Learning outcomes
Articulate the personal and professional attributes that may influence an individual’s practice.
Discuss the course of dementia from health to illness to death.
Discuss the significance of the person’s life lived before the onset of this disease.
Consider the impact of the journey of dementia on family and friends.
Key terms
interprofessional
personality
Introduction
In Chapter 1 , we identified one key aspect of the Model of Interprofessional Practice and Education - Dementia (MIPPE-D) as being personal and professional knowledge. This capability looks at the practitioner as a whole, as well as the client, and recognises not only the professional knowledge that the individual brings to the situation but also their life skills, empathy and personal experiences.
What is personal knowledge?
In the previous chapters of this book, we have emphasised that every client is different and the importance for all health professionals to recognise their client’s journey through life. We have also shown that health professionals need to develop background knowledge and skills to work in a professional and client-centred way.
However, we must also recognise that each professional will have had personal experiences outside their professional background. These will impact on how they see the world, how they react in situations and their values. They may, therefore, have a wide set of life skills that can be put into practice very effectively.