introduction TO ASSISTANT HEALTHCARE SERVICES

INTRODUCTION TO ASSISTANT HEALTHCARE

1. Home based care providers ensure of providing care and support to the patients who are ill for a long
period of time. This period is stressful for whole family members as well as difficult for the patient.
Quality care within available resources at home enhances better life to the patient and a support to the
family members. Home care is required by people who are physically, emotionally and psychologically
dependent on others. Home care providers take the responsibility of some of the physical and emotional
needs of patients.
Home Based Care means looking after a person or providing care to a person who is dependent for
physical and emotional needs on others. Bathing, brushing of teeth, going to toilet, eating food are a few
examples of physical needs of a patient. Some examples where patients will need emotional help are
when they are sad, lonely or feel neglected. When a person suffers from physical illness or mental ill
health and is not able to look after himself or herself requires help, which may be provided by family
members or care providers
Home: It is a place where members of the family live together and share common resources, perform
family functions and roles, share responsibilities.
• Home Care: When care is given to a person in his/her own house during illness which may be acute,
chronic or in the recovery period.
• Home Care Provider: Home Care Provider is a person who provides care to the dependent person.
Home care providers can be a family member, a friend or a person who has developed skills in helping
dependent sick person.at home.
• Acute: An illness that develops suddenly over a very short period. It may be very severe and the
person may be alright very soon.
• Chronic illness: Illness which starts slowly or suddenly but may take long or may not get completely
cured after long period of treatment.
• Dependent: A person who needs physical, emotional and health care from someone else or is not able
to take care of himself.
• Bed Ridden: A person who is confined or restricted to bed due to illness. Such a person cannot get up
and go to the bathroom, turn on his side on the bed or even sit up and lie down by himself. Due to
specific illness, he remains on the bed and requires care on the bed at home.
Disabled: A person whose ability to work is limited due to permanent illness, physical injury or mental
illness.
•Advanced Care: When care is provided to a patient with problems/ complications and requires specific
advanced procedures like oxygen therapy.
• Resources: Various things/articles for care of the patient. For example, if a patient needs to sit up,
extra pillows are the resources. If a patient needs to buy expensive medicine, money is-the resource. •
Referral: Sending a patient/client to an expert for advice care or treatment.
Ambulatory: When a sick person is able to get up from bed and walk with or 'without help.
Ambulatory: When a sick person is able to get up from bed and walk with or 'without help.

2. Convalescence: When a person is recovering from an illness or is getting better.
Rehabilitation: Bringing back the person to his/her normal health or to the best possible outcome in
health. For example making a person walk after an attack of paralysis.
• Terminally ill: When a person is in the last stage of a fatal disease and may die over the time, for
example cancer patient.
• Palliative Care: Providing care to relieve pain and anxiety in terminally ill.
• Hospice: A place where a person with terminal illness goes for care. Here the patient is provided care
in a peaceful environment till death.
PRINCIPLES GUIDING THE KENYA HEALTH POLICY.
Equity in distribution of health services and interventions.
Public participation with a people-centered approach and social accountability in planning and
implementation.
Efficiency in application of health technologies.
Mutual consultation and cooperation between the national and county government.
Ministry of Health Key Functions
Policy Development: Establishes healthcare policies and regulations.
Healthcare Financing: Manages funding and budgets for public health initiatives.
Health Promotion: Implements programs aimed at improving population health.
Regulatory Oversight: Ensures healthcare standards and practices are met.
IMPORTANCE OF HEALTHCARE SERVICES IN A SOCIETY.
Ensures social justice.
This means the delivery of high quality care to all individuals. Achieving social justice is key in health care
by delivering high level of health wellness. Social justice promotes quality of life and individual well-
being. Principles of social justice include:
Access.
To serve the people, a healthy society must offer adequate services and resources. Financial levels, race
and sexuality should not limit services and opportunities.
Equity.
This is the quality of being fair and impartial. It ensures just healthcare practices to the person who
needs help most. Insurance covers should consider critically ill patients with chronic conditions to acute
illnesses.

3. Participation.
Everyone should voice their concerns and take part in decision making. There should be no
discrimination when accessing care and making choices of decisions that would affect their personal
lives.
Healthcare is a human right.
Most people in rural areas don’t have access to proper care and treatment. Elderly people, pregnant
women, neonates and people with chronic illnesses live in distant locations far from hospitals.
Healthcare inequality may okay due to unavailability of hospitals and shortage of doctors in populations
with extreme poverty. Everyone’s social rights to healthcare should be protected.
ECONOMIC AND SOCIETAL IMPACT OF HEALTH CARE.
Economic.
Labour productivity.
Personal income.
The primary function of health systems is to provide high quality and universal health services. Health
systems play an important role in the status and stability of national and regional economies. They result
in sustainable development by purchase of goods and services. They bring about economic security.
Health systems contribute to economic and social progress by increasing employment opportunities
and implementing inclusive employment policies that improve skills in regional and local labour markets.
They target investments in areas with low economic output. They increase use of small and medium
sized enterprises when purchasing or procuring contributing to improving economic ouput in
disadvantaged communities.
Health systems contribute to sustainable and inclusive growth for the whole community by working with
local institutions and other partners. Health systems make deliberate choices in their employment and
purchasing in order to support communities and address health equity at local levels.
How health systems use and invest their resources has an impact on the resulting economic, social and
human benefits. By utilizing resources and assets within communities and taking responsible approaches
to employment, job creation and production of goods and services, health systems can transform local
economies.
Development approaches include the idea of improving the well being of societies by designing
economies that are more inclusive, resilient and sustainable. Community wealth building priotizes local
stakeholders coming together to organize community assets and keep wealth circulating within local
communities. This inclusive approach links sustainable growth, good health, decent jobs and improving
the environment with appropriate use of resources. Maximizing social and economic impacts of public
institutions within local communities where they are situated increases interest of policy makers, civil
society organizations, community groups and those concerned with the development of resilient and
prosperous regions.

