Barriers to Active Medical Treatment in Life Care Planning
Life care planning involves evaluating a person's future medical needs on a more probable than not basis and developing a plan to meet those needs. The plan may include various services, such as medical care, surgery, rehabilitation, medications, long-term care, adaptive equipment, supplies, and home care. Active treatment can be beneficial in obtaining recommendations for future services; however, common barriers can prevent a patient from actively treating their condition(s).
One common barrier to care is the cost of medical services. Individuals who lack insurance or adequate finances may be unable to afford the out-of-pocket expenses for medical treatments, modalities, and procedures. Due to high costs, patients who lack proper funds to receive ongoing treatment are impacted.
The lack of paid time off or paid leave can complicate care. Treatment for chronic conditions can include frequent office visits, physical therapy visits multiple times weekly, and downtime following pain interventions or surgeries. An individual may not have enough paid leave or time off from work to seek appropriate medical treatment for their condition(s). If the injured party is undergoing treatment and lacks paid time off, they may be forced to choose work and maintain a steady income versus pursuing active treatment.
Another issue may be treatment hesitancy or a fear of future surgical intervention. Treating and consulting providers often recommend surgical intervention for individuals with orthopedic injuries. Even though a patient has been declared a candidate for a surgical procedure and will likely require surgery within their lifetime, they may be hesitant to undergo the treatment. Appropriate patient education of the individual's condition and the risks and benefits of procedures can provide the patient with informed information and assist in future medical treatment and decision making.
Active medical treatment can be an important factor in the development of a life care plan. Consistent follow up assists treating physicians in their medical decision making regarding likely future care. Common barriers can prevent injured patients from pursuing ongoing treatment. A life care plan can provide information for future probable treatment as recommended by either treating or consulting providers even if certain barriers prevent an individual from actively treating their condition(s).