Word on the Wards aka WoW is a unique elective course that allows students the opportunity to participate in the hospital setting as a health coach. It also provides the unique opportunity to work with other healthcare professionals and thus the opportunity to practice interprofessionalism. Though limited to two sessions, I was able to reach a couple milestones during this course, which allowed me to better understand my own communication skills with the patient as well as other disciplines.
One milestone I was able to reach was the knowledge of my own role and the roles of other health professionals to appropriately assess and address the health care needs of the patients and populations served. Through health coaching of specific patients such as patients with diabetes or patients with hypertension, I was able to identify the knowledge that I had from a PT background as well as my limitations such as knowledge on pharmaceutical drugs. Though we have had some courses on pharmacology, I was able to appropriately assess my abilities and limitations to answer questions in regards to drug reactions and/or mechanisms. Thus, I was able to proceed appropriately by deferring to my colleagues, who were pharmacy students, in order to address the health care needs of the patient. My colleagues were able to do the same. In the case of a question regarding exercise, my colleagues were able to appropriately assess their own limitations and were able to professionally defer the question to me.
I had the opportunity to conduct a health coaching session by myself. During this interaction, I was able to spend time listening to the patient and find key points that seemed important to them. I confirmed these thoughts by utilizing strategies such as reflective listening and “ask-tell-ask.” In this particular patient, she confirmed that one of the main things she struggled with was anxiety. I then utilized the session to provide patient education on anxiety. I was also able to provide instruction on diaphragmatic breathing and during the session, we were able to practice diaphragmatic breathing together. This experience reflected my growth during this elective, as I was more conscious about asking open ended questions, confirming thoughts with the patient, and providing helpful education/techniques within my scope to provide a better overall experience for the patient.