Is volunteering at a drug rehabilitation center...

[BrCo]

considered clinical or non-clinical service?

Thanks,
brco

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[ciestar]

What do you do while you're there?

 

[LizzyM]

What sorts of providers are employed there? What services are provided? Are the recovering addicts called "patients" or is some other term used?

 

[BrCo]

motivational speaking to families, collaborated with nearby detox centers to expand speaker presentations to underserved populations

 

[BrCo]

What sorts of providers are employed there? What services are provided? Are the recovering addicts called "patients" or is some other term used?

It is a free drug detoxification center. Addicts usually stay for roughly 30 days for the purpose of stabilizing. They are usually referred to as recovering addicts, but medical services are provided, as a majority experience withdrawal syndrome. Medical providers give appropriate medications, but this was not part of my role.

 

[LizzyM]

It is a free drug detoxification center. Addicts usually stay for roughly 30 days for the purpose of stabilizing. They are usually referred to as recovering addicts, but medical services are provided, as a majority experience withdrawal syndrome. Medical providers give appropriate medications, but this was not part of my role.

OK, it wasn't clear whether this was residential or a day facility or even a methadone clinic where people come and go in a matter of minutes.

Given that those who are cared for there are receiving medications and are under the care of a physician (mid-level providers in most states have to be supervised by a physician), I'd call your service "volunteer, clinical".

 

[BrCo]

Thank you Lizzy!

 

[mehc012]

Actually, I'm going to thread hijack here. I volunteered as a sexual assault crisis counselor, where people who experienced sexual assault could call, receive crisis counseling, get resources for further help, and get escorted to the hospital. I never had to escort someone to the hospital, but I did support someone who was a danger to herself being institutionalized to receive further help.

Clinical or non-clinical? I am leaning to non, but want to be consistent with the norms.

Sounds non to me...she may have been a patient once she was in the hospital, but you were talking to her prior to that. You also weren't dealing with medical management or seeing physician-patient interactions.

 

[LizzyM]

I'm beginning to feel that wearing a plastic ID band on the wrist might be the quick and dirty definition of "patient". Absent a wrist band, a medical record of the encounter (as in a doctor's office or clinic) would be evidence that a person is receiving clinical care.

 

[Catalystik]

I'm beginning to feel that wearing a plastic ID band on the wrist might be the quick and dirty definition of "patient". Absent a wrist band, a medical record of the encounter (as in a doctor's office or clinic) would be evidence that a person is receiving clinical care.

The idea, which you've raised before, is growing on me, too. Maybe you could create another zingy catchphrase.