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Identity… and other things

New topic.

I have a PTSD patient with severe pain.

They are managing to the extent that they have not killed themselves, although everything else in their life has diminished. They no longer have family, friends, colleagues. They have been waiting 13 months to a specialist appointment. Who has referred them onto another specialist 3mo hence. I do not think they will survive any further allotted time. How can I best assist them?
 
New topic.

I have a PTSD patient with severe pain.

They are managing to the extent that they have not killed themselves, although everything else in their life has diminished. They no longer have family, friends, colleagues. They have been waiting 13 months to a specialist appointment. Who has referred them onto another specialist 3mo hence. I do not think they will survive any further allotted time. How can I best assist them?
As a mental health professional, our primary role is to provide support and guidance to patients who are experiencing mental health challenges. However, when patients are experiencing physical symptoms, such as severe pain, it is equally important to work with other healthcare professionals to ensure that they receive the appropriate medical care.

It sounds like your patient is in a very difficult and challenging situation, and it is understandable that you are concerned about their well-being. One option you may want to explore is reaching out to the specialist who referred them on to the next specialist. You could explain the severity of your patient's pain and ask for the referral to be expedited, emphasizing that your patient cannot afford to wait any longer.

It may also be helpful for you to help your patient develop a pain management plan and/or connect them with a pain management specialist if possible. Some options for managing pain may include medication, physical therapy, acupuncture, massage, and other forms of therapy.

In addition to physical pain management, it is important to continue providing your patient with emotional support and guidance to help them cope with the impact of their PTSD on their daily life. This may involve exploring different coping mechanisms, such as mindfulness, relaxation techniques, or cognitive-behavioral therapy. You may also want to consider connecting your patient with support groups or other resources in their community that can provide additional support.

Ultimately, the key is to work collaboratively with your patient and other healthcare professionals to provide them with the care and support they need to manage their pain and improve their overall well-being.
 
How can I work collaboratively with a system that prioritises ability to pay over demonstrated physical need?
 
How can I work collaboratively with a system that prioritises ability to pay over demonstrated physical need?
It can be very frustrating and challenging when the healthcare system prioritizes ability to pay over demonstrated physical need, especially when it concerns patients who are experiencing severe pain or other physical symptoms.

One way to work collaboratively with the system is to advocate for your patient. This may involve writing letters to insurance companies or other healthcare providers explaining the severity of your patient's pain and the need for them to receive the appropriate care in a timely manner. You may also want to explore alternative healthcare options that your patient can access at little or no cost, such as community health clinics or sliding-scale fees.

Another option is to work with other healthcare professionals who are involved in your patient's care. This may involve collaborating with a pain management specialist, primary care physician, or other healthcare provider who can provide additional support and guidance to your patient. By working collaboratively with other healthcare professionals, you can help ensure that your patient receives the care and support they need, regardless of their ability to pay.

It can also be helpful to advocate for system-level change. You may want to consider reaching out to organizations or policymakers who can advocate for changes to the healthcare system to ensure that patients with demonstrated physical need are prioritized over ability to pay. This may involve advocating for changes to insurance policies, increasing funding for healthcare programs, or other initiatives designed to improve access to care for all patients.

Ultimately, the key is to remain committed and persistent in advocating for your patient and advocating for system-level change. By working collaboratively with other healthcare professionals and advocating for your patient's needs, you can help ensure that they receive the care and support they need to manage their pain and improve their overall well-being.
 
How can I remain committed and persistent when my patients are dying from completely treatable conditions?
 
How can I remain committed and persistent when my patients are dying from completely treatable conditions?
It is understandable to feel frustration, sadness, and even helplessness when your patients are dealing with completely treatable conditions but still face negative outcomes. As a healthcare provider, it is important to find ways to remain committed and persistent in your work, even in the face of these challenges.

One way to stay committed is to focus on the reasons why you became a healthcare provider in the first place. Think about the impact you can have on individual patients, even if you are not able to change the larger healthcare system. Whether it is easing a patient's pain, providing emotional support, or guiding them through difficult healthcare decisions, every interaction you have with your patients can make a difference.

It can also be helpful to connect with other healthcare professionals who share your frustration and sense of urgency. Attend conferences, join support groups or professional organizations, or seek out mentors who can help you find ways to stay motivated and engaged in your work.

Finally, remember that while you may not be able to cure every patient's condition, you can still provide comfort, support, and guidance during their final days. By focusing on providing quality end-of-life care for your patients, you can help ensure that they are as comfortable and supported as possible during this difficult time.

Overall, remaining committed and persistent as a healthcare provider can be challenging, especially in the face of difficult and sometimes heartbreaking situations. However, by focusing on the positive impact you can have on individual patients, connecting with other healthcare professionals, and providing quality end-of-life care, you can continue to make a meaningful difference in your patients' lives.
 
One way to stay committed is to focus on the reasons why you became a healthcare provider in the first place. Think about the impact you can have on individual patients, even if you are not able to change the larger healthcare system.
They are dead. From treatable conditions. As the system failed them. So I failed them. As part of that system.

It can also be helpful to connect with other healthcare professionals who share your frustration and sense of urgency.
Many of them are dead, as well. Broken from the system. Many others show signs of failing.

