With You: Scene 1

Setting:

A Board Room at the Alberta Hospital.

SCENE 1

Board Room. Slides of Sheila are projected on the sheet of paper on the wall, one after the other. The Doctor walks up to the sheet with a marker and circles Sheila.

The Doctor: This is the subject: Mrs. Pallier. She has been on Unit 9 since October 22, 1999. We have noticed several behaviour problems, and they can change depending on the environment she is in, and the people that surround her. Mrs. Pallier will speak of depression, anxiety, and suicide primarily when she is given attention by her family members. We are about to embark on a program which will change these  inappropriate behaviours and thoughts for the better, with the cooperation of her family, and all the staff on the unit.

We need to focus on safe, productive topics. These are to be the only thing we are to discuss with Mrs. Pallier. Topics surrounding feeling ill in any way are to be completely ignored. The conversations and visits with the subject are to be re-directed if they steer towards depression and anxiety, and if it is necessary, conversations should be terminated immediately. This strategy must be adhered to.

Any statements about suicide should be treated with the same strategy. In the true case of an attempt, there will be no discussion of the event. She will be treated with appropriate medical care and all parties will not discuss it with the subject.

Mrs. Pallier should, and will through adherence to this program, get as much attention as possible when she displays behaviours that are acceptable. When she speaks of positive, productive subjects, she should be reinforced with much consideration and interest. The optimal way to change her thoughts is to in a very clear way, through staff and family member's actions, communicate that she will be ignored when she is negative, and rewarded when she is positive. She will begin to learn that her behaviour will directly influence whether she is noticed or disregarded.

If you have any questions about the program with the subject, please call and leave a message if necessary.