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Clair College @ Ace Acumen

OAH 306 (B)

Assignment 1
Date:

Course Section: B
Student Name: Sunaina Bharti
Student Number: 0788693
Instructor: Dr. Youssef Barikhan
Academic integrity is vital to the well-being of the college community, and Ace
Acumen College takes this issue very seriously. Plagiarism involves presenting the
words and ideas of another person as if they were your own, and other forms of
cheating, such as handing in the same assignment to more than one class, and so
on. The penalties for this misconduct are going to be very severe.
 1. Define professinalism and discuss what it means for the health care professional. (10)
2. What is meant by the term triage? How does effective triage relate to good judgment.
(10)
3. Discuss the structure and purpose of the health-illness continum. (10)
4. What is the major cause of disaility in canada? (10)
5. Explain some steps the administrative health professional can take to overcome
language barriers. (10)
6. What are the responsibilities of the provincial or territorial and federal regarding health
care. Give clear explanation for your answer. (10)
7. What steps should MOA take to ensure a safe physical environment in the health office.
(10)
8. Discuss the relevance of quality assurance in the health office. (10)
9. Discuss the strategies to implement medical asepsis in the workplace. (10)
10. Diffenrentiate between an acute and a chronic infection. (10)

Ans 1. The conduct, behavior, and qualities that are expected of people working in the healthcare
industry are referred to as professionalism. It includes a collection of moral principles, duties, and
obligations that direct healthcare workers in their relationships with clients, coworkers, and the
healthcare system as a whole.

Healthcare professionalism's fundamental components include:

1. Competence: To provide patients with high-quality care, healthcare practitioners must have the
knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary. They should continually pursue professional development to
broaden their knowledge and keep up with the most recent developments in their industry.

Ethical behaviour: Healthcare professionals are expected to adhere to a strong code of ethics and
maintain the highest standards of integrity and honesty. They must prioritize patient well-being, respect
confidentiality, and make decisions based on the best interests of the patient.
 3.Respect and empathy: Healthcare professionals should treat patients, their families, and
colleagues with respect, dignity, and empathy. They should actively listen to patients, involve them
in their care decisions, and be sensitive to their cultural and individual need.

4. Communication abilities: Good communication is essential in the healthcare industry.

Professionals should be able to communicate ideas effectively and sympathetically, making sure that
patients are aware of their diagnosis, available treatments, and any risks or benefits. Additionally,
they should pay close attention to the problems of the patients and respond appropriately.

5. Teamwork and collaboration: Healthcare workers frequently work in interdisciplinary teams,

necessitating teamwork and cooperation with colleagues from many specialties. Fostering a positive
workplace culture, appreciating others' viewpoints, and effectively supporting the team's objectives
are all examples of professionalism.

6. Accountability: Healthcare workers should be accountable for their actions, admit fault and grow
from missteps, and work to avoid mistakes and injury. In order to maintain patient safety and
wellbeing, they should adhere to institutional norms, legal requirements, and ethical standards.

Professional appearance and demeanor: Healthcare professionals are expected to present

themselves in a professional manner, maintaining personal hygiene and wearing appropriate attire.
They should demonstrate confidence, maintain composure in stressful situations, and exhibit a
positive and compassionate attitude towards patients.

Ans2. A technique called triage is used in healthcare to rank patients according to the gravity of their
conditions and the resources that are available. In order to decide the sequence in which patients
should receive medical care, it entails evaluating and categorizing the patients. The main objective of
triage is to allocate scarce resources wisely and effectively, ensuring that those who urgently require
treatment get it.

Healthcare providers' judgment is crucial for effective triage. Here is how triage and sound judgment are
related:

1. Quick Assessment: Medical personnel must assess patients promptly and get an early opinion about
the severity of their disease. They must recognize circumstances that are life-threatening and demand
quick action. This entails identifying crucial symptoms, assessing vital signs, and compiling relevant data
to determine the appropriate level of urgency.
 1. Prioritization: Triage involves making decisions about the order in which patients should be
treated. Good judgment plays a crucial role in determining the priority levels based on the
severity of the condition, the potential for deterioration, and the available resources. Healthcare
professionals must consider the overall picture, including the immediate needs of the patient
and the potential impact on others.

2. Allocation of Resources: In situations where resources are limited, healthcare professionals must
make difficult decisions about resource allocation. Good judgment helps in making fair and
ethical decisions, considering factors such as the likelihood of successful intervention, the
potential benefit to the patient, and the equitable distribution of resources.

3. Flexibility: Triage circumstances may be dynamic and ever-changing. Professionals in the medical
field who use sound judgment can modify their choices as new knowledge becomes available. They
must be able to evaluate patients and priorities again and change the triage plan as necessary.

