dys·func·tion /dɪsˈfʌŋkʃən/ [dis-fuhngk-shuhn]–noun
1. Medicine/Medical . malfunctioning, as of an organ or structure of the body. 2. any malfunctioning part or element: the dysfunctions of the country's economy. 3. Sociology . a consequence of a social practice or behavior pattern that undermines the stability of a social system.

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Case Study

I just thought I would share this with you. This is a case study that we had to respond to in class today. Please comment below with your thoughts! I'd love to know what you think.



Zack practices in the heart of a multi-cultural community and his clients come from a diverse cross-section of ethnic cultures. Mohamed, a Muslim, seeks Zack's help for a whiplash injury he sustained on the job as a truck driver. Zack runs a very busy practice and he is often booked back to back all day.

After his first appointment with Mohamed, Zack tells him he needs to see him in a week and Zack's receptionist Susie says the only appointment available is next Tuesday at 10am. Mohamed says he can't come in at any time on Tuesday or for that matter Wednesday. Susie tells him that he has to come in on Tuesday because that is the only time that Zack can fit him in. Mohamed flatly refuses saying, "No I can't and won't come in on Tuesday or Wednesday." Frustrated with him Susie calls Zack over and tells him the Mohamed won't work with the appointment she's given him.

Zack asks him what the problem is. Mohamed tells him that Tuesday and Wednesday are holy days for his family and that he can't leave the house on those days for any reason. Zack gives him a puzzled look and says,"But we're talking about your health and well being. You're in pain and need help, it's not like you are planning to go out partying or something. Don't you want to get better?" Mohamed is adamant and refuses to come in on either of those days. Zack, now frustrated says, "I don't have time for this, either you come in on Tuesday or Wednesday or I don't see you and if I don't see you you're going to have a hard time finding another therapist who cold fit you in given you restricted schedule. If I were you I'd look after myself. It doesn't seem to me that you have your priorities straight- think about it."

2 comments:

jedi starrunner said...

RUDE. That is the only thing that comes to mind. As a helping professional, it is a person's responsibility to work with a client's needs, ESPECIALLY religious needs and gender needs... HUGE liability in these situations. Do you smell that? Smells like a lawsuit to me!

Unknown said...

Interesting case. I would say that a person's first priority is their religious views. At least it is for me. The professional could have tryed to reschedule another client into his available time slots. Or something... but to be disrespectful of someone's religious committments is just rude.