All first-year students in the Pathologists' Assistant program at Rosalind Franklin University are required to attend the Seminar sequence.
Students are required to complete an Individual Development Plan (IDP) every quarter. The purpose of the IDP is to help students identify professional goals and objectives, assess their skills in their chosen field, and create a plan for improving those skills. The IDP is updated quarterly so that students can track their progress, adjust their goals, and document their achievements.
During the fall quarter, students must conduct a literature review on the assigned topic. This involves researching and finding five to ten scholarly articles that discuss the importance of values in healthcare.
The purpose of this topic is to help students in the allied healthcare field to develop professionally. It provides an overview of values, which are characteristics, beliefs, or standards of behavior that hold importance to in
...dividuals, groups, or organizations. Compassion, honesty, friendship, open-mindedness, and loyalty are examples of universally common values. These values influence individuals' thoughts and actions towards ideas and others, ultimately shaping their identity.
Values are acquired from various sources throughout life, including family, personal experiences, communities, and educational institutions (Moyo, 2016). In the work field, professional values usually align with personal values and can be influenced by them. Personal values may even play a role in selecting a profession or guiding individuals toward a specific field. Values serve as the basis for individuals and groups in their actions and beliefs, influencing how they live their lives. In healthcare settings, both personal and professional values are crucial for providing excellent patient care.
Physicians and other healthcare providers play a critical role in monitoring patient health, identifying disease
and cancers, and providing treatments and remedies. Moyo et al.'s extensive analysis of multiple studies on personal and professional values (Moyo, 2016) found that altruism, equality, and capability were the most important values. It is essential for healthcare professionals to consistently demonstrate these values when delivering care and collaborating with colleagues.
Values are essential in healthcare as they direct the choices made by healthcare professionals, which have a direct impact on the health and well-being of patients. This distinguishes the values held by healthcare professionals from those in other fields. Pathologists' Assistants are mid-level allied healthcare professionals who specialize in anatomic and surgical pathology. They perform a wide range of tasks including working in the surgical pathology lab, autopsy suite, and frequently handling administrative responsibilities in an office environment.
While pathologists' assistants do not directly care for patients, their work is just as crucial as that of physicians and surgeons. They share similar values to other healthcare professionals, including benevolence, critical-thinking, professionalism, and sympathy. These values are evident in their quality of work, such as grossing, and their ability to collaborate as part of a team.
Patients do not have firsthand observation of these values, but the impact and results are acknowledged by pathologists, surgeons, and other doctors. It is these healthcare professionals who aid in guiding and advancing patient treatment plans. Pathologists' assistants prioritize patients, working in tandem with other healthcare professionals. Their shared values prioritize excellent care and prioritize the patient. Every sample is handled with care and reverence, mirroring how physicians should treat their patients. Pathologists' assistants must demonstrate diligence and patience, particularly during daunting and meticulous procedures like prosections or autopsies.
Pathologists’ assistants have the
important duty of locating all lymph nodes in a specimen, like a colon resection, to guarantee comprehensive evaluation for metastasis. Although this task may require time and perseverance, it is crucial for the accurate diagnosis and treatment of the patient. It is worth noting that personal and professional values may not always align, as exemplified by instances like elective pregnancy termination.
Dilation and evacuation (D;E) specimens are frequently received in the surgical pathology lab and in autopsy. The D;E procedure is often performed due to various reasons, such as intrauterine demise, fetal genetic and structural abnormalities, placental insufficiency, and personal reasons (Ernst, 2013). The appearance of the specimen varies based on the gestational age, ranging from fetal parts and placental tissue to the rare occurrence of an intact fetus (Ernst, 2013). Pathologists' assistants play a crucial role in examining, describing, and photographing the specimen to aid the pathologist in making diagnoses or identifying anomalies. According to a study conducted by Ernst et al., the pathologic examination of D&E specimens holds significant importance based on the analysis of multiple case findings.
