Disability, Vulnerability and Stigma
During my last week of Inclusive Practice we have focused on disability, vulnerability and stigma in nursing practice. This week I have learnt about the different types of disabilities recognised by the Australian Government, which include physical, intellectual, hearing and vision impairment, mental, and many more (Australian Government Department of Social Services, 2014). Often in society we recognise the inequalities those with a disability face when accessing healthcare. Reflecting on the four interviews within this module has broadened my thoughts on how they may be treated. A key message I have learnt from the interviews is to communicate with the individual and family, and try to find the time for more one on one interaction. This therefore makes the individual feel more comfortable and not a burden to staff.
When communicating with individuals with disabilities such as hearing, vision or speech impairments, I have learnt a variety of ways to communicate effectively. With hearing impairments an interpreter is always beneficial, but if in that particular circumstance there isn't one other methods can be used. These include lip reading, writing, gaining the person's attention, checking hearing aids and speaking clearly. With vision impairments communication and touch is very important. Explaining the surroundings for simple things like walking and eating helps create less accidents and helps with isolation. When walking with the patient, again explain the surroundings for them to become familiarised.
This week we also discussed what makes an individual or group disadvantaged or vulnerable. From my understanding anyone can be put in the position of vulnerability and disadvantage as this is sometimes beyond our control. A person or group who is vulnerable is capable of being easily or quickly harmed or injured (Consumer Affairs Victoria, 2004). When working with people with these labels, it is important to be considerate of these terms as they can be perceived as positively or negatively. We have also learnt about the concept of ageism and how it can affect both older and young people. I have learnt that ageism is the stereotyping and discrimination of a person or group of people on the basis of
their age. In the context of healthcare I can see that the system can be consciously and unconsciously ageist.
In conclusion to this weeks topic on disability, vulnerability and stigma, I believe it has positively shaped the future of my nursing career. I believe that the interviews were very meaningful and something I closely valued in order to become the compassionate and caring nurse I strive to be. Disabilities are something I have grown up with and I really hope to be the nurse that can make a difference in ones life.
References:
Australian Government Department of Social Services. (2014). Guide to the List of Recognised Disabilities. Retrieved from https://www.dss.gov.au/our-responsibilities/disability-and-carers/benefits-payments/carer-allowance/guide-to-the-list-of-recognised-disabilities
Center for Culture, Ethnicity and Health. (n.d.). Social Determinants of Health and Health Literacy. Retrieved from http://www.ceh.org.au/downloads/Health_Literacy_Info_Sheets/Health_Literacy_9_social_determinants.pdf
Center for Disease Control and Prevention. (2015). Immunisation Strategies for Healthcare Practices and Providers. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/pinkbook/downloads/strat.pdf
Consumer Affairs Victoria. (2004). What do we mean by Vulnerable and Disadvantaged Consumers. Retrieved from https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/.../what-do-we-mean-by-vulnerable-an-disadvantaged consumers
CQUniversity Australia. (2015). NHLT12002- Inclusive Practice: Study Guide. Rockhampton, QLD
Ventola, C. (2010). Current Issues Regarding Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) in the United States. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2935644/
Ware, V., (2013). Australian Government Institute of Health and Welfare. Closing the Gap. Retrieved from http://www.aihw.gov.au/uploadedFiles/ClosingTheGap/Content/Publications/2013/ctgc-rs27.pdf
World Health Organisation. (2016). Health Literacy and Health Behaviour. Retrieved from http://www.who.int/healthpromotion/conferences/7gchp/track2/en/
World Health Organisation. (2016). Health System. Equity. Retrieved from http://www.who.int/healthsystems/topics/equity/en/
World Health Organisation. (2016). Overcoming Migrants Barriers to Health. Retrieved from http://www.who.int/bulletin/volumes/86/8/08-020808/en/
