Patient/ Family Care Study on a Patient With a Diagnosis of Left Inguinal Hernia

Abstract

In recent times, nursing practice has become more complex, with varying approaches to patient care. Various technological advancements, coupled with ever increasing opportunities to pursue medical specializations have created the environment that makes patient care more efficient. This challenges the body of nursing to develop effective strategies to solve many of patient’s problems. The Patient and Family Care Study provides a detailed written account of all the nursing activities rendered to a client and his family whiles maintaining anonymity, from the time of encounter on admission to termination of the nurse- patient relationship during home visits. It takes into consideration the concept of holistic care to collect data, analyze information and evaluate the results of nursing care. The Patient and Family Care Study fully explores the steps of the nursing process. The nursing process, since its theorization in 1958 by Ida Jean (Orlando) Pelletier has been the primary tool and roadmap that guides the nurse in identifying patients’ problems and planning for their resolution. Originally derived from the scientific process, the nursing process enables nurses to provide goal directed, client centered and evidence-based care to patients, families and communities. The nursing process explores the five interdependent phases namely assessment, diagnosis, planning, intervention and evaluation. With the nursing process as its bedrock, the Patient and Family Care Study builds the capacity of the student nurse in providing individualized care for patients and their families. It also promotes the development of analytical and decision-making skills of student nurses as well as encourages evidence-based practice. Therefore, it is carried out in partial fulfillment of the prerequisites for licensing examinations by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Ghana.