According to the article, it is beneficial for pathologists' assistants who feel uneasy about examining D;E specimens to attend clinical/pathology conferences, where they can gain a better understanding of the significance and value of pathologic examination in a broader context (Ernst, 2013). In such cases, pathologists' assistants must prioritize their professional values over personal ones. While individuals may not agree with the reasons behind a D&E procedure, their professional values can impact future family planning for the patient and provide closure for the patient's family. It is crucial for pathologists' assistants to exhibit professional values to ensure
quality healthcare, guide the pathologist towards an accurate diagnosis, and contribute to scientific research in the field of pathology. To conduct this research, the Boxer Library's online library search tool, which encompasses various databases like PubMed, CINAHL, MEDLINE, among others, was utilized.
The search was limited to English language, the last three decades (1988-2018), and peer reviewed text. The keywords searched include: “pathologic examination abortion,” “healthcare professional values,” “importance of values,” “trust in healthcare,” “distrust in healthcare,” and “communication in healthcare.” Fifteen articles were read, and seven were used for the literature review.
Review of Literature In this day and age, it is no longer enough for physicians and other healthcare professionals to solely excel in academics. The values and attributes exhibited by physicians are crucial in shaping patients' perception of their doctor and the healthcare system.
According to Halligan (2008), a study revealed that patients desire personal and professional aspects in their relationship with doctors. The professional values of physicians are often influenced by their personal values, which are gained through work experiences and interactions with patients and colleagues. However, the healthcare system has recently shifted towards prioritizing disease treatment, neglecting value-based care. In a survey conducted by the General Medical Council in 2000, it was found that 40% of physicians did not consider attributes such as kindness, caring, good communication, and trust to be significant in medical practice (Halligan, 2008).
Despite advancements in the medical field, Halligan (2008) emphasizes that it still fails to meet the growing expectations of patients. The importance of values in healthcare must be recognized. Patients are seen as customers within the healthcare system, and if their demands are
not fulfilled, they will explore other alternatives. The impact of values can be assessed by examining the results they generate. For example, trust and efficient communication enhance patient-doctor relationships, resulting in increased levels of patient satisfaction and overall enhancement of patient well-being.
The significance of values in healthcare is emphasized by these results. Communication plays a vital role in building relationships and is equally essential as clinical knowledge for providing quality medical care (Khan, 2017). Effective communication promotes a strong and trustworthy connection between patients and physicians.
Two studies conducted by Khan (2017) and Zschocke (2017) demonstrate the benefits of open and honest communication for both patients and physicians. In Khan's study, doctors were split into two groups: an intervention group and a placebo group. The intervention group attended a workshop aimed at enhancing their communication skills, while the placebo group took part in an unrelated academic workshop. To evaluate the doctors' interpersonal skills and satisfaction levels, patients were requested to complete a survey regarding their interactions with the doctors.
The survey was conducted both one month before and after the experiment. The results showed that doctors who participated in the communication workshop received higher ratings post-workshop compared to pre-workshop. However, no significant changes were observed in the placebo group (Khan, 2017). It is important to mention that despite these significant findings, the sample size of doctors was small. Therefore, a larger sample would provide a more comprehensive understanding of the impact of effective communication.
Zschocke et al. (2017) conducted a study on patients with psoriasis and their dermatologists to examine the effect of communication on medication adherence. The participants in this study were not randomly selected, as they
were already undergoing treatment from the involved doctors. It is important to note that building strong relationships between patients and physicians takes time, so the positive outcomes of effective communication may not be immediately evident within a month. Zschocke et al.'s research aimed to delve deeper into understanding how communication impacts medication adherence in this specific patient group.
Unlike the study by Khan et al., this study includes surveys from both patients and dermatologists, with a focus on specific aspects of communication in their relationship. As previously mentioned, effective communication involves both parties, so by surveying the physicians on their communication practices, a stronger and more open relationship with the patient can be built and improved. The physicians were asked about various communication factors including the time spent with the patient, the content discussed during that time, and consideration of the patient's life situation. The results indicate that physician-patient communication plays a crucial role in patient adherence (Zschocke, 2017).
