2.1. Comparing and Contrasting (Reading)
Learning Objectives
At the end of the lesson, students will be able to:
- explain the importance of comparing and contrasting in understanding a text.
- identify the importance of evidence (e.g., statistics, expert opinions, patient outcomes) in a text.
- write a short paragraph (3-5 sentences) summarizing one similarity and one difference between healthcare environments or treatment options.
Part 1: Warm-Up: Discussion
Have you recently visited one of the below healthcare facility?
- Primary care clinic
- Emergency room
- Urgent care
Tell your partner about the healthcare facility you visited:
- What is the name of the facility?
- Where is it?
- Why did you visit the facility?
Now complete below exercise.
Where Do You Go If…? Primary care clinic or urgent care center or Emergency room
Part 2: Vocabulary
Match each vocabulary word with the correct definition.
Now read the paragraph below and fill the blank spaces by dragging and dropping the correct word.
Part 3: Reading – Healthcare Environments
Read the passage ‘Healthcare Environments’ and complete the chart below.
Healthcare Environments
Healthcare facilities differ in the types of care they provide. Primary care clinics focus on general health maintenance and routine check-ups. Urgent care centers handle non-life-threatening conditions that require immediate attention, like minor injuries or infections. Emergency rooms, on the other hand, treat severe conditions such as heart attacks, strokes, and major injuries. Each setting offers different treatment options based on the severity of a patient’s condition.
Discussion questions
| Healthcare Environment | key Characteristics | Treatment Approaches |
|---|---|---|
- What are some similarities between these environments?
- What are some differences?
Part 4: Analyzing Evidence in Text
Read the article on comparing healthcare effectiveness. Highlight the evidence that supports the effectiveness of each solution with a different highlighter color.
Yellow for statistics
Green for Patient outcomes
Blue for expert opinions
Brown for Personal opinions
Comparing the Effectiveness of Healthcare Treatments
When choosing a healthcare treatment, it is important to consider how effective each option is. Doctors and researchers use different types of evidence to determine which treatments work best. This evidence includes statistics, expert opinions, and patient outcomes.
Physical Therapy for Chronic Back Pain
Many patients with chronic back pain are advised to try physical therapy before considering more invasive treatments like surgery. According to a 2023 study published in the Journal of Pain Management, 75% of patients who completed a 12-week physical therapy program reported reduced pain and improved mobility. Experts from the American Physical Therapy Association recommend physical therapy as a first-line treatment because it strengthens muscles and reduces long-term pain without the risks of medication or surgery.
Medication for Chronic Back Pain
Pain relief medications, such as anti-inflammatory drugs and muscle relaxants, are another option for managing chronic back pain. Studies show that 60% of patients who took prescribed pain medications experienced temporary relief, but 40% reported side effects such as dizziness and nausea. While doctors may prescribe medication for short-term pain management, experts caution that long-term use can lead to dependency and other health risks.
Surgery for Chronic Back Pain
For patients with severe and persistent back pain, surgery may be recommended as a last resort. A clinical trial conducted in 2022 found that 85% of patients who underwent spinal surgery experienced significant pain relief, but 20% required additional procedures within five years. Orthopedic surgeons explain that while surgery can provide lasting relief, it comes with higher costs and risks compared to other treatments.
