Learn about Cindy, who works at a day centre run by a community mental health team.
Cindy works at a day centre that specialises in helping people who have previously been in-patients in a mental health ward and are integrating back into the community.
Recently a young woman who comes to the centre refuses to take her medication because she said it made her ill. Cindy invited her to talk about how she was feeling in a private room. Cindy talked to her about why the medication was helpful and how she may feel worse if she does not take it.
The young woman continued to refuse to take medication, so Cindy suggested leaving it for an hour so she could think about it. Cindy made notes in the person's file and noted the refusal to take medication. Cindy discussed the refusal with another staff member in charge of the person's care.
An hour later, both Cindy and the other staff member went to discuss the risks and benefits of refusing the medication with the person.