What Nicole did
Nicole developed a therapeutic relationship with Billy and began to recognise how fatigue, anxiety and previous healthcare experiences could influence his wellbeing and engagement with care.
She used play, distraction and reassurance during procedures to reduce distress. Nicole explained interventions using language appropriate to Billy’s age and level of understanding, checking his responses and adjusting her approach when he appeared tired or uncomfortable.
Nicole recognised that promoting health included supporting emotional wellbeing, comfort, participation in everyday activities and helping Billy to feel safe during care.
She also considered how Billy’s long-term condition affected family life, routines and quality of life. Through discussion with Billy’s family and the wider team, Nicole developed a greater understanding of the broader factors that can influence health outcomes for children with complex needs receiving care at home.
What this demonstrated
2.3 Understand the factors that may lead to inequalities in health outcomes
Nicole considered how living with complex long-term health needs could affect Billy’s opportunities, experiences and access to everyday activities. She also recognised the additional pressures this could place on families providing care at home.
2.6 Understand the importance of early years and childhood experiences and the possible impact on life choices, mental, physical and behavioural health and wellbeing
Nicole recognised that repeated healthcare interventions and prolonged illness can influence a child’s confidence, emotional wellbeing and engagement with care. She adapted her approach to help Billy feel safe and supported.
2.7 Understand and explain the contribution of social influences, health literacy, individual circumstances, behaviours and lifestyle choices to mental, physical and behavioural health outcomes
Nicole observed how Billy’s health needs affected family routines, daily activities and participation in community life. She recognised that individual and family circumstances can significantly influence wellbeing and health outcomes.
2.8 Explain and demonstrate the use of up-to-date approaches to behaviour change to enable people to use their strengths and expertise and make informed choices when managing their own health and making lifestyle adjustments
Nicole encouraged Billy’s participation in care where appropriate and recognised the knowledge and expertise of his family in managing day-to-day care needs. She supported shared involvement rather than taking a task-focused approach.
2.9 Use appropriate communication skills and strength-based approaches to support and enable people to make informed choices about their care to manage health challenges in order to have satisfying and fulfilling lives within the limitations caused by reduced capability, ill health and disability
Nicole used age-appropriate communication, reassurance and encouragement to involve Billy in decisions where possible. She also supported the family to share what worked well for Billy in managing his care at home.
2.10 Provide information in accessible ways to help people understand and make decisions about their health, life choices, illness and care
Nicole explained procedures and care activities using language Billy could understand. She checked understanding and adjusted her explanations depending on Billy’s responses and level of comfort.
2.12 Protect health through understanding and applying the principles of infection prevention and control, including communicable disease surveillance and antimicrobial stewardship and resistance
Nicole recognised the importance of infection prevention when supporting tracheostomy and ventilator care. She followed appropriate hygiene and safety measures to reduce risks associated with respiratory equipment and long-term airway management.
Previous