4. Diversity.
Code of ethics.
Relationships with patients, colleagues and others ‰ Multiple topics g ‰ Primacy of patient’s interests
‰ Professional boundaries ‰ Addressing impaired or questionable practice ‰ Accountability &
delegation delegation ‰ Values and integrity ‰ Responsibilities to public ‰ Social reform ‰ Many
other topics & issues
A code of conduct is a set of guidelines and principles designed to help employees understand
expectations for ethical behavior and decision-making within an organization.To provide clear standards
for acceptable behavior in the workplace. To prevent misconduct, promote integrity, and establish a
positive organizational culture.
Ethical Guidelines: Expected behaviors, such as honesty, transparency, and respect.
Compliance Requirements: Adherence to laws, regulations, and organizational policies.
Conflict Resolution: Procedures for addressing conflicts, grievances, and ethical violations.
Importance:
Builds a culture of integrity and trust within the organization.
Protects the organization’s reputation and reduces legal risks.
Professionalism: following a high standard of personal conduct.
Professionalism
Professionalism is the conduct, attitude, and behavior exhibited by an individual in a professional
setting, characterized by competence, respect, and ethical behavior.
Reliability: Consistently meeting deadlines and maintaining quality.
Accountability: Owning up to actions and results, both positive and negative.
Courtesy and Respect: Demonstrating respect for colleagues, clients, and the workplace environment.
Work Ethic: Showing dedication and commitment to one's responsibilities.
Importance:
Builds a positive reputation and trust with clients and colleagues.
Contributes to career growth and advancement opportunities.
Enhances workplace morale and productivity.

5. Scope of practice is the extent or limits in a job. Legally allowed care following ones skills and training.
Scope-of-practice laws are state-specific restrictions that determine what tasks nurses, nurse
practitioners (NPs), physician's assistants, pharmacists and other healthcare providers may undertake in
the course of caring for patients. This are skills, measures and interventions one is allowed to take or do.
Extent of practice. Care you’re able to provide, skills you’re trained to provide, licensed practice,
certified practice and practices within the law. What you can do. State protocols, recognized training,
licensure, certification and credentiatiating.
Standard of care is the level of care one can give. The degree of care, skill and judgement expected
under similar circumstances by a similary trained provider. Its doing the right thing in the right way. How
to do it.
Medical practice act defines the minimum qualifications of health services and establishes measures of
certification. Defines skills practioners can use.
Policies and Procedures.
policies and procedures are established standards and processes that govern practices within a specific
field, ensuring consistency, compliance, and quality.
Policies: High-level rules that define the organization’s stance on specific matters (e.g., data
privacy, workplace safety).
Procedures: Detailed instructions on how to execute specific tasks or handle certain situations.
Purpose:
To provide guidance on best practices, legal compliance, and ethical standards.
To standardize operations and reduce risks associated with industry-specific tasks.
Importance:
Ensures safety, efficiency, and legal compliance within the industry.
Enhances professionalism and accountability within the workforce.
Legal issues in caregiving.
Definition of terms.
Laws are rules written by the legistlature or government agency like the parliament. Not all laws are
ethical. Caregivers should work within the legal parameters dictated by legistlation.

6. Liability is the degree to which you or your employer will be held criminally or financially responsible or
accountable for damages resulting from your negligence.
Abandonment is leaving a patient without ensuring they are turned over to someone equal or has
greater medical training.
Duty to act is a legal obligation to provide care.
Negligence is when something that should have been done was not done or was done incorrectly. Duty
to act, standard of care/ breach of duty. Failure to act may cause physical or psychological harm to the
patient.
Negligence is when a personal injury or property damage is caused by your actions or failure to act when
you have a duty to provide care. Failure to take proper care of patient. When there is a legal duty to the
patient, breach of duty or failure to act resulting to the cause of injury or harm. Divided into
Malfeasance, Misfeasance and Nonfeasance.
Malpractice is failure to use reasonable judgement when applying your personal knowledge and skills.
Assault takes place when an individual intentionally attempts or threatens to touch or harm another
person in a harmful or offensive manner without their consent.
Types of laws.
Good Samaritan law is taking care of a patient and being competent that they don’t die. Provide
immunity to people who try to help in emergencies. Protects one from liability since they acted in good
faith to provide care in the level of their training and to the best of their ability. They don’t prevent
lawsuits or protect the rescuer from liabilities of negligence or other law violations. With different
countries these laws have different regulations like may apply to volunteers or licensed and certified
medics.
Civil laws provide safe competent care to the public. Not involved with crimes. Includes assault,
battering or literal beating and slander that is talking ill about a person. Patient can sue for perceived
injuries. Civil suit is a legal action concerned with establishing liability.
Torts is a civil wrong doing which can be erased/addressed by awarding damages or monetary
compensation.
Intentional tort is wrongs which one should have known would occur by their actions or inactions.
Negligent torts is a wrong doing which comes out from a person’s unreasonable or unsafe acts or
practices.
Criminal law can be prosecuted by state laws if broken
AVOIDING LEGAL ACTION.
Its ones responsibility to avoid legal action for them personally and the organization they work for.
Guidelines to avoid legal action include:
Keeping personal information confidential.

