Family Health Case Study

Topic: Oncology
Words: 473 Pages: 7

Introduction

In the case of Shirley’s diagnosis, physiological stressors include musculoskeletal, neurological, and gastrointestinal implications of cancer treatment, particularly chemotherapy. The family has to be aware of all the side effects and the impact of treatment to adapt to these physiological changes.

When it comes to mental health, it is important to note the importance of the psychological variable since Shirley will go through an immense amount of stress.

Nurse Trisha’s Progress

There are various perspectives, that one could take to determine whether Shirley’s diagnosis is a normative or non-normative life event. I favor the approach, which would identify an unexpected cancer diagnosis as a non-normative event.

Nurse Trisha has completed the first two phases of the home visit. The physician referred her to Shirley. The nurse then initiated the visit through a phone call and had a conversation with Shirley regarding her concerns and issues. Nurse Trisha then scheduled an appointment.

Health Equity and Risks

The objective I have chosen to discuss in detail is ensuring health equity by eliminating disparities. In the United States, families face the threat of being denied high-quality treatment. Unfortunately, modern society is still unable to recognize racial minorities as equals. As a result of racism and discrimination, people often have to struggle financially to make ends meet, which is reflected in the impact such economic factors have on the risk of developing a serious disease. In addition, the social stigma and economic hardships affect the lifestyles of individuals throughout the country. While sudden life events are usually unplanned, behavioral and lifestyle patterns influence the health risks the most.

The Christ Hospital Health Network

  • health services provided to the residents of the Greater Cincinnati region;
  • an extensive network of professionals and healthcare providers;
  • focus on collaboration to ensure the care of the highest quality;
  • services offered: solution-focused therapy, grief support, wellness education, and others;
  • adults aged 18 and higher are eligible;
  • costs are not disclosed.

Cancer Support Community Greater Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky

  • providing non-medical care to cancer patients and their loved ones;
  • services: educational and athletic classes, cancer networking groups, lectures, etc. everyone is eligible;
  • all the services are completely free.

Key Health Problems the Community Faces

  • Comprehensive Health Needs Assessment by Mercy Health Cincinnati in 2019;
  • identifying the key issues in the community guides strategic planning and health-related initiatives;
  • substance abuse, chronic diseases, the lack of access to quality care, as well as the absence of any focus on the problems of people struggling with mental health as the main issues;
  • African American, Latino, and low-income households are disproportionately affected

Fadlon and Nielsen (2019)

  • examination of family health behaviors;
  • the impact of family spillovers on health-related attitudes;
  • the impact of health shocks on seeking preventative care;
  • findings regarding spouses and adult children;
  • surprising conclusions about the far-reaching impact of spillovers;
  • coworkers and friends get affected as well.

References

Cancer Family Care (2018). Our programs. Web.

Cancer Support Community (2019). Program & events calendar. My Cancer Support Community. Web.

Fadlon, I., & Nielsen, T. H. (2019). Family Health Behaviors. American Economic Review, 109(9), 3162– 3191. Web.

Ginsburg, G. S., Wu, R. R., & Orlando, L. A. (2019). Family health history: underused for actionable risk assessment. The Lancet. Web.

Imerman Angels (2020). Become a mentor angel. Web.

Mental Health America of NKY & SWOH (2021). About us. MHANKYSWOH. Web.

Mercy Health Cincinnati (2019). 2019 Community Health Needs Assessment. Mercy. Web.

Rodríguez, V. M., Corona, R., Bodurtha, J. N., & Quillin, J. M. (2016). Family ties: The role of family context in family health history communication about cancer. Journal of Health Communication, 21(3), 346–355. Web.

The Christ Hospital (2021). Cancer and blood disorders. Web.