Health Psychology Committee
HCA/250
July 10, 2011
Wakita R. Bradford

Health Psychology Committee
Health Psychology is a specialty that focuses on how different biological, psychological, social and behavioral factors influence the recovery of a patient’s health and illness. In order to enhance patient health, measurable by shorter hospitalizations and improved adherence to medical regimens, a Health Psychology Committee has developed. A psychiatry division comprised of five specialists will be responsible for implementing psychological methods which will enable the treatment of the patient on a more complete level. Taking into consideration the undeniable presence of stress in any instance of illness and the fact that stress not only effects behavior responses but also impairs immune functioning by changes in the body’s physical systems the role of psychology becomes even more evident in providing patient care (Sarafino, 2006). By incorporating psychology in to health care the patient can experience a reduction in stress will ultimately enhance their overall health. Patients will be better equipped with the necessary skills to successfully adapt and cope with a variety of illnesses. Effective coping strategies can only be obtained through use of psychological methods. This will result in shorter hospitalizations and an increased patient compliance with treatment plans. Each case is a specialized issue, which requires treatment for the five different areas of Psychology input and or treatment. These five areas include a Psychologist that will work on specific issues that pertain to their specific area of study and or profession. The five psychologists will include a substance abuse counselor, an inpatient-only psychologist, a child psychologist, an adult psychologist, and a rehabilitation psychologist which will focus on the post-care portion of the recovery process. Each specialist will work closely with the patient, and other specialists in the division to ensure the patient needs are adequately addressed. Patient treatment plans and interactions are developed by using the positive psychology approach, which will focus on the human strengths of self-control and the ability to cope. Individuals who have well developed skills and ability to control their internal states are less likely to succumb to negative effects of stress the fostering of self-control is essential to patient health (Kiecolt-Glaser, 2002). Patients can partake in treatment plans that will strengthen self-control which induces an increased positivity towards their illness and medical regimens. Trouble areas are identified with realistic target behavior and thought patterns are set with benefits of the individual’s desired goals. The patients social support network will be assessed and utilized to identify possible obstacles. Each obstacle that is identified will have a plan for overcoming those obstacles, with the patients monitoring their own progress. Patient’s that are suffering from addiction, need to receive intervention that addresses both physical dependence and psychological dependence (Sarafino, 2006). Withdraw- symptoms are approached carefully and on a case specific level. This will be able to ensure the least amount of physical discomfort and psychological distress. A substance abuse counselor will develop a plan of initial detoxification for the client. This will be case appropriate, because implementing various methods of treatment including medical assistance needs to be bias to the individual patient. The patient’s readiness for change is assessed prior to beginning treatment. Individual’s that are identified to be in the contemplation or preparation stage will be considered for intensive treatment plans, which consists of a detoxification process; then followed by intensive individual and group therapy sessions, with the counselor’s approval to that specific case (Sarafino, 2006). Group sessions help the patient identify with others that are also in the same recovery process can prove to be inspirational and help the patient cope. Treatment of the patient will shift and focus on pathology of the illness and disease symptoms. The accomplishment of health and wellness through a variety of treatment options are available for a specific basis appropriate to the patient. A psychologist will clarify the frequency and duration of substance use if any and confirm the substance abuse pattern of the patient. The ability to cope is critical with the recovery from addiction, and this shall remain the main theme of approach to treatment (Recovery and Mental Health, 2008). The psychologist will determine the severity of substance related problems for 24 months; and then determine if there was ever any previous substance abuse treatment by reviewing any medications and medical conditions of the patient. A family interview will be conducted and made aware of the specialized treatment to help prevent the relapse of the abuse. The inpatient-only psychologist will contribute to improving a patients’ health by helping the patient and family by teaching them coping methods on how to deal with their illness or disease. Providing specific inpatient therapies for patients’ that are admitted into the hospital can be effective tool when battling the recovery process. Many patients get readmitted back into the hospital because they were lacking certain self-help skills with coping with their disease or illness. As an inpatient, they will receive help for individual, and their family members, by giving family therapy sessions and individual therapy sessions to the patient. Coping skills for the inpatient will be developed through working with the psychologist to identify strategies beneficial to the patient. These strategies may include the implementation of distraction techniques, strengthening relaxation techniques, imagery methods and biofeedback. The psychologists will use an operant approach to treatment when necessary (Sarafino, 2006). The psychologist will perform an initial pain assessment of each patient and develop a recommendation for the patient’s pain management, and then forwarded to the pain management specialist for cases involving chronic pain or which may be complicated by stressful circumstances. Once the sessions are complete the patient will be referred to specific support groups if the patient chooses to participate in this portion of the treatment process. The role of the inpatient-only psychologist will also