7. Don’t discuss personal or confidential information with other people except the medical team directly
involved with the patient care or your supervisor. This information may include medical, financial or
family issues.
Only perform work assigned.
Doing work or performing tasks not assigned may put the patient at risk resulting to charges of
negligence. Its important to understand the care plan of the patient and stick to the duties assigned to
you as described in the plan. Don’t do more or less tasks.
Avoid doing careless or low quality work.
Perfoming tasks carelessly makes one accountable for the damages or injuries that follow.
Report abuse and ensure your actions are not abusive.
Patient rights.
Design their care, treatment or service plan. Decide how care will be provided and if circumstances
allow.
They deserve considerate and respectful care and treatment from the caregiver.
They should not be used emotionally, sexually, financially or physically by their caregivers.
They can refuse treatment from their caregivers if they desire to do so.
Privacy should be maintained as per their requests.
File a complaint with the agency or company when they are unsatisfied with the services given.
Confidential handling of their personal information from the caregiver and agency.
Choices and preferences respected.
Make decisions aligned with the patients rights. If a patient is not in apposition to make decisions then
rely on decisions made by next of kin or family representatives. On choices disagreements, discuss
alternatives that suit patients needs.
Document everything done.
Caregiver rights.
Not to be abused verbally, sexually or physically.
Work in safe environments.
Receive timely payment for services including salary, wages and allowances where applicable.
Feel appreciated and welcomed by patients, family and service teams.
Provide input for changes to a patients service plan.
Be informed when a client files a complaint against them to the employer.

8. Do not resuscitate order.
This is a legal document usually signed by the patient and physician which states that the patient has a
terminal illness and does not wish to prolong life through resuscitative efforts. Ethical dilemma is when
family gives an oral DNR order and there is no reason to withhold care.
Medical identification devices.
Include necklace, bracelets or cards indicating conditions like diabetes, heart conditions, allergies and
epilepsy.
Organ donor.
A person who has completed a legal document that allows for donation of organs and tissues in event of
death.
Crime scene.
Location where a crime has been committed or any place that evidence relating to a crime may be
found. Remember what you touch, minimize movement on scene and work with police.
Special scenes.
Report Incidents like child, elder or domestic abuse which failure to report may be a crime. Violence like
gunshot wounds or stabbings and sexual assaults are in this category.
Ethical and moral issues in healthcare.
Ethics is the distinction between right and wrong. Can be personal or professional or medical ethics
related to the practice and delivery of medical care.
Ethics are moral principles that govern a person’s behavior when conducting an activity.
Ethics is a system of moral values that govern the principles of conduct.
Refers to principles that govern a person’s behavior or conduct in various situations.
Involves considerations of right vs. wrong, justice, fairness, and duty.
Beliefs:
Individual convictions or perceptions that form the basis of personal value systems.
Often influenced by culture, religion, family, and personal experiences.
Morals are lessons that can be derived from a story or experience. They are standards of behaviour and
principles of right and wrong.
Ethical issues related to healthcare are a field of applied ethics concerned with the moral decision that
medical staff must apply when making decisions. They vary depending on the country and culture. These
guidelines for healthcare professionals help solve or avoid ethical dilemmas when medical moral
principles are tested.

9. Core Values:
Fundamental principles or standards that guide individual behavior and decision-making (e.g., respect,
responsibility, kindness).
Act as a moral compass, shaping one’s approach to life and work.
Work ethics refers to a set of values, principles, and beliefs that shape a person's attitude towards their
work. It encompasses behaviors like dedication, discipline, responsibility, and a strong work ethic.
Work practices are the actual methods and behaviors employed in a workplace. These can include
things like punctuality, communication skills, teamwork, problem-solving abilities, and adherence to
company policies and procedures.
work ethics provide the foundation for work practices.
Key Components of Work Ethics
Dedication: A commitment to one's work and a willingness to go the extra mile.
Responsibility: Taking ownership of tasks and fulfilling obligations.
Discipline: The ability to stay focused, manage time effectively, and adhere to deadlines.
Integrity: Adhering to moral and ethical principles in the workplace.
Respect: Treating colleagues and superiors with courtesy and consideration
PRINCIPLES OF ETHICAL DECISION MAKING WITHIN THE HEALTH SECTOR.
Autonomy.
Obtain the wishes of the patient to protect their autonomy. Patient has a right to decide or refuse
treatment. Right to direct their care, respect and honor patient’s right including accepting or refusing
care.
Consent is permission from the patient required before care or treatment.
Informed consent: patient must be informed of advantages and disadvantages. Describe problem and
proposed management. Discuss risks and alternatives. Advice patient on consequences of refusal.
Expressed consent: patient approves treatment. Consent given by adults of a legal age and mentally
competent to make decisions about their medical well-being.
Implied consent: patient unable to give consent. Either unconscious, underage or mentally disabled but
consent can be given by family or guardians. Law assumes you can give care.
Refusal of care.
Patient must be legally able to consent.

10. Patient must be mentally competent and oriented. Not affected by disease or condition that impair
judgment like intoxication or altered mental status.
Patient must be fully informed and understand the risks associated with refusal of care.
Patient must sign a release form to prevent liability arising from the patients informed refusal.
How to persuade patients who refuse care.
Spend time talking to them. Use communication skills like persistence and reasoning.
Inform patient of consequences.
Contact medical direction and let them talk to the patient.
Contact family members to help convince the patient.
Call law enforcement personnel if necessary to order mentally incompetent patients to accept care. You
have no right to force a competent patient to accept care against their will.
Try to determine why patient is refusing care in order to develop a strategy to persuade them to accept
care.
Beneficence.
To seek to act in the patients best interest.
Justice.
Navigate due process to determine where the limits on healthcare lie.
Non-maleficence.
Do no harm to the patient. Determine risks of harm and assess guidelines to avoid it.
Healthcare practioners must collaborate with the patients to understand and balance their needs and
desires as human beings. Modern healthcare is collaborative and values patients needs and preferences.
Ask for informed consent and follow safe protocols to uphold ethical principles.
Confidentiality.
Don’t share the patients private information with anybody. Don’t disclose it over telephone but do it
verbally under legal basis. Follow organizations policies.
Honesty.
Do not be afraid to say no to tasks you are not assigned or unable to do. Always admit when you don’t
know an answer to a question asked or perfoming a task. Never steal, take a patients belongings of
falsify documents or reports. Being truthful in all situations.
Integrity
Integrity is the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles; it is the alignment of actions,
thoughts, and words with ethical standards.

