Nursing 105 Concepts of health and illness

Key points about health

• defined according to own beliefs and values

• influenced by many factors, conceptualised differently between populations

• strongly influenced by culture, socio-economic and political contexts

• embedded in family and community health

• impacted by national and world health agendas

Disease

Pathological change in the structure or function of the body of mind that can be objectively measured and described by a health professional

Illness

The response of a person to a disease, often change of functioning or experience of change to their health status

Risk factors of disease

• age

• ethnicity

• genetics

• physiological factors

• health habits

• lifestyle

• environment

Acute condition features

• rapid onset

• lasts relatively short time

• can be with or without treatment

Acute condition examples

• Diarrhoea/vomiting

• appendicitis

• bleeding hand

• asthma attach

• heart attack

• flu

Chronic/long-term conditions

• permanent condition - deteriorate over time

• can’t be corrected by treatment

• slow onset

• periods of remission (present but no symptoms)

• acute exacerbation (symptoms reappear)

• impacts on daily life, family, employment

• grief and distress

• require long term care, support, education

What is person centred care?

• puts patient at centre - context, history, culture, family, strength + weaknesses

• Patient is activate rather than passive recipient of care

• people, families, communities are respected, informed, engaged, supported, treated with dignity + compassion

The four principles of person-centred care

1. dignity, compassion and respect

2. coordinated care

3. personalised care

4. enabling and empowering