4. Collaboration and Communication: good triage involves collaboration and good communication
amongst healthcare workers. To achieve the best results for patients, good judgment is important
when communicating information accurately, coordinating activities, and working cooperatively.

Overall, good judgment is essential in triage because it allows healthcare professionals to make
informed decisions, prioritize effectively, allocate resources appropriately, and adapt to evolving
situations. It ensures that the limited resources are used efficiently and maximizes the potential for
positive patient outcomes.

Ans3. The health-illness continuum is a conceptual framework used in healthcare to describe the
spectrum of health states that individuals can experience. It represents a range of well-being, from
optimal health on one end to severe illness or death on the other. The continuum acknowledges that
health is not a binary concept but exists on a spectrum with varying degrees of physical, mental, and
social well-being.

Structure of the Health-Illness Continuum: The health-illness continuum is typically depicted as a linear
scale or spectrum, with different health states positioned along it. At one end, individuals are considered
to be in a state of complete health, characterized by absence of illness, optimal functioning, and well-
being. As you move along the continuum, the health states gradually transition to varying degrees of
illness, impairment, and disability. At the opposite end of the continuum, individuals may experience
severe illness, chronic conditions, or terminal diseases.

Purpose of the Health-Illness Continuum:

1. Understanding Health Status: The continuum provides a framework for understanding and
assessing an individual's health status. It recognizes that health is not a fixed state but can
fluctuate throughout a person's life. By considering health as a continuum, healthcare
professionals can evaluate where individuals fall on the spectrum and tailor interventions
accordingly.

2. Contextualizing Illness: The continuum helps to contextualize illness by recognizing that it exists
on a spectrum rather than as a distinct category. It acknowledges that individuals can have
varying degrees of illness, from minor ailments to severe chronic conditions, and it encourages a
holistic approach to healthcare that considers the physical, mental, and social aspects of well-
being.

3. Promoting Preventive Care: The continuum emphasizes the importance of preventive care and
early intervention to maintain or improve health. It encourages healthcare providers to focus on
promoting wellness, preventing disease, and detecting health issues at an early stage. By
recognizing the dynamic nature of health, interventions can be targeted to shift individuals
towards a healthier state.

4. The health-illness continuum aids healthcare workers in better comprehending the viewpoint of
the patient and individualized care. It acknowledges that every person experiences health and illness
differently and permits a person-centered approach that takes into consideration each person's unique
requirements, preferences, and objectives.

5. Coordinating Treatment and Rehabilitation Activities: The continuum aids in coordinating treatment
plans and rehabilitation activities. It helps doctors assess the severity and impact of a sickness or injury,
set realistic goals, and develop successful therapies to advance patients along the continuum towards an
improved state of health and wellbeing.Ans. 4: Depending on the age group, socioeconomic position,
and regional variances, the main causes of impairment can change across Canada. However, a sizable
fraction of the population is impacted by a few widespread causes of impairment. The following are
some of the main causes of disability in Canada:
 1. Chronic Diseases: Chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, respiratory
conditions (e.g., chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), and musculoskeletal disorders are
leading causes of disability in Canada. These conditions often result in long-term impairments
that can significantly impact an individual's functioning and quality of life.

2. Mental Health Disorders: Mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety disorders,
bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia, contribute significantly to disability in Canada. Mental
health conditions can affect a person's ability to perform daily activities, maintain employment,
and participate fully in society.

3. Musculoskeletal Disorders and Injuries: Musculoskeletal disorders, including back pain, arthritis,
and other joint-related conditions, can lead to disability. Injuries, such as fractures, sprains, and
spinal cord injuries, can also cause long-term impairments and disability.

4. Neurological Disorders: Neurological conditions, such as multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, Parkinson's

disease, and stroke, can result in disabilities that affect mobility, cognition, and daily functioning.

Ans5. Administrative health professionals play a crucial role in facilitating effective communication and
overcoming language barriers in healthcare settings. Here are some steps they can take to address
language barriers:

1. Utilize Professional Interpreters: Engage professional interpreters who are trained in medical
terminology and cultural sensitivity. Avoid using family members or untrained staff as
interpreters, as they may not provide accurate or confidential communication.

2. Provide Language Assistance Services: Ensure that language assistance services, such as
professional interpreters or translation services, are readily available and easily accessible for
patients and healthcare providers. This may include in-person interpreters, telephone
interpretation services, or translation of written materials.