11. Consistency: Acting with ethical consistency across various circumstances.
Trustworthiness: Earning trust by following through on commitments.
Respect.
A persons religious or personal beliefs and values may differ from yours but respect these differences.
Reliability.
Arrive in time for duties. Always finish your shift even if a client is difficult, attend the entire allocated
time.
Attentiveness.
Be attentive and focused on caring for the patient. Don’t use personal phones or receive and respond to
texts or use social media when attending to a patient. Switch off your phone or put it on silent mode.
Respond to missed calls and reply to text messages during rest or break times or in your private space
after leaving the patient.
Go an extra mile.
Be self-driven to do more than normal duties to meet patients needs. Ensure the client and family are
satisfied with your work.
Don’t take gifts or tips.
Follow clients service plan. Unless you consult with your supervisor, take pride in doing your job well
and don’t let it be determined by gifts.
CODE OF ETHICS.
To preserve life, alleviate suffering, promote health, do no harm and encourage the equality of care.
To provide services based on human needs with compassion and respect for human dignity and not
judging patients by their nationality, race, status or economic levels in providing services.
Don’t use professional knowledge and skills in any enterprise that affects the public well-being.
To respect and hold in privacy all confidential information obtained in the course of professional service.
Use social media in a responsible and professional manner that does not discredit or embarrass patients
or other healthcare professionals.
Maintain professional competence striving always for clinical excellence in delivery of patient care.
To be aware and participate in legistlation matters and regulations affecting caregivers.
To work cooperatively with colleagues and other healthcare professionals in the best interest of the
patient.
To refuse participation in unethical procedures and assume responsibility to expose incompetence or
unethical conduct of others to the appropriate authority. In a professional manner.

12. Act in good faith, do no harm and act in patient’s best interest.
Ethical dilemmas.
Ethical is not the same as lawful for something may be unethical but perfectly legal.
GROWTHS AND TRENDS IN THE HEALTHCARE SECTOR.
Growth and evolution of medical technology in treatment and diagnosis in the healthcare industry has
improved patient outcomes and quality of life. The emergence of technological approaches in
healthcare systems has brought advancements in health care delivery thus shaping the modern
healthcare practices.
Healthcare technology includes medical devices like artificial intelligence systems designed to support
healthcare organizations.
Technology and Telehealth
Telehealth (telemedicine) is a service delivery model defined by the Health Resources and Services
Administration as: “…the use of electronic information and telecommunication technologies to support
and promote longdistance clinical health care, patient and professional health-related education, public
health and health administration.” Using telehealth services to address the healthcare needs of rural
residents with disabilities can overcome a number of barriers, such as travel distance and time,
transportation, and limited access to specialists throughout the medical workforce. Because of the
complex health needs of people with disabilities, telehealth allows patients and providers to check in
more regularly. It also increases the ability of care coordinators to help with care plans and medication-
management without traveling. Telehealth in a home setting is an ideal way for people with disabilities
to access service providers. In order to be implemented, telehealth requires a significant amount of
technology infrastructure. In communities or households that have a limited ability to create individual
telehealth sites, common, community locations for telehealth services can be effective way to make
telehealth services available without the cost of individual technology equipment. Telehealth is also
beneficial for providers. Health educators, community health workers, and nurses can assist patients
through long-distance coaching and provider training, which helps to increase knowledge and broaden
the provider network.
Telemedicine.
Telemedicine is the provision of clinical services through real time two-way communication between
patients and health care professionals using electronic audio and visual means. The future of
telemedicine trends in healthcare is impacted by:
5G TECHNOLOGY.
This provides a faster network speed that has the ability to completely transform the telemedicine
service production. This network is important for delivering medical emergencies, virtual meetings and

13. patient monitoring. Equipment and medicines are also displayed through this technology. Internet
connections and cloud technology updating the telehealth world. Telemedicine is in two forms:
Synchronous telemedicine: it requires presence of both parties, patient and healthcare professional at
the same time in order to make a communication link that allows an interaction.
Asynchronous telemedicine: it involves acquiring medical data and further transmitting the same data to
a medical specialist at a convenient time for assessment offline.
Advantages.
Telemedicine improves the quality of patient care provided and has increased the patients involvement
in treatment decisions.
Telemedicine is convenient and accessible. There is simple access to medical care services. Patients with
chronic illnesses can avoid frequent hospital visits since telemedicine is very valuable for standard tests
and subsequent interactions.
Telemedicine is time saving. Virtual visits through telecommunication utilizes less time. Patients don’t
have to travel for appointments since they are virtual. Patients save waiting time.
Easy follow-up. With virtual visits patients can remain at home and get quick follow up evaluations. The
physicians assess their recovery progress and determine need for more assessment.
Disadvantages.
Limited scope: there are doubts of accuracy. Though health experts can analyze a condition virtually, its
often hard to evaluate the seriousness of it without actual assessment.
Require smart devices: unless a patient can afford electronic devices/gadgets or acquire them from
dependable people, they may not have access to telehealth services.
Requires internet connection: the internet is crucial in telehealth because without it consultation is not
possible. Though some parts of the conversation can be arranged over audio calls, most parts will
require visual evaluation.
Precision medicine.
It is sometimes known as personalized medicine. This is an innovative approach to prevent and treat
diseases by taking in account differences in peoples genes, environments and lifestyle. With cancer,
precision medicine looks at how changes in certain genes or proteins in cancer cells might affect a
persons care or treatment. Physicians use this information from certain laboratory tests to develop a
care plan. This information also help people to make decisions about healthy habits, early screening
tests and other preventative measures to reduce risks for particular cancers.
Robotics in healthcare.
Advancements in robotics have effects across various medical specialists by providing a number of
procedures and delivering certain benefits. Microrobots have been used to detect and treat diseases.
During this procedure, a patient swallows a tiny camera that takes images of the digestive tract to help
physicians identify signs and areas of disease.

