Reference no: EM133315862

Cse Study:

Bessie Atly is a 60-year-old Aboriginal woman whom has been admitted to the Oncology ward with symptoms of delirium, such as confusion following a reaction to her treatment medication. The goal of her admission is to keep her safe until the delirium resolves, ensure her observations remain within normal ranges and commence on an alternate medication.

When Bessie arrives she is crying and appears frightened, saying "I can't believe I'm locked up here again" and "please don't hurt me". She has been accompanied by security guards as she absconded from the Emergency Dept. Her nursing care plan states that security is to continue to sit outside her room.

Bessie was in emergency for 24 hours prior to being admitted to the ward due to a shortage of beds and has not seen any of the multidisciplinary team including the Aboriginal Liaison since her arrival. The emergency staff hand over stated that she is crazy, has been rambling in another language and at times talking to what she says are spirits.

She has not eaten since her arrival to the emergency department and staff state that Bessie refused to fill out the meal order form.

She was described by staff as being dishevelled, when asked to expand on this staff stated she came in with bare feet and oily hair. Staff also handed over that she comes from overcrowded housing, living with other members of family including her daughter, son in law, 3 grandchildren and a great grandchild.

Following admission to the ward you contact Bessie's daughter Shelly, she is concerned as Bessie keeps ringing and is quite frightened, feeling like she is back in the girl's home.

Shelly explains that the family is under a lot of stress since Bessie got sick, she would care for the grandchildren while Shelly and her husband work shift work as police officers. Shelly is currently unable to work as she has been having to care for both the children and her Mum.

Shelly states that Bessie has been needing assistance with showering, dressing, cleaning and meals. Bessie is feeling constantly exhausted by her illness and treatment and has been hesitant to access care. Shelly states that Bessie has missed appointments with both the Oncologist, and Physiotherapist who continue to provide follow up calls with a private number. Bessie is unaware who is calling and won't answer the call. They are new to the area and have no other family or supports.

The doctor comes to see Bessie and quickly explains that she has had a reaction to her medications and that they will start a new medication this afternoon. Bessie can expect to be in the hospital for at least 1 week. The doctor quickly leaves the room explaining he is very busy today and will see her again tomorrow.

When you go to give Bessie her new medications, she refuses stating that "they are poison, look how sick they have made me". Bessie becomes verbally aggressive and tells you to go away and take the bloody police with you, then begins to cry, stating "I just want to go home".

Question 1

As a healthcare working in the Wollongong/Illawarra Area, what local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander specific services/ organisations are available that would assist in supporting/educating Bessie and Shelly and their family? Discuss specific local services that would be of assistance to Bessie and her family in their current circumstances.

Question 2

Discuss two communication strategies that would enable Bessie to be able to discuss her needs and concerns with ease.