Intervention Week 3: Health Scare

Reflection

What did you do?

This week we presented our client with our last educational component of the program: a health scare. I presented this through an Emaze” which is like a PowerPoint, but more engaging. The health scare included what an extra glass of alcohol will do, a video on how alcohol interferes with the brain and body, cause cancer, impact vitamin and mineral absorption, create ulcers and gastrointestinal problems, your appearance, cause obesity, impact family and a case study. The case study was about a veteran who returned home and started drinking for relaxation, and later realised that he was addicted to alcohol. Therefore, I fulfilled our client’s request for a case study to be included in my educational component of the program. Also, I met my goal to present my intervention through a different format.

How did it go?

The intervention went well this week. I believe that the health scare was a good way to finish off the educational component so that the client can be emotionally prepared for when they may face challenges in the practical implementation of the project. Also, the scare contained surprising facts that would have hopefully discouraged the client to drink high quantities frequently. Further, through my reflections and responses from my client last week I was able to create a better and more tailored program for him. This ensured that it was as meaningful and purposeful as possible. Therefore, if I included requested information from my client, I was able to engage him as much as possible as we incorporated his ideas into our research. Also, the intervention was productive as I organised to create my Emaze within an appropriate timeframe so that I could present the intervention and still give the time to consider answers from my questions.

How did you feel?

This week I was fully comfortable with presenting my client with our intervention as they were keen to know what overconsumption can do to their bodies. Also, as I included information regarding what the client wanted to know on the presentation, I felt that I was including them in my intervention. Further, I felt very proud and good about myself as I am helping someone to change their life, also, I know that helping just one person can have a ripple effect on everyone around them, so truly it’s changing the lifestyle of a committee of people.

How was the client feeling? Client feedback

What was the most devastating fact you found out when reading this health scare?

It was devasting to find out that all your key organs can be affected by alcohol and you can also get cancer. 

Describe how you felt when you read the Emaze slides?

A little bit scared because alcohol can be so damaging to your health.

Was this Emaze a good end to the education aspect of our program? Why/why not?

Yes, because it really summed up well how alcohol can affect you. It also showed how harmful it is if you increase your alcohol intake by just one more drink per day.  

Describe what has changed in your alcohol habits from last week to now (if any)?

Nothing has changed necessarily but am contemplating to start changing soon.

After reading the Emaze, are you urged to further change your alcohol habits. Why/why not?

Yes, I really want to bring my intake down to 2 standard drinks per day to ensure I am following the Australian Dietary Guidelines. 

Please leave some feedback to let us know how we could have improved our education program for you.

I think the program was done really well.

Next week we will be starting our practical implementation of our intervention and would like to know if there are any specific implements you would like to undertake? This part of our intervention consists of schedules, timetables and more.

Nothing specific at the moment. 

Was it successful? Why?

Yes, this intervention was successful as it pleased my client. The health scare evidently created an urge in the client to change their alcohol habits, and therefore they would be mentally prepared for the practical implementation for this week. Also, the information was relevant to or topic and proved to be purposeful as it did give our client a “wake up call.” Also, the intervention was successful as I met my goals. This shows that reflecting is really important for me as I am able to analyse what I went well/bad etc., which can further allow me to continue to create the intervention as best as possible.

What changes need to occur?

Our client did not give us anything to improve on this week, however, there are some things which I would consider changing for next week. Firstly, I will need to start the practical implementation as early as possible so we have a suitable timeframe in which we can create the intervention. Further, I need to continue to ask direct questions from the client to ensure the intervention is engaging for them. To continue I need to find out if I need to work with my partner to create a schedule, or if we are separately creating them. This is because if we are individually creating the timetable, I will need to have a thorough discussion with my partner to organise time in our client’s life to fit our needs.

Free blogging.

Watch this space as next week we will be commencing the practical implementation of the unit. This will include schedules, timetables and more for our client to adhere to help him reduce his alcohol intake.