14. Invasive procedures like minimal surgeries have benefited from advancements in robotics. Small
incisions are made during surgery to allow insertion of robot operated tools to minimize risk of
infections and complications. Surgeries and procedures commonly perfomed by robot assistance
include: cancer tissue removal, coronary artery bypass, hip replacement, cystectomy, gall bladder
removal, hernia repair, hysterectomy, kidney removal, kidney transplant, mitral valve repair, tumor
removal, prostatectomy etc. lab tests without human intervention, remove plaque from arteries, take
tissue biopsies, attack cancerous tumours, deliver targeted medication, provide patient care for minor
conditions and provide health information to patient.
Future of robotics include
Benefits of robotics.
Enables organizations to ease burden on workers by completing monotonous and repetitive tasks thus
giving more time for non-automated tasks.
They help eliminate time consuming visits.
Shorten surgery durations.
Create personalized treatments .
Increase surgery success rates.
Eliminate human errors in high risk procedures.
In surgical environments, robotics allow enhanced ergonomics and comfort for surgeons allowing
increased procedural volumes as surgeons are less fatigued.
Disadvantages.
Expensive.
No accountability of errors.
Lack of patient trust. Medics will have to communicate the benefits of robots in medicine.
Safety risks. Robotic healthcare collects, stores and analyzes a huge amount of data and healthcare
professionals are advised to oversee the use and cyber security of robots.
Lack of skilled professionals to use this equipment. Students are encouraged to pursue courses in
robotics and related fields and organizations are challenged to train their staff on robotic skills.
Artificial intelligence.
Its used for standard care. AI powered technology can be used to provide automated interactions with
patients. AI based health care chat bots are intergrated with medical information like symptoms,
medications or treatments. They save time and improve the speed and accuracy of the diagnosis
process. A diagnostic device programmed for eye diagnosis examines images of the retina and after
uploading this high-quality pictures, the algorithm begins to check for possible indications of diabetic
retinopathy. Its software correctly identifies disorders of given cases and differentiates individuals
without the disease.

15. IMPORTANCE OF ASSISTANT HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS.
They work within a range of hospital or community settings under the guidance of various healthcare
professionals. The roles of assistant healthcare professionals vary depending on the area of work.
Contribution of healthcare assistants in healthcare delivery include:
Clinical duties like observing, monitoring and recording patients conditions by taking vital records of
temperature, pulse, respirations and blood pressure. Personal care and hygiene. Comfort and safety.
Communication with patients, family and healthcare staff. Promoting mental and emotional support.
Nutritional and medication management.
Roles of healthcare assistants in different settings.
Hospitals.
Roles focus on direct patient care. Offer support to critically ill patients or those recovering from medical
procedures like surgeries. They use their skills by helping patients with their daily living tasks like
grooming, toileting, feeding, bathing and mobility support.
Health centers.
Have a broader range of tasks like administering vaccines, taking blood samples and assisting doctors
with minor procedures.
Community settings.
Help people with mobility support, promote mental and physical activity, help with feeding, support
daily living activities and support specialized care plans.
Nursing homes.
Support people with daily living tasks, encourage patients to be as independent as possible and maintain
and check the equipment’s used in delivery of health care.
HEALTHCARE SYSTEMS IN KENYA.
PUBLIC HEALTHCARE SYSTEMS.
The Kenya health system has six levels of hierarchy:
Level 1: community services.
Level 2: dispensaries and clinics.
Level 3: health centers and maternity and nursing homes.
Level 4: sub-county hospitals and medium sized private hospitals.

16. Level 5: county referral hospitals and large private hospitals.
Level 6: national referral hospitals and large private teaching hospitals.
pHC is funded by the government. They are governed by health facility committees which include the
facility in-charge and community representatives. For private PHC facilities, the government oversights
them through regulation implemented through regulatory agencies.
A fifth of the county allocations go towards the healthcare services delivery. The largest proportion of
this funding goes to curative services. Other budgetary allocations establish PHC facilities in poor or hard
to reach areas and also for upgrading clinics in slums. PHC also benefits from funds set aside for free
maternity services like deliveries and prenatal services. Some funds are chanelled through non-
government organizations and community based organizations to support programmes and various
facility activities.
pHC service delivery policies and guidelines.
All facilities should display the services offered, patient obligations/requirements, charges and waiting
times.
The Kenya medical supplies authority (KEMSA) is the public agency for medicines, supplying
commodities based on orders received from counties.
Challenges of PHC.
Frequent stock-outs for key commodities and supplies at primary facilities.
Poor staff distribution.
Poor remuneration from staff complaints resulting to frequent health worker strikes.
PRIVATE HEALTHCARE SYSTEM.
The private health sector is neither owned or directly controlled by the government but are run by
individuals or organizations to deliver health services. Its characterized as profit and non-profit, formal
and informal or domestic and international facilities.
Characteristics.
Ownership.
The private sector is outside the direct control of the state. They can be owned by individuals, families or
corporations.
Motive.
The aim of private health sector may be philanthropic or commercial and comprises of profit or non-
profit enterprises. Non-profit organizations include faith based entities, non-government organizations
and civil society organizations.
Training.

