWOT analysis. It aims to raise the standard of treatment, provide equal and accessible access to healthcare, and improve health outcomes. To create treatments that address the underlying causes of health problems, COPC also considers more general social determinants of health, such as socioeconomic position, education, and environmental factors.
Medical ecology looks at the relationships that exist between people, their surroundings, and their health, emphasizing the larger context in which health and sickness develop. In order to create treatments that are more successful, it highlights how crucial it is to take environmental factors into account. Medical ecology is more like what the One Health is all about. Which aims to balance and improve the health of humans, animals, and the environment.
REFERENCES
REFERENCES
World Health Organization (2017). One Health. [online] World Health Organization. Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/one-health.
M3S2- MY DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH
M3S2- MY DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH
Coming from a family with limited financial resources, we were unable to afford nutritious groceries, often relying on carbohydrate-heavy meals rather than a balanced diet. On occasion, I consumed fast food, which I found particularly appealing. However, upon transitioning to a university residence with daily access to fast food, I became overly reliant on it. This poor nutritional intake negatively impacted my physical health, leading to weight gain and decreased energy levels.
Academically, my emotional well-being is significantly influenced by my pursuit of validation. When academic outcomes do not meet my expectations, I experience considerable stress and emotional strain, which, over time, has led to heightened anxiety and emotional exhaustion. As a first-year student undertaking a demanding course, this ongoing pressure has compromised my mental health, resulting in the need for antidepressants to manage my well-being.
Additionally, growing up in a community with prevalent substance abuse, particularly among youth, shaped my views on personal health. Determined to avoid the adverse health consequences of substance use, I made a commitment to abstain from alcohol and smoking, which has contributed positively to my long-term health and well-being.
M3S3-COPC ANALYSIS OF MDANTSANE NU 15 TOWNSHIP
M3S3-COPC ANALYSIS OF MDANTSANE NU 15 TOWNSHIP
Situational Analysis
Situational Analysis
Demographic Assessment: All people that stay in my community are black people, most of them are unemployed and rely on SASSA grant money. The population ranges from youth to elderly people.
Health Status Evaluation: Most of the elderly people who live in my community have chronic illnesses for example diabetes, and hypertension.
Resource Inventory: There is a nearby clinic that is a walking distance from NU 15. There are two schools, a primary, and a high school. There are multiple shops to buy necessities for example bread, milk etc.
Environmental Scan: One of the biggest issues in my community is unemployment. Due to this stress, most of them resort to substance abuse and later on criminal activities. There is proper housing, clean water and sanitation, and electricity.
SWOT Tool
SWOT Tool
STRENGTHS
The community is united and looks out for each other; for example, to fight crime and promote safety for people, some people volunteered to patrol at night as most break-ins and other criminal activities happen at night. This reduced the chances of criminals taking advantage of residents.
Access to basic services is adequate
Because Mdantsane is located near East London, it has reasonable access to the city's services, infrastructure, and business prospects.
WEAKNESSES
Unemployment
Despite the existence of schools, a shortage of qualified teachers, crammed classrooms, and inadequate funding frequently impair the quality of education.
Due to a lack of funding and an excessive number of patients, clinics, and hospitals frequently struggle to provide high-quality healthcare services
OPPORTUNITIES
Our township schools are getting recognized by big organizations, for example when I was doing grade 6 in Fanti Gaqa Primary School in Mdantsane NU 6, the Motsepe Foundation donated money to fix our toilets. The following year, they donated toys and balls for us.
There are also organisations that aim to elevate the potential of the youth, for example the Promaths Kutlwanong program, which helps high-performing students have opportunities to better their potential. I was one of those students and I honestly would not have achieved this much without the program. Things like these can help reduce youth unemployment.
Investments made by the public and private sectors in roads, housing, healthcare, and education have the potential to significantly enhance living circumstances and create opportunities for growth.
