In their recent retrospective study, “Through the looking glass: Estimating effects of medical homes for people with severe mental illness,” Domino et al. (2017) take a comprehensive approach to arguing that medical homes offering primary care continue to serve individuals with a variety of chronic diseases and conditions. The researchers investigate how a primary care-based medical home plays a central role in affecting the various care patterns in people suffering from severe mental illnesses. Domino et al. (2017) proceed to argue that this health population typically rely on Medicaid program and mental health specialists as opposed to caregivers in medical homes. In an effort to uncover the already existing, as well as potential connections between access to the much-needed primary care and a medical home, the article provides that medical homes allow patients to receive extensive outpatient and associated services at reduced costs without necessarily undermining quality; increasing efficiency in primary care delivery.
Relations to Placement
The article by Domino et al. (2017) relates to my placement as a caregiver at a group home for mentally ill persons. Located in White Plains at Family Services of Westchester, the medical home’s activities revolve ensuring the delivery of primary care to patients. Our organization acknowledges and appreciates the fact that mental health problems play a pivotal role in exacerbating the disability, as well as other challenges associated with different forms of medical disorders. Just like Domino et al. (2017), we understand that individuals with such schizophrenia and such comorbidities have a high demand for medical services, meaning our mission involves the provision and promotion of holistic care. For this reason, I often make reference on socialist theory with the sole purpose of understanding what constitutes my clients’ mental conditions. Through social psychology, I place great emphasis on establishing the patient’s nonverbal behavior, perceptions, aggression, as well as conformity, which, in turn, guides my approach to choosing appropriate care procedures.
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According to Domino et al. (2017), health homes improve care quality through the integration of evidence-based practices (EBPs). Given personal experiences, I place great emphasis on high-level coordination, as well as the use of a variety of health information technologies (HITs), which contribute to increased accuracy in our diagnoses and improved efficiency. In other words, HIT plays a fundamental role in saving time, reducing the use of human capital, and ensuring coordination. As a result, patients at our organization tend to record high-engagement levels and increased satisfaction. Sensibly speaking, this aligns perfectly well with the researchers’ finding that primary care-based health homes reduce patient’s reliance on the emergency department (ED).
The placement has since presented me with the best possible opportunity to understand and appreciate the importance of individual differences in any given social setting. In this sense, I have learned to promote patient-centered, as mentally clients have different needs and unique situations. Given these disparities in mental health conditions, Domino et al. (2017) recommend that each of the players in medical homes, including patient educators, registered nurses (RNs), and allied HCPs should inculcate a culture of effective communicating. When dealing with my patients, for instance, I utilize compassionate listening skills, allowing them to communicate their problems. By remaining hospitable, genuine, patient, and compassionate, I advise patients on the significant role played by adhering to medication in their quick recovery from severe mental conditions. Concisely, clear communication allows us to place great emphasis on the provision of the right care.
Reference
Domino, M., et al. (2017). Through the looking glass: Estimating effects of medical homes for people with severe mental illness. Health Services Research, 52 (5), 1858–1880.
