How can Diana help Mr. Mitchell to reckon with the consequences of his decisions?

Question

While working as a medical social worker at Holland Community Hospital, Diana Howard, BSW, received a referral to coordinate home health services for patient Joshua Mitchell. Mr. Mitchell had been admitted to the hospital repeatedly after failing to make use of home health services set up for him in the past. In order for Mr. Mitchell to be released from the hospital he had to have a discharge plan from Diana. However, Diana was unsure what course to take as the medical staff pushed for his release and Diana searched for a way to provide services that Mr. Mitchell would use.

Answer 1

Diana can honestly inform Mr. Mitchell about the likely consequences of his decisions and use those consequences as leverage to get Mr. Mitchell the care he needs. For example, if he does not accept the services arranged for him upon his discharge from the hospital and his condition deteriorates and he is admitted again, he may not be allowed to return home again. She can present the options Mr. Mitchell has available—using home health services or going to a facility that could care for him—and allow him to make the ultimate decision about his care.