It can be intimidating to think of taking on the role of a home doctor, especially in situations when you have to care for someone that is critically ill or needs more sophisticated care than can be provided in the home. However, with the right information, education and support it is possible to become your own home doctor. This article will focus on the steps you can take to provide quality medical care in the home, and how to manage the health of those under your care.
Being a home doctor requires certain best practices in order to provide effective and safe medical treatments. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), communication between the home doctor and their patient's attending physician is of the utmost importance. This communication can include sharing the patient's medical history, medications, treatment plan, and recent test results (“Home Medical Care”). It is also important that home doctors develop a clear understanding of their patients' needs and anticipate any challenges to ensure safe home care. Additionally, home doctors should practice good hygiene and use disposable gloves when providing medical treatments to reduce the risk of cross-contamination (“Home Medical Care”). All of these best practices must be observed by home doctors in order to provide their patients with maximum safety and comfort while receiving medical care.
The best practices for being a home doctor include being organized, following hygiene protocols, and communicating effectively with patients. Being organized means having necessary medical resources on hand, including medications, medical supplies, and medical history information (Lemons, 2020). Following hygiene protocols such as regularly washing hands and wearing protective equipment helps reduce the spread of infectious organisms (Cole et al., 2007). Finally, effective communication includes listening to the patient and demonstrating empathy as well as educating and informing the patient about their health and treatment options (Ames, 2018). By following these guidelines, home doctors can provide the highest quality of care to their patients.
There are a range of best practices that make up competent home doctoring. It is important to have a thorough understanding of general first aid techniques and the potential risks of home remedies. Additionally, having access to the right equipment, such as wound dressing, gauze, and an automated external defibrillator (AED), is also essential (“Home Doctoring”). To ensure the best care for a patient, it is also important for a home doctor to seek some type of medical education. While resources like the American Red Cross provide first aid classes and certification, professional certification for a home doctor should be acquired if at all possible (“Training”). Finally, it is important to understand the limits of home doctoring and know when to seek medical help from a professional. Following these best practices will ensure a home doctor is properly equipped and educated to provide the best care possible to a patient.
It is relatively easy to become a terrible home doctor; however, it is highly discouraged. According to an article posted by the American Academy of Family Physicians, "self-treating at home doesn't work" (AAFP 1). Without an extensive knowledge of healthcare, treating yourself and others in the home can lead to a wide array of health complications. To be a bad home doctor, one should not research their symptoms or consult a professional for advice, instead opting to guess what the ailment may be and using whatever remedy one can find in their home. This can be extremely dangerous and can lead to the worsening of symptoms. Additionally, one should fail to wash their hands and use unclean equipment when treating themselves or others. In conclusion, be a terrible home doctor at your own risk.
Works Cited
AAFP. "When Self-Treating at Home Doesn’t Work." American Academy of Family Physicians, 10 Sept. 2018, www.aafp.org/afp/2018/0910/p399.html.
As a home doctor, it is important for you to be aware of the medical basics, the importance of asking questions, and learning to identify the signs and symptoms when making a diagnosis. While it is not recommended to substitute professional medical care, home doctoring can be used as an augment to traditional medicine by providing improved patient education, communication, and comfort. In conclusion, home doctoring provides both health care professionals and patients with a unique opportunity to access quality medical care right in their own homes.
Ames, Douglas. "The Doctor-Patient Relationship." Journal of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law Online, vol. 46, no. 3, Sept. 2018, pp. 223-230. EBSCOhost, doi:10.1007/s12207-018-9367-0.
Cole, Barbara A., et al. "Handwashing, Gloving, and Patient-Care Equipment Use Practices among Hospital Health Care Personnel." American Journal of Infection Control, vol. 35, no. 4, May 2007, pp. 247-254. EBSCOhost, doi:10.1016/j.ajic.2006.08.002.
Home Medical Care. American Academy of Family Physicians, www.aafp.org/afp/1998/1001/p1346.html.
Lemons, Jessica. "5 Ways to Be a Good Patient, According to Doctors." Time, Time, 9 Oct. 2020, time.com/collection-post/5900141/being-a-good-patient/.
Training. American Red Cross, www.redcross.org/about-us/our-work/international-
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