Preparing the Patient with a BD for the Initial Outreach or Intake Call with the Residential Facility
1. Encourage the patient to focus on their problems with substance use/mental health and why they are seeking treatment, not the BD. Advise the patient not to bring up the bleeding disorder or medications until the facility asks about it.
2. Help the patient discuss mood, safety, stressors, psychiatric medications and need for a stable environment.
3. Once the facility has asked about the BD, encourage the patient to answer any questions as directly as possible, stressing their independence in managing their condition, but also the support that the BD treatment team offers. Suggested language:
I have [insert name of bleeding disorder], which is a well-controlled medical condition.
My [hemophilia treatment center or bleeding disorder treatment team] is available to support me while I am in treatment at your facility. I am happy to put you in touch with them. Would you like me to have them call you? Is there any other information you want from my doctor at this time?
If the patient is able to self-infuse, BD SUMHAC suggests the following language:
I have had this chronic condition my whole life and have learned to manage my bleeding disorder with the support of my [hemophilia treatment center or bleeding disorder treatment team].
I can independently give myself my medication, just like I do at home, which will be taken in private and stored at the facility.
I regularly give myself my medication at home as directed by my physician without any medical supervision or assistance.
If the patient will require an external provider to give their medication, BD SUMHAC suggests the following language:
I have a well-controlled medical condition that requires regular treatment that can be given by a provider at the facility. If you do not have a provider who is able to give me my medication, my [hemophilia treatment center or bleeding disorder treatment team] would be happy to work with your medical director to develop a plan of care so that I can stay stable on my medication, just like I do at home.