EXPERT
Stephanie D. Crawford
Hospice and Palliative Care Specialist
As an Adult Nurse Practitioner, I have seen an array of changes in the healthcare sector. However, my values as healthcare professional have not wavered.
When it comes to patient care, two pillars are access to care and quality of life.
Access to care carries different meanings. For me, it means meeting patients where they are at the time. This is why I have a telehealth practice; to be able to have appointments for people who are not able to get to an office during traditional office hours. I also contract with companies who provide on site primary care to workers for pipelines/construction, who would not otherwise be able to see a provider.
Quality of life is also an important factor. There are so many factors to this - not just as a palliative care and hospice certified nurse pracitiioner. Too many times we expect patients, or even family members, to do what WE want them to do without asking THEM. Does this medication cost too much? That affects quality of life. Not only is quality of life about helping with symptom management for advanced illness, but it is also about a workable plan of care for any patient. I may be the healthcare expert, and it is my job to educate from that aspect, but I don't walk in someone else's shoes, and I have to listen to how something I want to implement will affect a person's daily life. That's quality.
When it comes to patient care, two pillars are access to care and quality of life.
Access to care carries different meanings. For me, it means meeting patients where they are at the time. This is why I have a telehealth practice; to be able to have appointments for people who are not able to get to an office during traditional office hours. I also contract with companies who provide on site primary care to workers for pipelines/construction, who would not otherwise be able to see a provider.
Quality of life is also an important factor. There are so many factors to this - not just as a palliative care and hospice certified nurse pracitiioner. Too many times we expect patients, or even family members, to do what WE want them to do without asking THEM. Does this medication cost too much? That affects quality of life. Not only is quality of life about helping with symptom management for advanced illness, but it is also about a workable plan of care for any patient. I may be the healthcare expert, and it is my job to educate from that aspect, but I don't walk in someone else's shoes, and I have to listen to how something I want to implement will affect a person's daily life. That's quality.
6 years
Experience
Stephanie D. Crawford
- Little Rock, AR
- Grand Canyon University
- Accepting new patients
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Does taking iron supplements fix anemia?
The short answer, it depends. There are several causes for anemia. If the anemia is caused by iron deficiency due to low dietary intake, then yes, iron supplements should be READ MORE
The short answer, it depends.
There are several causes for anemia. If the anemia is caused by iron deficiency due to low dietary intake, then yes, iron supplements should be able to "fix" the anemia.
However, even with iron deficient anemia, it may not always be as simple as dietary intake. It could be an issure of not being able to absorb the iron from food (this happens after gastric bypass surgery).
Or, anemia can be caused by other issues, such as a Vitamin B12 deficiency, or bone marrow issue.
The best way to know how to treat the anemia is to see your health care provider to find out the type of anemia, and the cause.
There are several causes for anemia. If the anemia is caused by iron deficiency due to low dietary intake, then yes, iron supplements should be able to "fix" the anemia.
However, even with iron deficient anemia, it may not always be as simple as dietary intake. It could be an issure of not being able to absorb the iron from food (this happens after gastric bypass surgery).
Or, anemia can be caused by other issues, such as a Vitamin B12 deficiency, or bone marrow issue.
The best way to know how to treat the anemia is to see your health care provider to find out the type of anemia, and the cause.
Can a person live a normal life after angioplasty?
Absolutely! For most people, an angioplasty is an outpatient procedure. There are usually some restrictions for the immediate post-procedure period of time. However, if there are READ MORE
Absolutely!
For most people, an angioplasty is an outpatient procedure. There are usually some restrictions for the immediate post-procedure period of time. However, if there are not any complications or additional procedures done during the angioplasty (i.e. stent placement), then a person can live a normal life. (This, of course, depends of the health of the person prior to the angioplasty.)
For most people, an angioplasty is an outpatient procedure. There are usually some restrictions for the immediate post-procedure period of time. However, if there are not any complications or additional procedures done during the angioplasty (i.e. stent placement), then a person can live a normal life. (This, of course, depends of the health of the person prior to the angioplasty.)
Is pericarditis serious?
Pericarditis is very serious. It is an inflammation of the lining of the heart, often an infection. When this occurs, the heart can become unstable and go into an irregular rhythm READ MORE
Pericarditis is very serious. It is an inflammation of the lining of the heart, often an infection. When this occurs, the heart can become unstable and go into an irregular rhythm leading to cardiac arrest. This has to be monitored very closely while receiving treatment.
Should I take medications for diabetes?
This depends. Sometimes if your Hemaglobin A1c is quite elevated, you may need to start medication, but can come off if you are able to get control. If your A1c is only mildly READ MORE
This depends. Sometimes if your Hemaglobin A1c is quite elevated, you may need to start medication, but can come off if you are able to get control. If your A1c is only mildly elevated, then you may be able to make some lifestyle changes now without adding medication. This is a hard, honest discussion you need to have with your provider to decide what is going to be best for you. Things you must consider are your family history, your ability to make lifestyle changes (job committments, family commitments, finances, etc.) - but the sooner you get control, the better!
How long is an echocardiogram?
The actual exam is less than an hour. It is an ultrasound of the heart. They put jelly on the chest and rub a wand over the jelly. They look at the structure and function of the READ MORE
The actual exam is less than an hour. It is an ultrasound of the heart. They put jelly on the chest and rub a wand over the jelly. They look at the structure and function of the heart which includes the opening and closing of the valves, as well as the pumping of the chambers. It's actually pretty neat to watch and painless.
What medications help with vertigo?
Meclazine is used to help with vertigo. However, most vertigo comes from the inner ear, and medication is usually just a band-aid. Crystals in the labrynyth of the inner ear become READ MORE
Meclazine is used to help with vertigo. However, most vertigo comes from the inner ear, and medication is usually just a band-aid. Crystals in the labrynyth of the inner ear become displaced, causing the vertigo. To get the crystals back in place, vestibular exercises can help. Look up "Home Epley Maneuver" - there's a good YouTube video - which is one of the exercises that will help. It WILL make you dizzy at first. You perform this 3 times before bed each night, and eventually the vertigo will go away in most cases. If not, or it worsens, then see your primary provider, as you may need to see a Vestibular Physical Therapist for further treatment.
