A client/family centered care study on sickle cell disease

Abstract

Virginia Henderson (1960-1964) defined nursing as assisting the individual whether sick or well in the performance of those activities contributing to health or peaceful death that he would perform unaided if he had the necessary strength, will or knowledge and to do this in such way to help him gain independence as rapidly as possible. Nursing care has evolved from just caring for the sick and the dying, to an era of assisting people who seek health guidance and counseling, as well as promoting the health of individuals, their families and the entire community. There has also been an extension of care to the sick person’s family and community, at large, in all aspects of health care. The Patient/ family care study is a detailed account of nursing care rendered to the Patient and family to meet their needs. The study is designed to give a comprehensive nursing care to both patient and family from the time of admission till when patient is finally discharged to go home, as well as follow-ups or home visits for continuity of care, hence care study has become mandatory for every final year student offering the Registered General Nursing (Diploma) programme. This is a pre-requisite for the partial fulfillment for the award of license to practice as a Registered General nurse by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) for Ghana. The study also involves the nursing process which involves assessment of patient/ family, planning of care to be rendered, implementing the plan and evaluating care rendered to patient/ family. The patient and family care study helps to broaden the scope of knowledge of the student nurse. It helps the student nurse to put his theoretical knowledge and skills acquired through training together to give a comprehensive care to patient and family. The patient and family care study also enhances the interpersonal relationship of the student nurse as he constantly communicates with the patient, relatives, friends and other health team in the various units of the hospital to provide comprehensive care of the patient. For the purpose of confidentiality and security reasons, my patient’s identity will not be disclosed; hence Miss B.S. will be used to represent patient’s name throughout the script.