THREATS
Substance abuse
Crime
Unplanned urbanization
M3S4
M3S4
Reflecting on my community and their way of life, I believe primary healthcare should include mental health services. Outreach programs that educate people about mental health are essential, especially in communities like mine where substance abuse is prevalent. I think the root cause of much of the substance abuse is related to untreated mental health issues. Life in my community is tough, and many people struggle to meet the demands of daily life. As a result, they often turn to alcohol and drugs as coping mechanisms. I know several individuals who had bright futures but lost their way when life became difficult.
In many Black communities, there is a lack of awareness about mental health and how to maintain it. Educating these communities is crucial. Additionally, there should be outreach programs focused on healthy eating, teaching people how to maintain a balanced diet with the resources they have, even in poverty-stricken areas. Offering diet plans could help dispel the misconception that healthy eating requires expensive foods. Finally, educating people about chronic illnesses and the importance of early detection could significantly improve health outcomes through timely interventions.
REFERENCES
REFERENCES
Mngoma, N.F. and Ayonrinde, O.A. (2022). Mental distress and substance use among rural Black South African youth who are not in employment, education or training (NEET). International Journal of Social Psychiatry, 69(3), p.002076402211142. doi:https://doi.org/10.1177/00207640221114252.
This artifact proves how mental health issues and substance abuse is most common in black communities, especially those that are not privileged.
M4S1-CLIMATE CHANGE
M4S1-CLIMATE CHANGE
The rapid increase in atmosphere temperatures caused by climate change is very bad for health, especially for the elderly as they are extremely vulnerable. The risk of occupational heat illness may climb with rising temperatures, moving from "low risk" to "moderate or high risk," particularly in the mining, agricultural, and outdoor service industries. For example, in January 2023 five farmers died in the intense heat of the Northern Cape due to heat stroke. Due to climate change, floods and droughts have become more frequent, especially in the tropical areas. Droughts lead to dehydration and the drying of crops and plants, and floods destroy houses, an increase in waterborne diseases and loss of life. All of these may lead to food insecurity and an increased amount of stress for those affected, generally affecting their mental health.
To prevent climate change, public health experts need to educate the public, monitor diseases that are sensitive to climate change, monitor at-risk populations, conduct surveillance, monitor affected communities, collaborate with researchers, lobby policymakers, and prepare health services for a warmer climate. Health authorities should evaluate health facilities, food sourcing, energy, transportation, and resource use in order to adjust health services for rising temperatures, guarantee service continuity during extreme weather, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
REFERENCES
REFERENCES
Chersich, M., Wright, C., Venter, F., Rees, H., Scorgie, F. and Erasmus, B. (2018). Impacts of Climate Change on Health and Wellbeing in South Africa. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, [online] 15(9), p.1884. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph15091884.
Mthethwa, C. (2023). ‘We were struggling to breathe’: Five farm workers died of heat stroke in sweltering Northern Cape heat. [online] News24. Available at: https://www.news24.com/news24/southafrica/news/we-were-struggling-to-breathe-five-farm-workers-died-of-heat-stroke-in-sweltering-northern-cape-20230122.
M5S2
M5S2
During my HCP shadowing in session 2, I encountered a poignant scenario where a palliative care nurse I was shadowing had a deeply emotional interaction with a cancer patient. This patient had previously worked in the palliative care department and had trained the very nurse who was now caring for her. The doctors had noted in her file that no further treatment would be given, but they had yet to communicate this directly to the patient. However, being trained in palliative care herself, the patient understood what was happening and became overwhelmed with emotion as she processed the reality of her impending death.
The communication between the spiritual carer and the patient stood out. The carer used non-verbal communication, such as haptics, by gently rubbing the patient’s hand, offering comfort without words. She patiently waited until the patient finished crying, then spoke softly, showing empathy through her body language, nodding, and maintaining eye contact. This interaction reflected the importance of listening and providing emotional support, especially in difficult moments when words may not be enough. It was a powerful reminder of how non-verbal cues, compassion, and presence can be more comforting than any medical intervention.
