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Beats by Social Work

Beats by Social Work

By: Kristin and Tiffany
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This podcast is intended for social workers that work in the field of transplant and/or LVAD. If you are a patient pursuing a transplant or LVAD or the caregiver of a patient, we welcome you here. Although we are transplant social workers we are not your transplant social workers. We hope topics discussed here may lead you to further discussions with your own transplant social worker. We want this to be a safe space to learn, be refueled, be heard, and feel understood. We want to challenge each other to be the best we can for ourselves and our patients. We are often told what to do, but there is not always time to explore “the why” you do it.

In the upcoming episodes, we will be following along the psychosocial evaluation for transplant and LVAD, discussing why we ask the questions we do, the importance of the topics, and diving deeper into areas.

All rights reserved. Hygiene & Healthy Living Physical Illness & Disease Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Science Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Episode 23: Embracing Intimacy After Transplant: A Taboo Worth Breaking / “Let’s Talk About Sex”

    Episode 23: Embracing Intimacy After Transplant: A Taboo Worth Breaking / “Let’s Talk About Sex”
    Nov 8 2023
    In this episode, hosts Kristin and Tiffany delve into the taboo topic of sex, highlighting its significance in the lives of solid organ transplant recipients and LVAD patients. They stress the importance of normalizing conversations around intimacy, emphasizing its positive impact on emotional well-being and overall quality of life.Quote: Sex is both healthy and risky because sex connects us”. Matthias RobertsKey Points:Importance of Intimacy: Intimacy encompasses emotional, physical, and sexual connections, playing a vital role in building relationships and promoting well-being. Recognizing this importance validates the needs of transplant recipients and LVAD patients for connection, supporting their holistic recovery process and quality of life.Pleasure-Based vs. Performance-Based Sex: Shifting the focus from performance-based to pleasure-based sex is crucial for individuals adjusting to life with chronic illness. Pleasure-based sex involves open communication, focusing on physical sensations, and embracing various activities, emphasizing fun, pleasure, and intimacy with the partner.Safety Precautions: Intimacy post-transplant or with an LVAD requires careful consideration due to specific medical considerations and modifications. Patients and partners must consult healthcare teams to understand guidelines, including infection prevention, wound care, and medication management. Safety is paramount for a satisfying intimate life.Normalizing Sex and Intimacy: Transplant/LVAD Social workers and a patient’s individual psychotherapist can play a vital role in normalizing conversations about sex and intimacy. By initiating open discussions, we reduce stigma, facilitate communication, and help patients and partners address their concerns comfortably and safely.Providing Education and Resources: Transplant/LVAD Social workers and a patient’s individual psychotherapist can offer direction towards where to find educational materials and resources, guiding patients on safe practices and addressing concerns. Referral to peer forums, support groups, or counseling services specializing in sexual health can enhance patient support overall.Collaboration with Healthcare Team: Collaboration with the patient's healthcare team ensures comprehensive care. Social workers work with physicians, nurses, and specialists to address medical, psychological, and emotional aspects of intimacy, offering holistic support.Normalizing Emotional Support: Acknowledging and addressing the emotional aspects of intimacy, including anxiety, fear, guilt, and body image concerns, is vital. Social workers and therapists offer emotional support, normalizing these emotions and providing coping strategies for patients.In conclusion, normalizing intimacy for transplant recipients and LVAD patients is essential for their overall well-being. By embracing conversations around intimacy, ensuring safety, and providing emotional support, social workers and therapists empower patients and partners to navigate this aspect of their lives, enhancing their quality of life. Resources and references utilized in today’s episode:·         https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21372729/  ·         https://www.mylvad.com/patients-caregivers/lvad-lifestyle/living-lvad/intimacy-and-relationships-lvad  ·         https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022522303021147  ·         https://www.researchgate.net/publication/268087249_SEX_AND_INTIMACY_AMONG_PATIENTS_LIVING_WITH_AN_LVAD  ·         https://www.heartandlung.org/article/S0147-9563(11)00224-X/fulltext  ·         https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/sex-love-in-chronic-illness/202201/sexual-creativity-chronic-illness  ·         https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/sex-love-in-chronic-illness/202009/sexual-challenges-chronic-illness  ·         https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/sex-love-in-chronic-illness/202007/the-grief-process-chronic-illness-and-sexuality   ·         https://youtu.be/UEpqJJoDRNk  ·         https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/ehf2.12014·         https://journals.lww.com/transplantjournal/Fulltext/2020/09003/SEXUAL_FUNCTION_AFTER_LEFT_VENTRICULAR_ASSIST.879.aspx Thanks for dropping a beat with us!Like, subscribe, and review, to ensure the best goes on ;) We ALWAYS appreciate feedback from our listeners. If you have questions, comments, or suggestions, or if you'd like to share any relevant experiences while maintaining HIPPA compliance, reach out on any of our platforms: Email: BeatsBySW@gmail.comSocial media: @beatsbyswpodcastWebsite: beatsbysw.onpodium.coDisclaimers:If you are a patient or professional experiencing a medical or mental health crisis, please seek immediate help. If you are having a medical crisis/emergency please call 911 or go to the nearest hospital. The information we share is not medical advice; ...
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    38 mins
  • Offbeat Episode 1

    Offbeat Episode 1
    Oct 18 2023

    Today’s episode is one of our off-beat episodes, and we think it is one of our better ones. Kristin and Tiffany talk about their favorite topic… Being a Social Worker, the best and worst parts and all the between. Take a listen to this fun episode where Kristin surprises Tiffany with a different approach to the show flow. We also mention the Enneagram on today’s episode, we invite you to take the Enneagram quiz we included links below. Be on the lookout on our Instagram page as we plan to engage with our listeners by asking you all similar questions.  

