Week 1 - Chronicity and the Illness Experience

Disease

The pathophysiology of a condition.

What does Illness refer to in the context of chronic illness?

The human experience of a disease.

The live experience of chronic illness includes perceptions and beliefs about the condition. This is because…

Everyone has different responses to illness

Ways of living with chronic illness

• Disavowal

• False Normality

• The New Normal

• Disruption

Chronic illness contributes to self-image including

• Society hides suffering

• Effects on employment

• Financial losses

• Physical losses

• Effects of death on family

What can influence illness behavior?

Education, socialization, and past experience.

Perceptions vary by patient. Cognitive representation of illness includes…

• Identity of the illness

• Timeline

• Causes

• Consequences

• Perceived control

Why is the importance of physician-patient communication emphasized?

Differences in illness perceptions may have adverse effects.

Illness behaviours vary by patient. Factors which influence behaviour include…

• Education

• Socialization

• Past experience

Professional Responses to Illness Behavior

• Expect patient cooperation

• “give and take” relationship with healthcare professionals

• Detrimental effects of poor relationships with physicians

Legitimization of Chronic Illness

The process through which a chronic illness is accepted and recognized by the individual and society, often involving validation of symptoms and experiences.

Chronic Illness Intervention

• Illness does not need “fixed” or “cured”

• Professionals need to listen and understand there experiences

• Patient education and timing is important

How does social media possessively affect chronic illness

Support networks for individuals, facilitate the sharing of experiences, information, and coping strategies, but it can also lead to misinformation and create feelings of isolation if comparisons are made.

How does social media negatively affect chronic illness?

It can lead to misinformation and create feelings of isolation if comparisons are made.

Mindfulness

A deep awareness of self and others and to living in the moment

Mindful presence

Paying attention to presence, on purpose, in the present moment and nonreactively. Enables patient-centered communication.

Research in Chronic Illness

Identifies relationships between variables, illness experience, and behavior. Lack of research into intervention development

Outcomes of Chronic Illness

Behaviours are not deviant. Support clients and understand their lived experiences.