Comprehensive Assessment
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University Affiliation
Author’s Note
- Utilizing two of the assessment models provided in Chapter 5 of the course text, provide a comprehensive assessment of Paula Cortez.
The two assessment models most applicable to the case at hand are strength-based and patient-centered. The two models are essential due to different reasons. From a strength-based model point of view, it is essential to look at the case of Cortez. She is a patient who has gone through a lot, and currently, she is also going through a lot (Cowger, 1994). Based on her case, there are many issues to the extent that one could doubt that nothing good can come out of the life of Cortez. Using a strength based model helps to assess the strengths of the patient. When a patient gets to see things from the perspective of their strengths, they become more hopeful.
The second model is patient-centered. The patient-centered model stands as one of the best models in the healthcare sector. The reason behind it is that the model helps to pay closer attention to the patient. In the healthcare sector, a patient is an important stakeholder (Holosko, Dulmus, & Sowers, 2012). The model puts the patient before anything else, and that affects the healing process of the patient. Cortez is going through multiple conditions (Cowger, 1994). Therefore, she is a patient who is suffering in many ways. The patient-centered model helps to pay attention to the specific needs of the patient closely. The model also helps social workers to have a better understanding of the problem of the patient.
- Using the Cowger article, identify at least two areas of strengths in Paula’s case.
The first area of strength pertains to the functioning of Paula. Even though Paula is going through challenging times, it is important to note that she is still in the best position to make accurate and sound decisions (Holosko et al. 2012). Given the case scenario of Paula, she is going through a lot of stress. Losing a child, living in an abusive relationship, lacking a family structure, and having HIV are issues that can lead a person to a worrying mental state. However, Paula is still making good decisions, which is seen in the latest decision to have another child. The second strength is associated with Paula’s love for the baby (Holosko et al. 2012). Based on the analysis of the life of Paula, she seems to be isolated, and she is trying to establish a bond with a new born baby. Even though Paula gave the doctor stress, she finished up preparing for the baby on time. In this case, it means that Paula was eager to have the newborn baby.
- Analyze the perspectives of two members of the multidisciplinary team, particularly relative to Paula’s pregnancy.
The first member of the team is the social worker. According to the social worker, Paula is in a tricky position, and the best way to deal with the issue is by helping her overcome the psychological issues that lay ahead (Cowger, 1994). The second professional is an obstetric nurse. An obstetric nurse is a professional who takes care of pregnant women. From the professional’s perspective, there are two things to say about Paula (Holosko et al. 2012). First, the nurse complains that Paula procrastinates a lot. Paula is in need of help, but she does not put effort to follow all the directives of the nurse (Holosko et al. 2012). Second, the nurse compliments Paula for agreeing to beat the deadlines and help the delivery of a healthy baby. The nurse is certain that Paula has the mental stability needed to raise the child with love (Plummer, Makris, & Brocksen, 2014).
- Explain which model the social workers appear to be using to make their assessment.
The model that social workers seem to be using is a patient centered model. In delivering care, the needs of a patient should be prioritized (Cowger, 1994). The same case has been demonstrated in the case study. Paula is a patient who is going through a lot of issues, and that means that treating her will need a lot of professionals working together. When the social worker realizes that Paula has suicidal thoughts, he requests that she be taken to the psychiatric ward. However, Paula does agree with the decision (Holosko et al. 2012). The professional go ahead a places Paula under psychiatric support. In this case, the doctor does what he knows is the best thing for Paula. The decision bears a positive result because Paula gets better, and at the same time, she gives birth to an HIV negative girl.
- Describe the potential for bias when choosing an assessment model and completing an evaluation.
The potential bias relates to the conditions of Paula. Paula is going through several conditions, and one of them is associated with mental health. One might pay attention to mental health. In the case of Paula, the priority is the safe delivery of the baby. Therefore, in this case, exercising biases can be seen when a practitioner focuses more on Paula’s mental health. The reason why there might be biases is that mental health is taken more seriously than other conditions.
- Suggest strategies you, as Paula’s social worker, might try to avoid these biases.
The best strategies are prioritization and the employment of patient-centered models. Patient-centered models help a professional solely pay attention to the issues affecting the patient (Plummer et al. 2014). Prioritization helps professionals to deal with what is more important or urgent. The professional is forced to make decisions that are not altered or biased (Plummer et al. 2014).
References
Cowger, C.D. (1994). Assessing Client’s Strengths: Clinical assessment for client empowerment. Social Work, 39(3), 262-268.
Holosko, M. J., Dulmus, C. N., & Sowers, K. M. (2012). Social Work Practice with Individuals and Families: Evidence-informed Assessments and Interventions. John Wiley & Sons.
Plummer, S. B., Makris, S., & Brocksen, S. M. (2014). Social work case studies: Foundation year.