17. Service providers include formally trained healthcare professionals like doctors, nurses, pharmacists etc
or informally trained providers like traditional healers, midwives etc
Geography.
The scope for a private organization can either be domestic or international based on the extent of
population covered.
IMPORTANCE OF INVOLVING PEOPLE IN THEIR OWN HEALTH AND CARE.
This involves supporting people to manage their own health and wellbeing on a daily basis by getting
involved in decisions about their care and giving them choice and control over the services they receive.
It means focusing on what matters to the individual within the context of their lives and not just
addressing a list of conditions or symptoms to be treated. It entails commissioning services that
routinely provide individuals with information, care and support to determine and achieve the outcomes
that matter to them.
Involving individuals in their own health range from sharing decisions about certain procedures to their
ongoing care and support for people with long term illnesses or disability. The amount of control that a
person desires or is able to take varies according to their background, experience and current
circumstances. People with cognitive disability may have difficulty in expressing their needs and
preferences thus communicating with those who know them best or understand them may voice their
likely preferences.
Involving people in their own care shift the focus of support to what matters to the patient. It
acknowledges the patient as the expert of their own care and gives them control and choice over the
care and support they are to receive. Inclusive conversation takes place between the health care
providers and the patient. Health and wellbeing needs are better met when needs identified are agreed
together to reach goals that matter to each person and the impact on their lives is more effective.
Principle of involvement in primary healthcare.
Continuity of care.
Continuous care is ensured by multidisciplinary care teams that coordinate patient management by a
range of different service providers. Patients needs such as physical, social and emotional factors are
considered in order to make recommendations for the appropriate treatment. Care plans are developed
based on the ongoing therapeutic relationship. Regular communication with the patient ensures quality
continuity of care.
Allow patients to choose their providers.
Patients should be free to choose providers based on the quality of care, access, convenience,
established relationship and other preferences.
Recognize and support clinical judgment.
Patients should be referred to other care providers based on their needs and treatment options but not
on the rules, protocols or guidelines.
Support equity of access to primary healthcare services.

18. No bias in accessing primary healthcare services.
Support high quality general practice.
Effective coordination of clinical resources should meet the patients needs.
PATIENT PERSON CENTERED APPROACHES.
It’s a way of thinking and doing things to help a person feel in control of their lives for the best possible
outcome for the person involved.
Purpose of this approach is:
To give the person needed care and support their desires to be valued as a person.
To ensure that the individual needing care is placed at the very center of decision making process about
their life, the services and support they want and need. When planning care, place the patient at the
center of every decision made. Always consult them and let their views come first to ensure the care
plan is tailor made to that particular person. It should include the aspects of care from the social health
services, family and the voluntary sector.
It is a current policy that applies to people with learning disabilities, mental health problems, physical
disabilities, older adults who need support and young people with chronic illnesses.
VALUES OF PERSON CENTERED APPROACH.
Individuality.
Everyone is unique and different therefore focusing on an individual as a whole and their specific needs,
preferences, beliefs and culture. What a patient likes and dislikes helps to determine the care and
support for the person involved. Recognize and respect the differences and desires of various patients.
Privacy.
Close doors and curtains when providing care. Always ask for permission from the person involved if
they are happy and comfortable in doing the tasks involved themselves, give them time and space to do
so in private. Keep information and activities confidential.
Choice.
Always involve the person in making decisions about the care and support they require. Listen to the
persons desires and not just what they want or need. Sometimes give the person alternatives of what
they need.
Dignity.
A person feels dignified when they are shown respect in all you do for them. This shows that they are
valued as a whole.
Rights.

19. The person that you care for has similar rights as everyone else. They have a right to say no, decide what
to eat or wear and when they would like to do so. They have a right to request for support on what they
cannot do themselves.
Respect.
When providing care always show respect regardless of a persons age, gender, disability, beliefs and
culture. Listen and involve the person you are supporting when making decisions about their care.
Independence.
Give time to the person to be independent, whether they are supported or not and give them time to do
so. Encourage the person to do things they are able to independently for this makes them feel valued,
respected and in control.
Partnership.
Working as a team, listening and good communication are essential to provide the best possible care to
a person. It involves making choices that best support a person.
IMPLEMENTING A PERSON CENTERED APPROACH.
Find out the history, needs, prefere uunces and wishes of an individual. Communicate with them to give
them an opportunity to be at the center of the plan and support programme. Ask family, friends and
other professionals or other care plans and documentations.
Taking into account the history, preferences and wishes of the patient guides the care plan and support
guidelines. When planning its necessary to document and record daily requirements of the individual
preferences which can be done by looking at the care plan and by individual support by ensuring their
needs are met and apply person centered values.
COMMUNITY BASED HEALTHCARE.
This is a set of local structures engaged in producing, advocating and supporting health in communities
outside the formal health system. Community stakeholders like public health officials, local
organizations, community health leaders, private sector providers, civil society and frontline workers
play a vital role in community health systems by identifying and addressing problems within their
healthcare systems. Solutions increase the quality of te healthcare systems and strengthens self
reliance. Community based health care is for everyone that needs health care assistance at home.
Community care services include home support, nursing, physiotherapy and other rehabilitation
services. Depending on the care one needs, they need a referral from the doctor.
Multidisciplinary teams involves a group of healthcare professionals that come together to plan and
coordinate services for patients. This intergrated care involves exchange of information between
healthcare professionals, making shared/joint decisions, planning interventions and facilitating access to
relevant services depending on patients needs resulting to better quality of care. May include nurses,
social workers, mental health staff, voluntary staff and other healthcare professionals.
Different healthcare settings.
Hospitals and medical centers.