REFERENCES
REFERENCES
Murphy, M. (2017). Quiz: What’s Your Communication Style? [online] Leadership IQ. Available at: https://www.leadershipiq.com/blogs/leadershipiq/39841409-quiz-whats-your-communication-style.
I took a personality test to understand the kind of communicator that I am and these were the results.
M5S3- Activity 5.3.3
M5S3- Activity 5.3.3
This is our link to the collaboration document:
https://ulwazi.wits.ac.za/groups/92025/collaborations/3410
M5S3
M5S3
For our CBL task, I believe we will be utilizing multiple elements of COPC. However, the one I prefer the most is the SWOT analysis, which offers a structured and straightforward approach to assessing the organization. The simplicity and clarity of the SWOT framework make it easier to navigate, especially when analyzing the Teddy Bear Foundation, which plays such an important role in supporting abused children.
The acronym SWOT, which stands for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats, offers a thorough picture of the internal resources and external difficulties faced by an organization. We can recognize what is effective by recognizing the foundation's strong points, such as its comprehensive strategy for helping victims of child abuse through counseling and legal support. However, identifying opportunities for development is made possible by analyzing shortcomings, such as possible resource constraints or outreach gaps.
The Teddy Bear Foundation may increase its influence by taking advantage of external opportunities like partnering with other child safety groups or increasing its educational outreach. In the meantime, assessing risks such as reduced financing or a rise in abuse allegations might assist the organization in being ready for new difficulties. We can fully understand the internal and external elements impacting through SWOT analysis
M5S5
M5S5
In healthcare practice, health promotion is essential since it goes beyond disease treatment to emphasize disease prevention and general well-being. It is our duty as future healthcare providers to incorporate different strategies for health promotion into patient care. Preventive care is an essential part in which we promote healthy living and early detection via immunizations and screenings. In addition to promoting long-term health, this lowers the chance of sickness. Patient education plays a crucial role as well. Here, we advise patients on how to maintain good lifestyle choices like eating well and exercising while discouraging bad habits like smoking.
Health promotion plays an important part in enhancing the quality of life for patients with chronic diseases by teaching them self-management techniques and encouraging commitment to treatment programs. By taking part in public health campaigns and tackling the socioeconomic determinants of health, healthcare workers may also contribute to community health. The development of individualized treatment plans that are specific to each patient's requirements is necessary for the effective integration of health promotion. Comprehensive care is ensured by interprofessional collaboration with other healthcare practitioners. Patient involvement may be improved by making use of technology, such as telemedicine services and mobile health applications.
M6S2
M6S2
The person I am following is my aunt, whom I live with when I am not in school. She was diagnosed with hypertension during her first pregnancy in 2019, and she says that she thought it would go away after her pregnancy but that was not the case. Ever since then, she has been taking her medication and going to the clinic for her medication and her checkups. She has a 5-year-old daughter and is currently working; she also lives and takes care of our grandmother who has dementia. She was unemployed until this year, and before that, she was financially supported by her sisters. So, her sisters helped to lower her stress levels by supporting her in times of need.
Her older sister(my other aunt), lives 5 minutes away from us. So when she had to go to a checkup or accompany my grandmother to her checkups, her older sister would come to our house and take care of her daughter as she was not attending school until this year. Her family, my family, has been quite supportive of her, although they might have some other family issues, they manage to show up for each other.
2825642 - Angesisa Sithole.pdfM7S2
Family Summary
Thando (46) and Anele (48) are in the process of divorcing after a conflict-filled marriage. They have three children: Bheki (6), who has resumed bedwetting; Thembelani (12), who is experiencing migraines and severe menstrual pain; and Gugu (15), who has begun smoking, drinking, and sneaking out. Thando is experiencing severe depression and considering sending the children to boarding school or their grandparents in the rural areas.
