The Resource Kit in Taking Care of Parkinsons Disease - Essay Example

Resource Kit Customer Inserts His/Her Name Customer Inserts Grade Course Customer Inserts Tutor’s Name 1st October, 2014. Introduction Hospital or home based care for aged patients requires the possession of a lot of skills which relate to social, psychological and physical condition of these patients. Therefore, information should be availed to care givers and professionals in charge of these patients. This analysis will look into the development of a resource kit to be used by care givers taking care of Parkinson’s disease patients. The resource will look into the procedures used in taking care of these patients and how to make use of the resource kit. Resource Kit Analysis This resource kit on Parkinson’s disease it divided into several parts and sections which highlights the methods of utilizing the kit. In the process of developing a resource kit, we have to ensure certain factors such as the users, information contained and usage of the kit is well understood. As a result, in the development of the Parkinson’s resource kit, we had to make sure certain factors are considered as outlined; a) Clarity: In the preparation of a resource kit, the information contained in the kit should be clear to all intended users of the kit. To achieve clarity, information should be written in simple language and in a simple manner that meets the target audience (Kadalie, 2006). b) Functionality: Functionality means that a resource kit should meet and achieve its intended purpose. In this case, the Parkinson’s disease resource kit should be used by everybody in the society. Therefore, it has not been written in scientific sense or in difficult language that cannot information to be passed to users (Natow, 2007). c) Reliability: Information contained in a resource kit should be accurate and represent facts concerning the subject matter discussed in the kit. A resource kit is a document meant to inform and therefore, the write should ensure that accurate and correct information is contained in the resource kit (Kuebler, 2007). d) Concise: A resource kit should be brief an address the subject matter in simple words and language. Moreover, it should only discuss important aspects of the subject matter and therefore it should be succinct. This factor was considered in the development of the Parkinson’s disease resource kit (Whitworth, 2010). e) Structure: In the development of a resource kit, it should be structured into several independent sections. This would allow easy information flow and selection especially for different types of users. Therefore, we decided to prepare the Parkinson’s disease resource kit into sections to make it easy for diverse types of users (Conti, 2009, p. 57-60). In the development of the Parkinson’s resource kit, we prepared information concerning different aspects of the disease for different types of audiences. As a result, we had to prepare the information into different sections as outlined; a) Introduction: this section of the resource kit outlines the reasons why the resource kit was prepared and the target audience for the resource kit. Moreover, the section also outlines the reason, the people and the knowledge intended to be passed by the preparation of the resource kit (Whitworth, 2010). b) Facts: this section outlines the facts about Parkinson’s disease, this is to demystify notions about the disease and educate different users of the resource kit. I.e. the condition is not curable (Reis, 2009). c) Symptoms: This section outlines the common symptoms of Parkinson’s disease such as muscle rigidity and other symptoms. Understanding the symptoms is important in seeking medical assistants in time for concerned patients, family members or care givers (Natow, 2007). d) Diagnosis: this section outlines all the procedures that are used in the diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease. However, since Parkinson’s disease does not have a well prescribed scientific diagnosis technique (Schouten, 2010, p. 98). e) Treatment: cure for Parkinson’s disease is not possible since there is not exact cure but treatment exists for sufferers. Therefore, this section highlights the different remedies available for Parkinson’s disease sufferers. Most of Parkinson’s treatment remedies are geared towards controlling the disease and making the patient stable (Thomas, 2008, p. 84-86). f) Management: this section looks into the management and living with Parkinson’s disease. It outlines the dos and don’ts and easy ways of managing the disease in the process of coping with the disease and undertaking daily routine. For instance, the management of Parkinson’s requires a patient to undertake light daily routines and exercises (Kadalie, 2006). g) Support: this section looks into the foundations and other support availed to Parkinson’s disease sufferers. Support for Parkinson’s disease sufferers differ from medical aid, information availability or doctor locater websites. Organizations such as the Parkinson’s Institute, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (US Federal Government Agency) or the American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) are active in providing support to Parkinson’s disease sufferers (Kuebler, 2007). Conclusion/Recommendations In the development of a resource kit, it is imperative that a lot of knowledge and research is undertaken and therefore, this resource has made sure these factors are considered. Based on the development of the Parkinson’s disease resource, these are the recommendations that we should watch out; a) Consultations: It is imperative that wide consultations should be undertaken with assistance of healthcare professionals such as doctors, nurses and other individuals. Therefore, these consultations should focus on getting proper information, facts and knowledge that would assist in the preparation of the resource kit. b) Review: It is important that all information contained in the resource kit is well reviewed to ensure correctness, reliability of the information contained in the kit. The review should also focus on the ensuring that wrong misconceptions, unreliable message or notion is not passed on the users of the resource kit. c) Structure: the structure of the resource kit will determine whether the information contained in the kit will be used by other users. The structure of the kit should be simple and reflect clear purpose of passing information and knowledge. The structure should be attractive to the users and it should also allow translation in other languages. d) Use of Visual Images: In some instances, it would be advisable to include visual images or pictures to pass the information or knowledge easily. This is because images enrich the message or information being passed towards the users. Moreover, the use of visual images would enable novice users to easily interpret the message or information being passed on (Whitworth, 2010). References Conti, C., Evans, E., Lewis, H. & Rautiainen, S. (2006). “Creating Awareness on Parkinson’s Disease: A Public Health Approach.” Journal of School Health, 76(6), 56-63. Kadalie, D. (2006). Leader's Resource Kit:Tools and Techniques to develop your leadership. Boston, MA: Evangel Publishing House. Kuebler, K. Heidrich, D. & Esper, P. (2007). Palliative & End-of-life Care: Clinical Practice Guidelines. London: Elsevier Health Sciences. Natow, A. Heslin, ‎J. & ‎ Natham, A. (2007). Nutritional Care of the Older Adult. Sydney: Cengage Publishers. Reis, S. (2009). The Medical Resource Kit: Teaching Tools, Hands-On Activities, and Enrichment Resources. Chicago, IL: John Wiley and Sons. Schouten, H. Makombe, J. & Neufville, E. (2010). “Resource Centre: How to Develop an Effective Medical Resource Kit.” Nursing and Health Care Perspectives, 21(4), 96- 103. Thomas, R., Fitzgerald, Y. & McBryde, D. (2008). “Evaluation of a Collaborative Project to Engage Occupational Therapy Clinicians in Promoting Practice Placement Education.” British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 71(6), 83-87. Whitworth, H. & ‎ Whitworth J. (2010). A Caregiver's Guide to Lewy Body Dementia. Lowell, MA: Boss Wiley. Read More