20. Primary care clinics.
Specialty clinics and outpatient facilities.
Long term care facilities like nursing homes.
Home healthcare settings.
Rehabilitation centers and therapy clinics.
Hospitals and medical centers.
Hospitals primarily provide diagnostic and treatment sevices to patients who require intensive or
immediate care. Most hospitals have in-patient facilities requiring patients to stay under supervision of
specialized healthcare professionals until discharge.
They are generally classified by the type of ownership, treatment, facility size and length of patients
stay. Majority of them are non profit typically governed by a regional health authority. General hospitals
admit patients with all types of medical conditions and depending on each patients diagnosis they are
refered to acute care centers like cancer facilities, children or maternity facilities or outpatient facilities.
Primary functions include providing acute care, specialized medical services, emergency care and
surgical procedures. Departments within a hospital include the inpatient units, outpatient clinics,,
emergency departments and diagnostic services.
Primary care clinics.
This is a clinic for outpatient services providing all preventative and routine healthcare services,
management of chronic illnesses, consultaion with specialists when necessary and coordination of care
across health care settings or multiple providers.
They are often for patients who need short term care and can recover at home. Hospitals refer
discharged patients to outpatient clinics that specialize in services for ongoing conditions like weight
loss, physical therapy and drug or alcohol rehabs. They are more convenient and affordable to most
patients. Surgery centers, urgent care clinics and specialty clinics are close to patients homes thus
providing easy access to high quality care.
Principles of primary care include comprehensive and continuous care, coordination of healthcare
services, preventive care and health promotion. Services provided include routine check-ups, health
screenings, management of chronic conditions, immunizations and minor procedures.
Specialty clinics and outpatient facilities.
They offer care to patients in specialized areas like cardiology, urology, nephrology, pain
managemement, wound care, chemotherapy treatment and radiation treatments.
Specialized services in diagnosing, treating and managing specific medical conditions or diseases.
Specialty clinics include cardiology clinics, orthopedic clinics, dermatology clinics, oncology clinics and
mental health clinics.

21. Long term care facilities.
They support people with short term recovery, chronic health conditions or disabilities. They are
designed to help patients complete daily activities as safely and as independently as possible. Depending
on their health, patients can receive in-home care through a home health aid. Community and assisted
living facilities care for seniors who are still relatively independent while nursing homes care for patients
who need full-time care.
Services include assistance with daily living activities, medication management, healthcare monitoring
and rehabilitation services. Safety measures and infection control protocols like fall prevention,
emergency preparedness, medication safety and infection control practices to minimize risk of
infections. Ongoing staff training, adherence to policies and procedures and continuous quality
improvement.
Rehabilitation centers and therapy clinics.
Rehabilitation services are provided at a clinic and include physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech
language therapy, case management and other evaluations. Many extended health care benefit plans
cover physiotherapy and occupational therapy services.
Aquatic therapy and assistive technologies. Patient participation in recovery plans. Rehabilitation care
plans and monitoring patients progress.
Home healthcare settings.
This is a system of care provided by skilled practitioners to patients in their homes under the direction of
a physician. They include nursing care, physical, occupational and speech and language therapy,
and medical social services. Caregiving tasks include helping with daily living activities, transportation,
interaction with medical personnel, and negotiation with insurance service providers etc which depend
on the physical, cognitive, social and emotional abilities of a caregiver. Errors made during delivery of
home health care can range from minor to deadly since the task demands of caregivers can exceed
human capabilities. Effective communication, collaboration and coordination with patients, families and
members of the healthcare team is crucial for home health care providers. For effective home based
care its important to conduct patient assessments, evaluate safety and accessibility and assess the
patients physical, emotional and social well-being. This is used in development of individualized care
plans based on patient’s specific needs and home environment.
IMPORTANCE OF TEAMWORK IN HEALTHCARE.
Teamwork is when two or more individuals interact independently for a common purpose and working
towards set objectives. Health care delivery is a team effort where medical professionals work
collaboratively to address patient’s needs.
Improve patient outcomes.
The ultimate goal of every health care facility is to provide quality patient care and teamwork is the
foundation for delivering standard care. When health care professionals work together, they provide
quality care thus increasing the probability of positive patient outcomes. In case an error occurs, all
members of the team consult with the leader for guidance in order to accurately fulfil their assigned

22. duties. They work as a team to solve the problems. During teamwork, trust grows increasing confidence
in each other and assuring every team member that they will work together during a crisis.
Increases efficiency.
In a positive teamwork environment, healthcare professionals delegate tasks, coordinate schedules and
share information leading to effective care. This helps to reduce the wait time, improve patient
satisfaction and result to a better health care experience. When healthcare teams are empowered to
design their own work plans based on their talents and available resources then efficiency is achieved.
Strong team leadership make facilities more competitive and save money.
Reduce occurrence of medication errors.
If everyone on the health care team works together then medication errors can be reduced. Medication
errors can lead to adverse side effects, complications of drug interactions and even death. When
everyone in the team sticks to their role in the care plan then quality care is provided. Knowing ones role
in the care plan reduces confusion.
Creates a better work environment.
Teamwork allows people to rely on each other as they engage in more personal friendships and enjoy
what they do. Health care environments are often stressful therefore working in a team engages
everyone and reduce stress therefore improving job satisfaction.
Better communication.
Teamwork improves communication among healthcare professionals. As they work together, they share
information, discuss treatment plans and provide feedback. This leads to better decision making in
patient care.
Promotes continuous learning.
Education teaches one about a special area of work, but in teamwork we learn about what other
healthcare professionals bring to the treatment plan. In order to work effectively, you need to
understand the duties of each member of the team. This develops one skills and boosts knowledge on
career advancements fields.
Improves staff satisfaction.
When health care professionals work as a team they can support each other, share information and
provide emotional support hence creating a better work space for each other. This helps to reduce
stress and burn outs among healthcare professionals resulting to better job satisfaction.
Better resource utilization.
Teamwork optimizes the maximum utilization of resources in healthcare facilities. Working as a team
uncovers/exposes inefficiencies and minimizes waste by promoting effective use of resources in a
facility.
Patient satisfaction.

