Today was the first day we were able to actively observe the care provided within the Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority (CIHA). While the hospital is the main point of care for many in the community, there is also an urgent care location that can be accessed by all. The services provided here do seem somewhat limited, but patients can be sent to the hospital for additional evaluation if needed. As the Cherokee purchased the hospital back from the federal government in 2002, it is members of the Cherokee (such as the tribal council, community leaders and healthcare leaders) who are responsible for the healthcare system within this community.
On the inpatient unit, I was fortunate enough to sit in on the interdisciplinary staffing of the patients. During this meeting, there must have been 12 members of the healthcare team, including a doctor, the charge nurse, the nursing case manager, a clerk, social worker, two pharmacists, a certified nursing assistant, a nursing student, as well as others. Patients were not included in this meeting, however, the nurse educator assigning our students to units mentioned that they would like to take this process to the bedside one day. Other professionals that could be included in a patients care in the hospital can included physical therapists, radiologists, optometrists, chiropractors and other professionals performing complementary forms of therapy, including accupuncture (group acupuncture for elders was mentioned) and massage.
The hospital only serves those individuals who are enrolled members of the Cherokee tribe. The emergency room will see non-members and, if requiring further care, transfer them to another hospital. As the hospital provides mostly out patient services, individual coming in with a need will be able to check-in with the destination. However, if they have concurrent needs, such as being seen for check-up and having medications changed, they will then be sent to the pharmacy. During this, they will receive direct education by a pharmacist on their medication, rather than being given the meds and sent on their way. The hospital does make it very convenient for members to have all of their needs addressed in the same location.
One main difference between CIHA and healthcare provided at home is that CIHA has most services available in one location. Back in Peoria, it is more common that outpatient or preventative services are located outside the hospital. Providers at CIHA did seem to be active in providing patient-centered care in a very similar manner as is done at Methodist. Also, providing an environment that seems warm and welcoming for patients and family members.
On the inpatient unit, I was fortunate enough to sit in on the interdisciplinary staffing of the patients. During this meeting, there must have been 12 members of the healthcare team, including a doctor, the charge nurse, the nursing case manager, a clerk, social worker, two pharmacists, a certified nursing assistant, a nursing student, as well as others. Patients were not included in this meeting, however, the nurse educator assigning our students to units mentioned that they would like to take this process to the bedside one day. Other professionals that could be included in a patients care in the hospital can included physical therapists, radiologists, optometrists, chiropractors and other professionals performing complementary forms of therapy, including accupuncture (group acupuncture for elders was mentioned) and massage.
The hospital only serves those individuals who are enrolled members of the Cherokee tribe. The emergency room will see non-members and, if requiring further care, transfer them to another hospital. As the hospital provides mostly out patient services, individual coming in with a need will be able to check-in with the destination. However, if they have concurrent needs, such as being seen for check-up and having medications changed, they will then be sent to the pharmacy. During this, they will receive direct education by a pharmacist on their medication, rather than being given the meds and sent on their way. The hospital does make it very convenient for members to have all of their needs addressed in the same location.
One main difference between CIHA and healthcare provided at home is that CIHA has most services available in one location. Back in Peoria, it is more common that outpatient or preventative services are located outside the hospital. Providers at CIHA did seem to be active in providing patient-centered care in a very similar manner as is done at Methodist. Also, providing an environment that seems warm and welcoming for patients and family members.
Comments
Post a Comment