provide support for the improvement and the maintenance of the patient’s recovery by teaching the patients to adjust to their illness, and help them cope with their new lifestyle. The child psychologist will provide psychological preparation methods for children prior to a medical procedure. The child psychologist will provide insight information to children and their families on how to prepare for a hospitalization or surgical procedure. The need for such preparation is a prediction on the belief that hospitalizations and surgery are traumatic, anxiety-producing experiences for children and their families, which can lead to long-term psychological disturbances. (Kiecolt-Glaser, 2002). Behavioral and cognitive treatment methods are essential with providing the child patient other options than drugs to treat the mental issues of dealing with life after surgery. The patient may need to consult with a psychologist, or other health care professionals, to deal with chronic symptoms. Depending upon the pain and the severity of the pain, there may be more than one treatment method available or necessary. The psychologist will also be responsible for coordinating group sessions in which children are able to interact with other children of similar circumstance on a regular basis. During these group sessions the psychologist will be available to observe and assess noticeable behavioral or physical adversity, which may need attention and will then consult with family members to address these needs. The child psychologist will visit with each child regularly and work closely with the family, physicians, surgeons and other medical staff to prevent any stressful episodes for the child during their illness or procedure. The child psychologist will also be responsible to collaborate with local schools to encourage the implementation of various types of health education programs for school aged children within the community. These programs should include nutritional education and exercise programs that promote healthy behavior. The psychologist would work with, or speak to, the school to identify any areas for educational awareness. The adult psychologist is responsible for psychological preparations of adults prior to medical procedures and surgery, diagnosis of stress-related disorders, implementing necessary stress-relief interventions, and working with the patient to enhance coping skills to promote successful patient transitions for chronic or terminal illnesses. The psychologist will work with the patient to develop optimal pain management, stress reduction techniques, and develop an emotional well-being for the patient. If the patient requires complex pain management methods for their illness, the psychologist can make a recommendation for a pain management specialist. The psychologist will work closely with the patient on an individual level, providing services to family members who may need help with coping with a terminally or chronically ill parent, spouse, or sibling. With many cases involving terminal illness, the psychologist will discuss hospice care, living- will arrangements, or other legal related issues regarding the care of the patient. The adult psychologist will also help the adult improve their adherence to their medical regimens and treatments. The rehabilitation psychologist can provide effective treatment for a child or adult to get a comprehensive evaluation for meeting the patients’ needs while going through the rehabilitation process. The rehabilitation psychologist will provide assessment and intervention regarding the range of physical, personal, psychosocial, cognitive, and behavioral factors that are affected; such as neurocognitive status, sensory difficulties, mood/emotions, a desired level of independence and interdependence, mobility/freedom of movement, self-esteem and self-determination, behavioral control and coping skills, and a subjective view of capabilities and quality of life. The psychologist will consider the influences of culture, ethnicity, language, gender, age, developmental level, sexual orientation, social network, residence and geographic location, socioeconomic status, and relative visibility and/or assumption of disability on attitudes and available services. The rehabilitation process can be an ongoing process, which can be emotionally challenging as well as physically. The patient will interact with the rehabilitation team and develop a plan for recovery. Rehabilitation psychology is a specialty area within psychology that focuses on the study and application of psychological knowledge and skills on behalf of patients with disabilities and chronic health conditions in order to maximize their health and welfare, independence and choice, functional abilities, and social role participation across their lifespan. Health care is very successful with treating a patient’s physical illnesses without the benefit of psychological intervention. Each patient has thoughts and feelings about their health condition. Treatment methods to cope with pain may be more than just wound deep. Providing more than one treatment option available, depending upon the type of pain and severity of the pain, more than one type of treatment may be necessary. Sometimes the patient needs to be treated as the complete patient, and can no longer be ignored about their emotional well-being. Incorporating psychology into total health care, the patient can be guaranteed better outcomes against their struggles of disability and disease. The ability to cope is fostered through psychology. Many patients get diagnosed with cancer, disease and illness, and have tragic events that alter their life lives. Wounds heal to sores, and sores heal to scars; but if our mental and coping abilities do not undergo treatment the wounds will never heal.
References
EMOTIONS: NEGATIVE EMOTIONS AND HEALTH. (2004). In Encyclopedia of Health and Behavior Management, Sage. Retrieved from http://www.credoreference.com.ezproxy.apollolibrary.com/entry/sageeohabm/emotions_negative_emotions_and_health
Kiecolt-Glaser, J. K., McGuire, L., Robles, T. F., & Glaser, R. (2002). Emotions, morbidity, and mortality: New perspectives from psychoneuroimmunology. Annual Review of Psychology, 53, 83–107.
Recovery and mental health (2008). Community Care, Issue 1737, 32-34. Retrieved July 7, 2011 from EBSCOhost database.
Sarafino, E.P. (2006). Health psychology biopsychosocial interactions (5th ed.). Hoboken, N.J.: John Wiley & Sons.