From a service users perspective discuss their experiences of care and consider ways in which this knowledge can help you develop your own (nursing) practice

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From a Service user’s perspective discuss their experiences of care and consider ways in which this knowledge can help you develop your own practice.

Katie Mulholland

AA0074

This essay will discuss one aspect of care, from a service user’s perspective, and consider the way in which the knowledge gained can help a student to develop their practice. The aspect of care chosen for discussion was the advice given to a service user who visited his general practitioner complaining of the symptoms of depression. The rationale for the choice was the fact that depression was considered to be a significant current issue since it is a common condition. According to Depression Alliance and SANE (2007) depression is the most common mental health problem in the UK, affecting as it does, between eight and twelve per cent of the population in any year. Moreover, the majority of people with depression receive almost all their care from their general practitioner (GP). The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) (2004) found that eighty per cent of depression was managed in primary care. Therefore, it was considered relevant to interview a client who had recent experience of visiting their GP for advice on depression and to discuss the patient’s experience of care. Additionally, Faulkner (1997) postulated that depression is thought to be responsible for seventy per cent of suicides in the United Kingdom, making the issue pertinent to a student healthcare professional, whatever branch they are studying.

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A client, referred to as Mr. S, in order to maintain confidentiality, in line with NMC Code of Professional Conduct, was interviewed concerning a visit made to a GP. Mr. S related that he explained to his doctor that he had been having difficulty sleeping, lacked concentration, had no confidence, he did not want to go out and mix with people and he felt very low.  Mr. S. recounted that after relaying his symptoms to his GP she immediately diagnosed depression and within minutes had prescribed medication. He stated that he was given little explanation of what the medication was, ...

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