The study conducted by Zschocke et al. did not offer a definite explanation for medication non-adherence, therefore it cannot be concluded that insufficient communication is a significant factor. However, effective communication has been shown to improve patient health by encouraging adherence to medication and building a strong relationship between patients and physicians. It is crucial to acknowledge that there are multiple factors influencing medication adherence.
Various factors, including patient education and financial status, can affect a patient's adherence to medication. The impact of communication on medical adherence and patient health is challenging to ascertain due to its variability. Nevertheless, trust plays a crucial role in achieving favorable patient outcomes. Trust contributes to the development of stronger relationships between patients
and physicians, fosters a safe environment for patients, and enhances communication skills. In the article "Public trust in the healthcare system in a developing country" by Peters (2016), the author delves into how trust influences medication adherence.
In developing countries, physicians play a crucial role in medication adherence among patients, irrespective of their financial status. Patients who have limited resources are less likely to follow their prescribed medication if trust is lacking (Peters, 2016). This emphasizes the significance of trust in the healthcare industry, ultimately resulting in improved health outcomes and better medication adherence. Notably, previous research (Cunningham, 2007; Peters, 2016) demonstrates varying levels of trust in both the patient-physician relationship and the patient-healthcare system.
The text discusses the distinction between interpersonal trust and public trust. It mentions that patients generally trust their physicians more than the overall healthcare system (Cunningham, 2007; Peters, 2016). Peters et al. conducted a study on public trust in the healthcare system in Trinidad and Tobago, a developing country. They used a questionnaire to determine the level of trust individuals have in their healthcare system. The findings revealed that less than half of the surveyed adults expressed fair trust in the system, while their trust in healthcare professionals was higher (Peters, 2016). This study parallels the one conducted by Cunningham et al.
In a study conducted by Cunningham (2007), it was discovered that patients with HIV expressed a lack of faith in the healthcare system regarding matters related to their condition. Nevertheless, most of these patients reported having trust in their doctors. Building trust is vital in the relationship between patient and physician for these individuals since they frequently need to discuss sensitive
subjects like sexual history and drug use. Nurturing an open and truthful conversation can ultimately lead to enhanced patient care.
In developing countries, trust issues plague the healthcare system due to factors like their slower progress in comparison to more developed nations. A study conducted in these countries found that the lack of trust is often linked to dissatisfaction with the government and its failure to meet social needs (Peters, 2016). This sentiment is similarly echoed in the United States, where individuals voice discontentment with limited healthcare access and the financial burden imposed by the government's healthcare system.
When the values of physicians and patients do not align, patients may become disconnected from the healthcare system. Cunningham et al. (2007) suggest that trust levels can be affected by patient characteristics such as race, age, gender, education, income, and insurance status. Both Cunningham (2007) and Peters (2016) emphasize the importance of public trust in how patients handle their health and highlight its significance alongside interpersonal trust.
Conclusion: Numerous studies (Cunningham, 2007; Khan, 2017; Peters, 2016; Zschocke, 2017) emphasize the importance of values such as trust and communication in healthcare. These values have been shown to have positive effects on patients, including better patient health and increased medication compliance. Conversely, when patients do not recognize or experience these values, it adversely affects patient care and their perception of the healthcare system. In her article, Halligan (2008) warns about the consequences of neglecting values in healthcare, stating that it can lead to a demoralized profession. However, measuring values can be challenging due to its subjective nature. Existing studies rely on surveys and questionnaires completed by both patients and physicians to identify
the outcomes associated with the presence of values. As patients are human beings, their well-being can vary from day to day.
Furthermore, values are multifaceted, and numerous influences determine their recognition and expression, making it challenging to determine the most influential factor. In essence, doctors prioritize patients and their well-being above all else. Patients not only desire top-quality medical treatment but also seek a personal connection with their physician. Within this relationship, both the patients and physicians must communicate and express their respective values, considering that individuals may hold different sets of values.
Additionally, this also contributes to a strong relationship.