Questions
1. Identify the life cycle stage of the family and state your reasons.
The family is in the "Families with adolescents" stage of the family life cycle.
Reasons:
Gugu (15) and Thembelani (12) are in adolescence, a critical developmental stage requiring the family to support their increasing independence while maintaining guidance.
The presence of Bheki (6), a young child, adds complexity as the family must navigate the conflicting developmental needs of a young child and adolescents during a time of marital instability.
Divorce and family conflict are major stressors disrupting the normal progression through this stage.
2. State the developmental task this family must achieve during this stage.
The key developmental tasks for this family at this stage include:
Adjusting to the adolescent's need for independence:
Providing emotional support while setting appropriate boundaries.
Maintaining effective family communication and relationships:
Ensuring open, respectful dialogue to manage conflicts and transitions.
Managing the marital transition (divorce):
Providing stability and minimizing the emotional impact of the divorce on the children.
Balancing the needs of children across different life stages:
Supporting Bheki's early childhood needs alongside the demands of raising adolescents.
3. What steps will you expect a family-oriented physician (your future-self) to take to help this family?
As a family-oriented physician, the following steps would be taken:
Conduct a comprehensive family assessment:
Review individual and family stressors, including the impact of the divorce on each family member.
Assess Thando's depression severity using a validated screening tool and explore its impact on parenting.
Facilitate open communication:
Arrange a family meeting to allow members to express their concerns and feelings in a safe environment.
Encourage Thando and Anele to focus on co-parenting strategies despite their differences.
Provide psychoeducation and emotional support:
Explain how divorce can affect children at different developmental stages and provide reassurance to Thando.
Teach Thando stress management techniques and emphasise the importance of maintaining her mental health for the well-being of her children.
Address specific issues for each child:
Refer Gugu (15) for substance abuse counselling and mentorship programs to provide positive role models.
Evaluate Thembelani (12) for potential medical causes of migraines and dysmenorrhea, providing appropriate treatment.
Offer support to Bheki (6) for his regression (bedwetting) by addressing his emotional needs and reassuring him about the family’s stability.
Explore Thando’s proposed solutions:
Discuss the potential benefits and drawbacks of sending the children to boarding school or their grandparents.
Ensure that any decision prioritises the children’s emotional and developmental needs.
Utilise family and community resources:
Identify supportive relatives, such as grandparents, to assist with caregiving.
Connect the family to counseling or support groups for families experiencing divorce.
Develop a collaborative plan:
Work with the family to create a realistic, focused action plan that addresses immediate and long-term goals.
Ensure Thando and Anele remain involved in their children’s lives, regardless of living arrangements.
Monitor and follow-up:
Schedule regular follow-ups to assess progress, make adjustments to the care plan, and provide ongoing support.
Refer for specialized assessments, such as psychological evaluations for the children, if needed.
M8S1
Enhancing Clinical Outcomes Through Human Connection
Establishing a strong human connection between healthcare providers and patients is a cornerstone of effective medical practice. Studies have shown that empathetic interactions foster trust and open communication, enabling patients to share vital details about their symptoms and concerns. This deeper understanding allows providers to tailor treatments more effectively, improving adherence and outcomes.
Empathy alone, while intangible, has measurable impacts on recovery rates. For example, research links empathetic communication to lower pain levels, reduced anxiety, and faster recovery in post-surgical patients. This occurs because empathy activates neurobiological pathways that promote emotional well-being, indirectly supporting physical recovery. While empathy isn’t a standalone cure, its role in creating a healing environment underscores its importance in patient care.
Consequences of Lacking Empathy in Healthcare
The absence of empathy or human connection in healthcare interactions can lead to significant miscommunication and dissatisfaction. For example, patients may feel misunderstood or dismissed, discouraging them from sharing critical details about their health. This can result in misdiagnoses or ineffective treatment plans.
