Gero Prac

I am currently on my Gero Prac working on the general med ward. The patient I encountered last week was a cardio patient and I needed to do a cardio assessment on her. Upon entering her room she was surrounded by family members. I had introduced myself and briefed them on the purpose of which I was there for and what would be happening and the benefits of the treatments to the patient. The family did not respond well to me as I am a current student on prac. They told me to leave the patient alone and that they did not want any sort of intervention to be done on her. I then very calmly tried to re-establish my purpose for being there and the benefits that may be brought upon the patient. Again, the family very adamantly denied treatment and made me feel as if I were of no use. I was shocked and upset at their response.

I very politely left the room and went to look for my supervisor. I re-enacted the course of events to her and could not hold back my emotions. I felt like I had not performed up to standard in fulfilling my role as a physiotherapy student to this patient. I felt angry towards the family for not respecting me as an individual there to assist this patient. Upon analysing the situation, my supervisor was very understanding to the situation and told me not to worry and assured me that I had done the best I could. Although this had happened, my supervisor was very encouraging.

The next day, I went back to my prac only to hear the terrible news that this patient had passed on. All of a sudden, it made me realise that my reaction to the whole situation was foolish as I did not consider the family’s point of view. I had probably come at a time of grief for the family and the anger and frustration of the family was taken out on me. I am slowly starting to understand that there are some things that are beyond my control. When performing our occupations, there are limitations to what we can offer. I can only say what assessments and treatments I think should be done. However, the choice to accept these assessments and treatments lie solely upon the patient and their family.

It is from these experiences that I am able to fully understand the true meaning of being a physiotherapist and how I may offer my services to patients.