Case study Kathleen

Kathleen is a 55-year-old woman. She has previously been diagnosed with a chronic condition and recently experienced an exacerbation of symptoms. Kathleen does not like attending the hospital as she has states that everyone is in a rush that no one really listens to her. She is concerned about the lack of privacy when clinical staff discuss her condition and she is worried about the support she will receive once she has been discharged from hospital. Kathleen is taking regular medication although she confides that it is sometimes difficult to remember her medication particularly when she is feeling unwell. Kathleen describes her marriage of 36 years as fairly happy and she enjoys spending time with her children and grandchildren. Kathleen smokes ten cigarettes a day, she knows this is not good however finds it difficult to quit as her husband also smokes. Kathleen had noticed some weight gain over the years and she felt embarrassed at her last clinic visit when the nurse suggested a weight management plan. During the week, dinner mainly consists of takeaway with a few fruits and vegetables. She does not drink alcohol, however, has six cans of soft drink a day. On the weekend Kathleen has the family over as she cooks a traditional meal and they socialise.