Medical Model
What does the medical model focus on when understanding a disability?
: The person's physical condition, impairment, symptoms, or need for treatment.
What does the social model identify as a major cause of disability-related exclusion?
Social, physical, and attitudinal barriers in society
What does accountability mean in nursing?
Taking responsibility for one's actions, decisions, and the care provided to patients.
You notice a patient sitting alone and appearing uncomfortable in a busy hospital waiting room. What would you do first?
Approach respectfully, ask how they are doing and whether they need assistance, and assess any immediate concerns.
What is patient advocacy?
Protecting and supporting patients' rights, needs, preferences, and access to appropriate care.
What is one example of a healthcare intervention supported by the medical model?
Physical therapy, medication, or treatment to manage symptoms and improve functioning.
Name one example of an environmental barrier that can prevent a person with a disability from accessing healthcare.
An inaccessible entrance, an examination table that cannot be adjusted, or a lack of accessible equipment
A nurse realizes they made an error in documenting a patient's care. What should the nurse do?
Follow facility policy to correct the record appropriately, report the error as required, and take responsibility for addressing it.
A patient has limited English proficiency and seems confused about their medication instructions. What would you do?
Arrange for a qualified medical interpreter and explain the instructions in a way the patient can understand.
Name one way a nurse can advocate for a patient who has difficulty communicating.
Provide appropriate communication aids, use qualified interpreters when needed, allow adequate response time, and include the patient in discussion
What is one limitation of focusing only on the medical model?
It may overlook social barriers, inaccessible environments, and discrimination.
According to the social model, who is responsible for helping remove barriers that exclude people with disabilities?
Society as a whole, including healthcare facilities, schools, employers, communities, and policymakers.
Why should nurses recognize and reflect on their personal biases?
To reduce the risk of unfair treatment and ensure that personal assumptions do not negatively affect patient care.
A coworker makes a stereotype-based comment about a patient's cultural background. How would you respond?
Address the comment professionally, reinforce respectful and individualized care, and escalate the concern if appropriate.
Why is it important to respect a patient's autonomy when advocating for them?
Because patients have the right to participate in decisions about their care and have their informed preferences respected
A nurse focuses on treating a patient's physical condition but ignores the patient's feelings of isolation. What important aspect of care is being overlooked?
The patient's emotional and social well-being, which are important parts of holistic care.
A hospital has stairs at its main entrance but no accessible entrance or ramp. How would the social model approach this problem?
Identify the building's design as a barrier and advocate for accessible entrances and facilities.
A nurse notices that a coworker is speaking disrespectfully to a patient because of the patient's disability. What is an accountable response?
Address the concern appropriately, protect the patient's dignity, and report the behavior through the proper channels when necessary.
A patient refuses a recommended treatment because it conflicts with their personal beliefs. What should you do
Listen without judgment, explain the benefits and risks, assess understanding, respect the patient's informed decision-making rights, and notify the healthcare team as appropriate.
patient cannot afford a prescribed medication. How can a nurse advocate for them?
Notify the healthcare team, connect the patient with a social worker or medication assistance program, and explore affordable options with the prescribe
How can nurses use the medical model while still providing person-centered care?
Treat medical needs while respecting the patient's preferences, independence, identity, emotional well-being, and social needs.
How does the social model challenge the belief that a person with a disability is solely responsible for adapting to their environment?
It emphasizes that environments, policies, and attitudes must also change to remove barriers and support equal participation.
How can accountability help reduce health disparities within a healthcare organization?
By encouraging staff to identify unequal treatment, review practices and outcomes, address barriers, and follow through on improvements in care.
You discover that patients who need interpretation services experience longer delays and often leave without receiving care. What would you do to address this inequity?
Report the pattern, collaborate with the healthcare team to improve interpreter access and workflows, and monitor whether the changes reduce delays and improve access to care.
What is the difference between advocating for one patient and advocating for health equity at the system level?
Individual advocacy addresses one patient's needs, while system-level advocacy works to change policies, practices, and structures that create unequal access or outcomes for entire groups.