23. When health care professionals collaborate their efforts, patients are more satisfied with the care
provided since each team member performs their tasks effectively. The ultimate goal of each team is to
provide quality care and as they all work to achieve this, they take up their delegated duties in the care
plan and deliver services effectively.
Factors influencing the increased demand for assistant health professionals.
Expansion of healthcare services.
The establishment of new medical facilities has significantly contributed to the increased demand for
healthcare assistants. Increase in population increase demand for health care needs which further
results to a rise of healthcare facilities to accommodate this growing patient volume.
Increase in aging population and chronic diseases.
The impact of the ageing population has increased demand for health care services which corresponds
to the increased demand for health care assistants. Ageing population require health care support for
chronic diseases. Health care assistants play a crucial role to monitor patients, assist with daily living
activities, manage medications and educate patients about their conditions, treatment plans and self
care guidelines thus bridging the gap between patients and health care professionals.
Physician shortages.
This is a crisis that affects health care delivery and quality of care. It results from increased demand for
healthcare services with a decrease in supply of medical doctors professionals to meet this demand. This
has led to longer waiting times for appointments, reduced time for patient interactions and increased
workload for physicians. Healthcare assistants play a vital role in alleviating the burden on physicians
and improving health care delivery.
Administrative support.
Health care assistants are trained to handle administrative duties within health care facilities
contributing to smooth administrative operations. May include scheduling appointments, maintaining
medical records and handling insurance documentation. They can also record patient’s medical
histories. This assistance reduces administrative workload and allows physicians to dedicate more time
and attention in providing quality patient care and building stronger interpersonal relationships.
Technological advancements.
Telemedicine and electronic health records have transformed the delivery and management of health
care. Health care assistants are key to adapting and utilizing this technologies to enhance patient care.
They enter and update patient data and ensure accuracy and completeness of records. They facilitate
telemedicine consultations, schedule appointments and ensure the necessary equipment for virtual
visits are in place. They educate patients on these platforms and utilize mobile applications to manage
chronic illnesses.
Expanded scope of practice.

24. There is a growing trend to expand the scope of practice for healthcare assistants. Clinical duties like
health monitoring and medication management are broadened. They are allowed to offer more
advanced services under supervision.
Increased focus on preventive care.
The healthcare services have shifted to preventive care and wellness promotion. Recognition of early
intervention and proactive measures like vaccine administration, cancer screenings and prenatal care
creates a gap for more healthcare assistants.
Healthcare cost containment.
Healthcare assistants play a crucial role in improving work flow efficiency, reducing unnecessary
physician visits by initial triage and patient assessment and provide guidance, education and support by
collecting relevant information, evaluating symptoms to determine the urgency and appropriate level of
care needed.
Patient centered care.
Effective communication promotes high quality care by involving patients in decision making about their
care and understanding their unique needs and preferences when delivering healthcare services.
Healthcare assistants ensure the patients concerns and questions are communicated to the healthcare
team. They play an important role in care coordination by integrating healthcare services of different
professionals to satisfy the patient’s needs.
Career advancement opportunities for healthcare assistants.
Healthcare assistants have diverse career advancement opportunities that allow them to specialize in
specific areas.
With experience and further education, healthcare assistants can pursue specialization in areas like
registered medical nurses instructors, licensed practical nurses etc to help shape the next generation of
healthcare professionals.
Continuing education and getting professional certification contribute to career advancement of
healthcare assistants by equipping them with knowledge and skills needed in the medical field. These
certifications enhance the professional credibility of healthcare assistants and increases job
opportunities with a higher earning potential.
Career advancements prospects.
Looking for advanced training options.
There are several opportunities to train in other areas and sometimes they are available in the facilities
one works in. Train in skills like CPR, midwifery and drug administration.
Develop professional skills.
When given an opportunity to do something new, take it. New machines and advancements in
technology provide opportunities to learn.

25. Become a teacher.
Reach out and teach others what you know. Offer teaching services in community colleges and local
vocational training institutions. Train new healthcare assistants in your organization.
Specialize.
Some clinical fields require specific knowledge and expertise. Broaden your skills through specialization
like with emergency medicine, cardiology, pediatrics, ophthalmology.
Learn foreign languages.
A healthcare assistant is the first contact of patients and being able to communicate with them in a
Language they understand broadens ones opportunities to use their skills to make patients feel more
comfortable and promote quality of care.
Learn sign language.
Health promotion focusses on:
a.Keeping people healthy.
b. Helping people make changes in lifestyle to prevent diseases
c.Motivating behavior change to avoid complications with disease
Health education is a combination of learning experiences designed to help individuals and
communities improve their health, by increasing their knowledge or influencing their attitudes. ’ In
elderly care it is necessary that the older people as well as their family members understand the
various health-related and social issues associated with old age and be sensitized towards providing
support and promoting a healthy lifestyle in them. ’ Health education requires the active
involvement of people in achieving the goal of health.
Human biology:
’ The family and elderly both should be made aware of biological changes in the structure and
function of the body concerning aging. ’ They must also be informed about the difference between
age-related changes and pathological states. Family health: ’ Information regarding the needs of
elderly family members to be included to provide a correct perspective of human aging.
Nutrition: ’ Older people and their families must be guided to understand the principles of a
balanced diet, nutritive value of food, value for money spent on food, storage, preparation, cooling,
etc.
Hygiene: ’ The information on bathing, clothing, toilet, washing of hands before eating, care of feet,
nails, and teeth; prevention of indiscriminate spitting, coughing, and sneezing; and inculcation of
clean habits should be included in personal hygiene and maintaining a clean home, need for fresh
air and light, ventilation, hygienic storage, disposal of waste, sanitation, disposal of human excreta,
food sanitation, vector control, etc. should be included in environmental hygiene.

26. Control of communicable and non-communicable disease: Common communicable and non-
communicable diseases specific to old age needs to be included in health education.
Mental health: Elderly suffer cognitive disorders very commonly. Older people need to be educated
regarding adjustment to their changing role in family and community as a result of old age and
retirement. They need to be educated for dementia, depression, and anxiety.
Prevention of accidents: Elderly should be made aware of accidents and their complications
because of their physiological decline and a higher risk of fractures and life-threatening injuries.
Use of health services: older people need to be educated to use the health services available in the
community to the maximum extent. They must also be encouraged to participate in national health
programs designed to promote health in old age and prevent diseases. The community health
worker needs to identify various barriers to the use of health services and intervene to remove
these barriers