Patient Education Assignment
Patient Education Project The purpose of this paper is to develop a plan to teach a specific target group of clients regarding the risk of skin cancer and the impact that skin cancer has on one 's health. Included in the discussion will be the assessment of what the patient needs to know, readiness to learn, and educational methods to be used.
Skin Cancer Skin cancer, which is caused from ultraviolet rays, is extremely prevalent, with over a million cases occurring annually (McGovern, 2006). Approximately 10,000 deaths are expected in the year 2006 alone (Kelly, 2006). Melanoma is predicted to be responsible for 7,910 deaths in the year 2006 (American Cancer Society, 2006). The ultraviolet rays cause damage to the skin that leads to the reproduction of abnormal cells that eventually lead to skin cancer.
Target Group for Education There are several factors that considerably increase the risk of getting skin cancers. The first to consider is the genetic background. Persons with a fair complexion, blue eyes, blonde or red hair are more susceptible (Nettina, 2001). Another factor to consider is gender; men are two to three times as likely to have skin cancer (American Cancer Society, 2006). Therefore, the target group for education concerning treatment and prevention strategies will be elderly Caucasian men which have had several years of sun exposure. In particular, emphasis should be placed on the population of men whose careers involve working outdoors. Although, the sun 's damaging rays are worse in the southern hemisphere, education should be aimed for individuals in all areas. In addition to educating the elderly, teaching the causes of the disease and preventative measures should be addressed to the younger population as well.
Assessment of Patients and Learning Needs The assessment of a patient provides the clinician an opportunity to combine physical examination with patient directed questions to obtain quality
Skin Cancer Skin cancer, which is caused from ultraviolet rays, is extremely prevalent, with over a million cases occurring annually (McGovern, 2006). Approximately 10,000 deaths are expected in the year 2006 alone (Kelly, 2006). Melanoma is predicted to be responsible for 7,910 deaths in the year 2006 (American Cancer Society, 2006). The ultraviolet rays cause damage to the skin that leads to the reproduction of abnormal cells that eventually lead to skin cancer.
Target Group for Education There are several factors that considerably increase the risk of getting skin cancers. The first to consider is the genetic background. Persons with a fair complexion, blue eyes, blonde or red hair are more susceptible (Nettina, 2001). Another factor to consider is gender; men are two to three times as likely to have skin cancer (American Cancer Society, 2006). Therefore, the target group for education concerning treatment and prevention strategies will be elderly Caucasian men which have had several years of sun exposure. In particular, emphasis should be placed on the population of men whose careers involve working outdoors. Although, the sun 's damaging rays are worse in the southern hemisphere, education should be aimed for individuals in all areas. In addition to educating the elderly, teaching the causes of the disease and preventative measures should be addressed to the younger population as well.
Assessment of Patients and Learning Needs The assessment of a patient provides the clinician an opportunity to combine physical examination with patient directed questions to obtain quality
References: American Cancer Society (2006). Skin cancer facts. Retrieved August 4, 2006, from http://www.cancer.org/docroot/PED/content/ped_7_1_What_You_Need_To_Know_About_Skin_Cancer.asp? sitearea=&level= American Cancer Society (2006) Blaustein, M. (2005). The basics of learning readiness. Retrieved August 5, 2006 from http://www.journal.naeyc.org/btj/200507/01Blaustein.asp Jarvis, C Kelly, A. (2006). Stay safe in the sun. Natural Health, 36(6), 47-51. Retrieved August 4, 2006, from EBSCOhost database. McGovern, V Meintel, J. (2005). Win the battle of the sun vs. the skin. The Mobility Forum. Retrieved August 4, 2006, from University of Phoenix rEsource Web site. Nettina, S Nursing Made Incredibly Easy! (2005) Puzzled about skin cancer? 3(4), 53-58. Retrieved August 5, 2006, from Ovid Technologies. Phelps, J (2005). Linking toenail arsenic content to cutaneous melanoma. Environmental Health Perspectives, 113(6), p. A377. Retrieved August 4, 2006, from EBSCOhost database. Shade Foundation of America (2006) Tuchman, M. & Weinberg, J. (2006). Increased awareness: The key to decreasing melanoma mortality. Cortlandt Forum, 19(1), p. 22-30. Retrieved August 5, 2006, from EBSCOhost database.