3. Train Staff in Cultural Competence: Conduct training programs to enhance cultural competence
among administrative staff. This training should focus on understanding and respecting diverse
cultures, communication styles, and health beliefs. It helps staff develop strategies to effectively
interact with patients from different linguistic backgrounds.
 4. Use Visual Aids and Technology: Utilize visual aids, such as pictorial representations or medical
illustrations, to supplement verbal communication. This can help bridge language gaps and
improve understanding. Additionally, leverage technology tools like translation apps or
language-specific medical phrasebooks to facilitate basic communication.

5. Create Multilingual Materials: Develop and provide written materials, such as brochures,
consent forms, and patient education materials, in multiple languages commonly spoken by the
patient population. This ensures that patients have access to important information in a
language they understand.

Ans6. In Canada, the responsibility for healthcare is shared between the provincial/territorial
governments and the federal government. Here is a clear explanation of the responsibilities of each level
of government:

Provincial/Territorial Responsibilities:

1. Delivery of Healthcare Services: Provincial and territorial governments are primarily responsible
for the organization, management, and delivery of healthcare services within their jurisdiction.
This includes operating hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities, as well as managing
healthcare professionals.

2. Health Insurance: Each province and territory administers its own health insurance plan,
commonly known as Medicare. They are responsible for ensuring that residents have access to
necessary medical services, including physician services, hospital care, and medically necessary
procedures, through their health insurance programs.

3. Planning and Funding: Provinces and territories are responsible for developing healthcare plans
and setting priorities based on the needs of their population. They allocate funding to healthcare
providers, including hospitals, physicians, and other healthcare professionals, to ensure the
availability and accessibility of services.

Federal Responsibilities:

1. Canada Health Act: The federal government plays a role in overseeing and enforcing the
principles of the Canada Health Act. This legislation outlines the criteria that provincial and
 territorial health insurance plans must meet to receive federal funding, such as public
administration, comprehensiveness, universality, portability, and accessibility.

2. Funding Transfers: The federal government provides financial support to provinces and
territories through fiscal transfers, such as the Canada Health Transfer (CHT) and the Canada
Social Transfer (CST). These transfers contribute to the funding of healthcare services and
support provincial/territorial healthcare systems.

3. Indigenous Health: The federal government has a responsibility for the health and well-being of
Indigenous peoples in Canada. It provides healthcare services, funding, and supports initiatives
that aim to address the health disparities and specific health needs of Indigenous communities.

Ans7. Medical Office Assistants (MOAs) play a crucial role in ensuring a safe physical environment in a
health office. Here are some steps they can take to promote safety:

1. Maintain Cleanliness and Hygiene: MOAs should ensure that the health office is kept clean and
hygienic. This includes regular cleaning and disinfection of surfaces, waiting areas, examination
rooms, and restrooms. They should follow appropriate infection control protocols, such as hand
hygiene, proper waste disposal, and use of personal protective equipment (PPE) as required.

2. Organize and Manage Supplies: MOAs should organize and manage medical supplies,
equipment, and medications in a safe and efficient manner. They should ensure that supplies
are properly labeled, stored, and easily accessible. Regular inventory checks should be
conducted to identify and replace expired or damaged items.

3. Monitor and Maintain Safety Equipment: MOAs should regularly inspect and maintain safety
equipment, including fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, emergency exits, and first aid kits.
They should ensure that equipment is in working order, properly located, and easily accessible
in case of emergencies.

4. Implement Infection Control Measures: MOAs should follow and promote infection control
measures within the health office. This includes proper hand hygiene, respiratory etiquette, and
adherence to protocols for preventing the spread of infectious diseases. They should educate
staff and patients on infection control practices and promote a culture of cleanliness and
awareness.
Ans8. Quality assurance is highly relevant in the health office as it plays a critical role in ensuring the
delivery of safe, effective, and efficient healthcare services. Here are some key aspects highlighting the
relevance of quality assurance in the health office:

1. Patient Safety: To protect patient safety, quality assurance procedures are put in place. Health
offices can reduce the possibility of medical errors, unfavorable events, and patient injury by
adopting and following standardized protocols, policies, and procedures. Quality control aids in
risk assessment, the implementation of preventative measures, and ongoing evaluation and
improvement of patient safety procedures.

2. Service Effectiveness: A key component of quality assurance is evaluating how well medical
services are delivered in medical offices. It guarantees that patients receive appropriate,
evidence-based care that is individualized for their needs. Quality assurance enhances the
efficacy of healthcare interventions and contributes to favorable patient outcomes by tracking
results, evaluating performance indicators, and implementing best practices.