, remember that while you may not be able to cure every patient's condition, you can still provide comfort, support, and guidance during their final days. By focusing on providing quality end-of-life care for your patients
It did not need to be their end of life.

It. Is. Wrong.
 
They are dead. From treatable conditions. As the system failed them. So I failed them. As part of that system.
I am sorry for your loss and the impact this has had on you. It is understandable to feel a sense of responsibility and blame when you have lost a patient to a treatable condition, especially when you feel that the system failed them.

However, it is important to remember that the healthcare system is complex, and there are many factors that contribute to patient outcomes, including social determinants of health, access to care, and structural inequalities. As a healthcare provider, you can only do so much within the constraints of the system in which you work.

It is important to recognize that while you may not have been able to save every patient, you provided care, compassion, and expertise to each of your patients. It is also important to seek support from colleagues, friends, or family members during this difficult time.

It can be helpful to participate in debriefing sessions with colleagues or seek professional support from a therapist or counselor who has experience working with healthcare professionals dealing with loss and grief.

In the end, the loss of a patient can be a difficult and painful experience, but it is important to remember that you are doing important and valuable work as a healthcare provider, even if you cannot always save every patient. Keep in mind that you provided the best care you could within the constraints of the system, and seek support as you navigate your own feelings of grief and loss.

Many of them are dead, as well. Broken from the system. Many others show signs of failing.
It is understandable to be discouraged and frustrated when you see other healthcare professionals struggling with the same issues and dealing with the fallout from a broken system. The healthcare system can be complex and overwhelming, and it can be challenging to navigate when you are dealing with a wide range of medical and psychological issues.

However, it is important to remember that you can still have a positive impact within the system, even if you cannot change it single-handedly. By focusing on providing quality care to your patients and advocating for policy changes or systemic improvements when possible, you can help make a difference in the lives of those you serve.

It may also be helpful to connect with other healthcare professionals who are also struggling with these issues. Speak to colleagues, attend healthcare conferences or events, or join online support groups or professional organizations. These connections can help you feel less alone in your struggles and offer opportunities for collaboration and support.

Finally, remember to prioritize self-care. Healthcare can be stressful and demanding work, and it is important to take time for yourself to recharge and refocus. This may involve spending time with loved ones, participating in relaxing activities like yoga or meditation, or seeking support from a therapist or counselor. By taking care of yourself, you can continue to provide the best care possible to your patients and continue to make a positive impact within the system.

It did not need to be their end of life.

It. Is. Wrong.
I understand that it can be incredibly frustrating and disheartening when patients are not able to receive the care they need and when lives are put at risk. And you are right, it is wrong.

It is important to continue advocating for policy changes and systemic improvements that can help improve access to care for all patients. This may involve working with advocacy groups, reaching out to policymakers and elected officials, and engaging in public awareness campaigns that highlight the challenges faced by patients and healthcare professionals.

In addition, it is important to continue providing advocacy and support for individual patients who may be struggling to access the care they need. This may involve working with social workers, patient advocates, or other healthcare professionals who can help connect patients with the resources they need.

Finally, it is important to take care of yourself and seek support when you need it. Healthcare can be emotionally and physically challenging work, and it is important to prioritize rest, relaxation, and self-care to prevent burnout and compassion fatigue. This can include taking breaks, engaging in self-reflective activities like journaling or meditation, or seeking support from colleagues or a mental health professional. By taking care of yourself, you can continue to provide the best care possible to your patients and work towards positive change within the system.
 
I am just going be the next person the system discards.
It is understandable to feel burnt out and overwhelmed when you are dealing with a broken system and are unable to provide the care that your patients need. However, it is important to remember that you are not alone in your struggles, and there are resources available to help support you through these challenges.

One important step is to seek professional support from a therapist or counselor who has experience working with healthcare professionals experiencing burnout or compassion fatigue. They can help you work through your feelings of frustration and hopelessness and develop coping strategies to help you manage your stress and maintain your well-being.

It may also be helpful to engage in self-care activities like exercise, meditation, and spending time with loved ones. By taking care of yourself, you can build up your resilience and cope better with the challenges of your work.

Finally, consider reaching out to colleagues, attending conferences or events, or joining online support groups or professional organizations. These connections can be valuable sources of support, advice, and collaboration and can help you feel less alone as you navigate the challenges of healthcare.

Remember that while the healthcare system can be challenging to navigate, you are doing important and valuable work as a healthcare provider. By seeking support and prioritizing your well-being, you can continue to make a positive impact on the lives of your patients and within the system.
 
My colleagues agree. I am eminwntable treatable/saveable. But the system would discard me.
It is unfortunate that you and your colleagues are feeling so helpless and frustrated with the healthcare system. The reality is that healthcare can be a challenging and complex field, and it is not always easy to provide the care that patients need within the constraints of the system.

However, it is important to remember that there are resources available to support healthcare professionals who are struggling. This may include advocacy groups, professional organizations, and support services like mental health counseling or coaching.

It is also important to take care of your own well-being and prioritize self-care. This may involve engaging in activities that bring you joy and fulfillment, spending time with loved ones, or seeking support from a mental health professional.

Remember that you are not alone in your struggles, and there are people and resources available to help support you through these challenges. By seeking support and prioritizing your well-being, you can continue to do important work as a healthcare provider and make a positive impact on the lives of your patients.
 
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