SECTION 6: HEALTH POLICY #10: MEDICAL GUIDELINES Effective Date: 5/00 Revisions: I. Medical Appointments An important function of the direct support provider is to assist individuals during medical, dental, and referral appointments. Appointments are community experiences that the person participates in and needs as part of his/her health care program. It is important to understand that preparation of the individual, the direct care provider and necessary paperwork for the appointment is crucial. The fearful, resistive patient, a staff person with inadequate knowledge and/or incomplete information and forms, not only predispose an unsuccessful appointment, but will threaten the doctor-patient and doctor-agency relationship as well. A. The Person’s Preparation 1. Help the individual by discussing the nature of the appointment with him/her. This will allay fears and anxieties and encourage active participation by the person. Discussing the appointment with the individual should not be contingent on the level of if the full context of the appointment is not comprehension…even well understood it is important to explain what will take place. If applicable, assist the individual with necessary hygiene. Help the person with his/her general appearance by assisting with appropriate dress choices. B. The Preparation Direct Support Provider’s The direct support provider must have knowledge of the appointment know the – reason for the appointment. It is essential that staff assisting the individual understand the nature of the visit (i.e., annual physical, acute problem evaluation,
SECTION 6: HEALTH POLICY #10: MEDICAL GUIDELINES Effective Date: 5/00 Revisions: I. Medical Appointments An important function of the direct support provider is to assist individuals during medical, dental, and referral appointments. Appointments are community experiences that the person participates in and needs as part of his/her health care program. It is important to understand that preparation of the individual, the direct care provider and necessary paperwork for the appointment is crucial. The fearful, resistive patient, a staff person with inadequate knowledge and/or incomplete information and forms, not only predispose an unsuccessful appointment, but will threaten the doctor-patient and doctor-agency relationship as well. A. The Person’s Preparation 1. Help the individual by discussing the nature of the appointment with him/her. This will allay fears and anxieties and encourage active participation by the person. Discussing the appointment with the individual should not be contingent on the level of comprehension…even if the full context of the appointment is not well understood it is important to explain what will take place. If applicable, assist the individual with necessary hygiene. Help the person with his/her general appearance by assisting with appropriate dress choices. B. The Direct Support Provider’s Preparation The direct support provider must have knowledge of the appointment – know the reason for the appointment. It is essential that staff assisting the individual understand the nature of the visit (i.e., annual physical, acute problem evaluation,