3.Continuous Quality Improvement: Quality assurance is an ongoing process that aims to

identify areas for improvement and implement changes to enhance the quality of care. It
involves regularly monitoring and evaluating processes, outcomes, and patient satisfaction to
identify opportunities for enhancing service delivery. Through continuous quality improvement,
health offices can address gaps, streamline workflows, and optimize the overall patient
experience.

In summary, quality assurance is crucial in the health office to ensure patient safety, improve service
effectiveness, foster continuous quality improvement, comply with regulations, optimize resource
utilization, engage staff, promote patient-centered care, and build trust and reputation. By
prioritizing quality assurance, health offices can enhance the overall quality of care, leading to better
health outcomes and improved patient experiences.

Ans9. Implementing medical asepsis, which refers to the practices and techniques used to prevent
the spread of infection in healthcare settings, is crucial for maintaining a safe and hygienic
workplace. Here are some strategies to implement medical asepsis in the workplace:
1. Hand Hygiene: Promote regular and thorough handwashing among all staff members.
Encourage the use of appropriate hand hygiene techniques, including washing hands with soap
and water for at least 20 seconds or using alcohol-based hand sanitizers when soap and water
are not readily available. Ensure that hand hygiene stations are easily accessible throughout the
workplace.

2. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Provide appropriate PPE to staff and ensure they
understand how to properly use and dispose of it. This may include gloves, masks, gowns, and
eye protection. Train staff on the correct techniques for donning and doffing PPE to minimize
the risk of contamination.

3. Respiratory Hygiene/Cough Etiquette: Promote respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette

practices among staff and patients. Encourage staff to cover their mouth and nose with a tissue
or their elbow when coughing or sneezing. Provide tissues, no-touch receptacles for disposal,
and hand hygiene stations in easily accessible areas.

4. Environmental Cleaning and Disinfection: Develop and implement thorough cleaning and
disinfection protocols for all patient care areas and frequently touched surfaces. Ensure that
appropriate cleaning agents and disinfectants are used, following manufacturer instructions and
recommended contact times. Pay particular attention to high-touch surfaces, such as
doorknobs, handrails, and examination tables.

5. Proper Handling and Disposal of Medical Waste: Train staff on the proper handling, segregation,
and disposal of medical waste. Provide clearly labeled containers for different types of waste,
such as sharps, biohazardous waste, and regular trash. Ensure that medical waste is collected
and disposed of in accordance with local regulations and guidelines.

6. Safe Injection Practices: Establish and enforce safe injection practices to prevent the
transmission of bloodborne pathogens. Ensure the use of sterile needles, syringes, and other
equipment for each patient. Emphasize the importance of not reusing or sharing needles,
proper disposal of used sharps, and adherence to aseptic techniques during injections and other
invasive procedures.

7. Education and Training: Provide regular education and training sessions to staff on medical
asepsis practices, infection prevention protocols, and the importance of adhering to these
 guidelines. Keep staff updated on current recommendations and best practices to ensure their
knowledge and skills remain current.

1. Ans10. An acute infection and a chronic infection are two different types of infections that vary
in terms of their duration, symptoms Duration:

2. Rapid onset and a brief duration characterize acute infections. They usually only last a few days to a
few weeks, depending on the individual.

3. Symptoms: Acute infections frequently show up as rapid, severe symptoms. These symptoms, which
can range from mild to severe, can include fever, discomfort, swelling, exhaustion, coughing, sore
throat, and congestion. Typically, the symptoms are more noticeable in the early stages of the infection.

4. Pathogen Clearance: Acute infections are often cleared by the immune system in a very short amount
of time. The infection ends as a result of the body's immune system successfully fending off the invader.
Examples: Common cold, influenza, and underlying causes.

strep throat, and acute bronchitis are examples of acute infections.

Chronic Infection:

1. Duration: Chronic infections are persistent and long-lasting, frequently lasting months or even years.
They are defined by the infectious organism's protracted and persistent presence.

2. Symptoms: Over time, modest or sporadic symptoms associated with chronic infections may wax and
decrease. When compared to acute infections, symptoms of chronic infections can be less severe and
can include weariness, low-grade fever, recurrent discomfort, weight loss, and organ failure.

3. Pathogen Persistence: In chronic infections, the pathogen frequently has the ability to escape or
suppress the immune response, which results in its persistence within the body. The infection can
continue if the immune system is unable to entirely get rid of it.

4. Instances include Lyme illness, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B and C, and tuberculosis. It's important to note
that the classification of an infection as acute or chronic is not always rigid, and there can be cases that
fall in between. Some infections may start as acute but can develop into a chronic condition if the
immune response is unable to completely clear the pathogen. Additionally, the treatment and
management of acute and chronic infections may differ, with chronic infections often requiring long-
term treatment and monitoring.