The long-term effects on patient trust are profound. Repeated negative experiences can lead to a perception of healthcare as impersonal or uncaring, causing patients to avoid seeking care altogether. This avoidance contributes to worse health outcomes and creates systemic challenges, as untreated conditions become more complex and costly to manage. Moreover, distrust in healthcare providers erodes the patient-provider relationship, undermining collaboration and shared decision-making.
Balancing Emotional Needs and Practical Constraints
Healthcare professionals face the dual challenge of addressing patients' emotional and psychological needs while managing time and resource constraints. Balancing these demands requires strategic approaches to avoid compromising human connection.
Providing emotional support tasks to trained staff, such as counsellors or social workers, ensures comprehensive care without overburdening physicians.
Healthcare professionals who prioritise their own mental health are better equipped to empathise with patients, even in high-pressure environments.
By integrating empathy into workflows, providers can create a balance that sustains human connection while maintaining efficiency.
M9S1 - Lifestyle medicine in relation to public health and health systems science
Lifestyle medicine, public health, and health systems science are closely connected and work together to improve the health of communities. Lifestyle medicine focuses on preventing and managing diseases by encouraging healthy habits like eating well, exercising, managing stress, and avoiding harmful substances. Public health supports this by promoting these healthy behaviors to entire communities through education, programs, and policies. Health systems science ties it all together by ensuring healthcare services are well-organized, accessible, and fair. Together, these areas help tackle health problems in a more effective way.
Learning about these fields will help me become a better doctor by giving me the skills to care for both individual patients and whole communities. Lifestyle medicine will teach me how to help patients make changes in their daily lives to prevent and manage diseases. Public health will help me think about bigger issues that affect people’s health, like poverty or unsafe living conditions, and how to advocate for solutions. Health systems science will help me understand how healthcare is delivered and how to make it work better for everyone, especially those who face challenges getting care.
These areas are important because they focus on improving health for everyone, not just treating sickness. By combining what I learn about lifestyle medicine, public health, and health systems, I’ll be able to create solutions that help individuals and communities stay healthy. This knowledge will also help me reach people who may not have access to care, making healthcare more fair and effective. In the end, these skills will allow me to make a bigger impact as a doctor, improving lives and promoting health for all.
M10S1- Importance of 'managing stress in healthcare settings
The lecture highlighted the critical role of managing stress in healthcare settings, not only for the well-being of healthcare providers but also for the quality of care delivered to patients. Stress, as conceptualized by the Biopsychosocial (BPS) model, significantly affects both mental and physical health. Unmanaged stress in healthcare professionals leads to burnout, which doubles the risk of medical errors and increases the likelihood of malpractice suits by 17% (Khamisa et al., 2013). This has severe implications for patient safety and healthcare outcomes.
Mindfulness, as a coping strategy, offers a promising solution. Goodman and Schorling (2012) demonstrated that mindfulness training reduces burnout and enhances well-being among healthcare providers, enabling them to maintain a calm and focused approach under pressure. This, in turn, improves their interactions with patients and decision-making abilities.
Adopting mindfulness practices and systemic interventions to manage stress creates a healthier work environment. It ensures that healthcare providers can perform at their best, directly impacting the care patients receive. Reflecting on these insights, I recognize the importance of stress management not just as a personal endeavor but as a professional responsibility essential for maintaining patient-centered care.
REFERENCES
Dubale, B.W., Friedman, L.E., Chemali, Z., Denninger, J.W., Mehta, D.H., Alem, A., Fricchione, G.L., Dossett, M.L. and Gelaye, B. (2019). Systematic review of burnout among healthcare providers in sub-Saharan Africa. BMC Public Health, 19(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-019-7566-7.
Goodman, M.J. and Schorling, J.B. (2012). A Mindfulness Course Decreases Burnout and Improves Well-Being among Healthcare Providers. The International Journal of Psychiatry in Medicine, 43(2), pp.119–128. doi:https://doi.org/10.2190/pm.43.2.b.
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