LAB EXERCISE:  HEALTH PROFESSIONS – WHO AM I?

OBJECTIVES

For this lab exercise you will:

1. Recognize one’s limitations in skills, knowledge, and abilities (IPEC, 2011, RR1).
2. Explain the roles and responsibilities of other providers and how the team works together to provider care, promote health, and prevent disease (IPEC, 2011, RR4).

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Many professions collaborate in the care of patients; these professions include:  lab technician, social worker, physician, respiratory therapist, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, speech language pathologist, registered dietitian, pharmacist, occupational therapist, physical therapist, dentist, chaplain, or others.
2. IDENTIFY each profession that described who may be on an interprofessional team that may be collaborating to provide care to patients; to find the answers, ask your healthcare professional colleagues, and/or research educational and professional organizational websites.
3. This exercise can be completed as individuals or via collaboration as a team.

• #1 – I have at least an Associate Degree and am certified and/or licensed.  I studied medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, and other basic sciences.  My role focuses on obtaining and analyzing patient’s body fluids and tissue cells.  I work under the direction of a supervisor. WHO AM I?

• #2 – I offer a holistic approach on the tasks a person performs every day (the ADLs).  I person may have a health condition or had an injury and need to learn/relearn/adapt including speech, communication, play, self-care, household management, social participation, etc. WHO AM I?

• #3 – I evaluate clients/patients, develop a treatment plan to improve movement, restore lost function, prevent disability, help a person to achieve fitness goals, and manage pain. WHO AM I?

• #4 – I promote good mental health including therapy (if I have done an externship and have a master’s degree).  I help clients access the community resources they need to address their SODH and/or other challenges. WHO AM I?

• #5 – I have a master’s degree and have completed a clinical fellowship.  I assess and treat speech (including fluency), language, the cognitive components of communication, and oral/feeding/swallowing skills. WHO AM I?

• #6 – I have a BA/BS with emphasis in basic sciences (biology, organic and inorganic chemistry, physics, anatomy & physiology), calculus, and stats.  I went to 4 years of graduate school and had to pass competency exams along the way to progress.  Then, I did at least 3 more years of training and took at least one more competency exam.  I provide holistic care to clients/patients – providing preventive healthcare, and management of illnesses, and disease; and educate clients/patients/families about health and illness.  I write orders, prescribe medication, order and interpret tests, and make referrals.  I am concerned with quality improvement, patient satisfaction, and patient outcomes. WHO AM I?

• #7 – I have an advance degree at the master’s or Doctorate level which took 2 or 4 years, respectively.  I provide holistic care to clients/patients – providing preventive healthcare, and management of illnesses, and disease; and educate clients/patients/families about health and illness.  I am concerned with quality improvement, patient satisfaction, and patient outcomes.  In many states, my scope of practice allows me to practice completely independently. WHO AM I?

• #8 – I have 6-8 years of training in a specialized school.  I took courses such as organic chemistry, and physiology.  I passed national and state licensing exams.  I supply medications to patients ensuring their safe use as well as advising patients how to take them, what reactions could occur, and answer patient questions.  I respond to patients’ symptoms and recommend OTC medications.  I provide services to patients, such as smoking cessation, blood pressure measurement, diabetes management, and vaccine administration. WHO AM I?

• #9 – I have an advance degree at the master’s which took 3 years.  I provide holistic care to clients/patients.  I obtain medical histories, perform physical examinations, make clinical diagnoses, treat illnesses, provide patient education, counsel patients, assist in surgery, create patient orders, interpret lab studies, and prescribe medications.  My scope of practice allows me to practice under supervision, but the supervisor does not need to be onsite. WHO AM I?

• #10 – I perform physical exams on patients and perform diagnostic testing and recommend treatments.  I respond to emergency situations and urgent calls for care.  I analyze breath, tissue, and blood specimens to determine levels of oxygen and other gases. I manage ventilators and artificial airways.  I educate patients and families about lung disease so they can maximize their quality of life. WHO AM I?

• #11 – I have a bachelor‘s degree, but soon the education need for entry level in the profession will be a master’s degree. Athletic trainers (ATs) are unique health care providers and an essential member of any health care team skilled and trained in the prevention of injury and illness, examination, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of emergency, acute or chronic injuries and medical conditions. Found on sidelines, military bases, warehouse floors, performance halls and clinics and hospitals, ATs provide a safer approach to work, life and sport. – WHO AM I?

• #12 – I have at least an Associate Degree and I am licensed. I protect, promote, and optimize health and abilities, prevent illness and injury, alleviate suffering through diagnosis and treatment of the human response, and advocacy in the care of individuals, families, communities, and populations. – WHO AM I?

• #13 – I have a bachelor’s degree followed by four years of graduate school that includes lecture courses along with simulation classes, labs, and clinical experiences. My peers and I mostly work in private practices, although a few are employed by hospitals, government agencies, and outpatient clinics. I provide routine screenings and patient care that includes procedures and treatments; this includes early detection of heart disease, diabetes, and kidney problems. WHO AM I?

• #14 – I have a bachelor’s degree in public health, business, or clinical discipline, then a master’s degree and various certifications. I am involved in the daily operations of a healthcare facility although I may specialize to coordinate staff schedules, oversee hiring and salaries, improve efficiency, manage finances and budgets, maintain health records, address needs of staff members, and ensure that the facility is in compliance with healthcare laws and regulations.  WHO AM I?

• #15 – I have at least a master’s degree. I am specialized and certified in my profession.  I support patients and staff with spiritual and religious concerns across all faiths and cultures.  I advocate for patients and staff and influence better decisions about care, improve clinical outcomes, and enhance staff morale.  I establish trust with patients that transfers to other members of the healthcare team which leads to better care and better outcomes.  WHO AM I?

RUBRIC – Health Professions – Who Am I? 

REFERENCES

Interprofessional Education Collaborative Expert Panel.  (2011). Core competencies for interprofessional practice:  Report of an expert panel.  Washington, D.C.:  Interprofessional Education Collaborative