Information giving medication 2

Patient brief

Name: Dorothy Jones

DOB: 14/05/1980 = 42 years old

BACKGROUND

Dorothy Jones

You are 42.  

You went to see the doctor because you have been feeling really tired, lost a lot of weight, and have been urinating 10-15 times a day. The doctor did some blood tests and asked you some questions. You have been told you have diabetes.  

You know what diabetes is because your grandparents both had it. They used to take tablets for it.

You have never heard of metformin.

 You are a bit worried about taking tablets because you are very forgetful. You work in an office, and you are worried about seeing you take the tablets because you find it embarrassing that you have diabetes at 42, when ‘most people get it in their sixties don’t they?’

LIFESTYLE

 • DIET: You eat takeaways (usually fatty foods) most days because it is convenient.

• EXERCISE: You started the gym last week when your friend got you a deal on the membership price. You have committed to go at least 2-3 times a week.

• READINESS TO CHANGE: If suitable solutions are offered/elicited to forgetting to take the tablets, and taking them in front of others, you are happy to take the tablets.

 OTHER HISTORY

You don’t have any other health problems – you haven’t been to the doctor in years before this.

No relevant family history.

No allergies.

Occupation: Office worker

You smoke 5 cigarettes a day (for the last 5 years)

You do not drink alcohol or engage with recreational drugs.

QUESTIONS YOU MAY ASK:

• How does the drug work?

• How long will I be on them?

• How do I take them?

• What are the side effects?

• How will I know if they have worked?

• Is there anything else I can do to help with my diabetes?