    We did not start with a quote, but here is a quote anyway: “If you care enough to wonder if you’re getting it wrong, you’re probably getting it right.” -Unknown but often attributed to a version said by writer, humorist, lecturer James Thurber

    Enneagram Tests:

    https://www.truity.com/test/enneagram-personality-test

     

    https://www.enneagraminstitute.com/type-descriptions

     

    Thanks for dropping the beat with us! Give us a like, subscribe, and review to ensure the beat goes on. We love to hear from our listeners, please feel free to email us at BeatsBySW@gmail.com with questions/comments/suggestions or any beat box moments you’re comfortable with us sharing while maintaining HIPPA compliance.

    Email: BeatsBySW@gmail.com

    Social media: @beatsbyswpodcast

    Website: beatsbysw.onpodium.co

     

    Disclaimers:

    If you are a patient or professional experiencing a medical or mental health crisis, please seek immediate help. If you are having a medical crisis/emergency please call 911 or go to the nearest hospital. The information we share is not medical advice; consult your healthcare provider for specific medical conditions.

    If you are having a mental health crisis call 911 or the National Suicide Hotline Toll-Free Number at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or your local suicide hotlines including 988

    For LVAD social workers and transplant professionals, our insights come from our experience as Certified Clinical Transplant and Mechanical Circulatory Support Social Workers. Our views are our own and not affiliated with any specific institution. This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes and does not override any institutional policies or guidelines. As humans, we may make mistakes, but we're open to feedback and strive for accuracy. If we say something incorrect or inappropriate, please let us know so we can improve. We're here to share information and connect with our audience respectfully.
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    35 mins
  • Episode 22: Emergency Preparedness

    Episode 22: Emergency Preparedness
    Oct 8 2023

    On today’s episode Tiffany and Kristin talk about the importance of emergency preparedness planning, especially for patients in: end stage organ failure, pre advanced therapies, post-transplant, and/or post implant. They share stories of their personal experiences helping patients through natural disasters while also navigating their own need. This episode includes resources and information based on their own experiences with natural disaster and accrediting boards. 

    Quote: “when disaster strikes, the time to prepare has passed.” Steven Cyros

    CMS final rule on Emergency Preparedness Requirements for Medicare and Medicaid Participating Providers and Suppliers was published (Federal Register Vol. 81, No. 180) on September 16, 2016 which became effective on November 15, 2016 and implemented on November 15, 2017. Updates to The Hospital (and Transplant Program) Requirements CMS Emergency Preparedness Final Rule were made effective March 26, 2021

    Resources

    Federal Emergency Management Agency

    FEMA.gov

    FEMA Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA)

    Transitional Sheltering Assistance | FEMA.gov

    Disaster Assistance.gov Provides resources for individuals, businesses, and communities. 

    Home | disasterassistance.gov

    Ready.Gov

    https://www.ready.gov/be-informed

    Benefits.gov- Disaster Relief information

    benefits.gov/categories/Disaster Relief

    Do 1 Thing- Small steps toward being prepared for an Emergency

    Welcome - Emergency Preparedness (do1thing.com)


    Thanks for dropping a beat with us! Like, subscribe, and review, to ensure the best goes on ;) Check out our website for extended show notes and resources. We so appreciate feedback from our listeners. If you have questions, comments, or suggestions, or if you'd like to share any relevant experiences while maintaining HIPPA compliance, reach out on any of our platforms:

    Email: BeatsBySW@gmail.com

    Social media: @beatsbyswpodcast

    Website: beatsbysw.onpodium.co

    Disclaimers:

    If you are a patient or professional experiencing a medical or mental health crisis, please seek immediate help. If you are having a medical crisis/emergency please call 911 or go to the nearest hospital. The information we share is not medical advice; consult your healthcare provider for specific medical conditions.

    If you are having a mental health crisis call 911 or the National Suicide Hotline Toll-Free Number at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or your local suicide hotlines including 988

    For LVAD social workers and transplant professionals, our insights come from our experience as Certified Clinical Transplant and Mechanical Circulatory Support Social Workers. Our views are our own and not affiliated with any specific institution. This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes and does not override any institutional policies or guidelines. As humans, we may make mistakes, but we're open to feedback and strive for accuracy. If we say something incorrect or inappropriate, please let us know so we can improve. We're here to share information and connect with our audience respectfully.
    Show More Show Less
    37 mins
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