case study 

Case study Jean

Apply the case study to your selected chronic illness: (Diabetes)

Nominate an area or district : Western Sydney Local Health District

Jean is a 55-year-old woman. She has previously been diagnosed with a chronic condition and recently experienced an exacerbation of symptoms. Jean does not like attending the hospital as she has states that everyone is in a rush that no one really listens to her. She is concerned about the lack of privacy when clinical staff discuss her condition and she is worried about the support she will receive once she has been discharged from hospital. Jean is taking regular medication although she confides that it is sometimes difficult to remember her medication particularly when she is feeling unwell.

Jean describes her marriage of 36 years as fairly happy and she enjoys spending time with her children and grandchildren. Jean smokes ten cigarettes a day, she knows this is not good however finds it difficult to quit as her husband also smokes. Jean had noticed some weight gain over the years and she felt embarrassed at her last clinic visit when the nurse suggested a weight management plan. During the week, dinner mainly consists of takeaway with a few fruits and vegetables. She does not drink alcohol, however, has six cans of soft drink a day. On the weekend Jean has the family over as she cooks a traditional meal and they socialise.

Case Study Guideline

1. Research the selected chronic illness and optimal patient care. Consider person-centred, holistic care in which all aspects of the patient’s wellbeing are considered.

Key factors: Provide a summary of evidence explaining key factors for optimal care delivery for people living with the chosen chronic illness.

Marking Criteria: Draws on a scholarly selection of literature to define, explain and critically evaluate key factors for optimal care delivery for people living with the chosen chronic illness in the context of the case study. 5 – 6 mark

2. Empowerment: Critically discuss the ways in which nurses can facilitate empowerment and selfmanagement for patients and their families in order to achieve a good quality of life for the chosen chronic illness and case scenario. Consideration of person-centred holistic care, in which all aspects of the patient’s wellbeing are considered. Clear, accurate and relevant definitions of powerlessness, empowerment and patient self-management are included.

Marking Criteria: Critical discussion, analysis and explanation of the role of the nurse in enabling self-management for patients and their families for optimal care. 5 – 6 marks

3. Local resources: Identify the recommendations for patient care using resources available within one particular local area or health district. Investigate local resources available, specific to a designated local area or health district. Outline recommendations for patient care in both acute and primary healthcare settings. Discuss recommendations for patient care in both acute and primary healthcare settings.

Marking Criteria: Clear and comprehensive recommendations for patient care using resources available within one particular local area or health district. Comprehensive discussion of recommendations for patient care in both acute and primary settings. 4 – 5 marks

4. Challenges: Link patient care recommendations to the available resources and discuss potential challenges or barriers. Implementation of the plan of care is outlined and clearly related to available local resources and specific to the chosen case study designated local area or health district. In this section, the student links the patient care recommendations to the available resources and discusses potential challenges or barriers to implementing patient care recommendations.

Marking Criteria: Optimal patient care recommendations are clearly linked to available resources. Thorough discussion of challenges and barriers. Discussion specific to the chosen case study and designated local area or health district. 5 – 6 Marks

5. Nursing Actions: Provide three specific nursing actions to take into future nursing practice to optimise patient care in chronic conditions. Discussion demonstrates explanation of how learning will influence future nursing practice. For example, discusses characteristics and skills required for professional engagement and effective lifelong learning.

Marking Criteria: Comprehensive discussion drawing on three specific nursing actions for future nursing practice to optimise patient care. Clear discussion and explanation of how learning will influence future nursing practice. 6 – 7 marks

6. Referencing: discussions must be supported with high quality sources (including journals, textbooks or government policy). Additional references, beside the subject materials are essential to inform optimal care and management for this assignment.

Overall quality of writing and referencing Writing is clear and coherent (including appropriate sentence structure, spelling and grammar). The case study assignment should be written in ‘third person’ academic style. Discussion is well supported with evidence (at least ten high quality and appropriate

research papers). Correct paraphrasing using APA referencing style. No more than 10% direct quotes.

There are no grammatical or vocabulary errors. Expression is clear and coherent. Use of evidence is convincing and correct. Ten high quality and appropriate research papers have been included. Correct paraphrasing and referencing are evident. 5 – 6 marks