The Experiences of Health Illness and Disabilities - Research Paper Example

 How Different Approaches, Theories And Concepts Will Inform Your Analysis Of The Experiences Of Health Illness And Disabilities? Table of Contents Introduction 2 Pain Level 3 Stigma 5 Conflict Model (Relationship between Doctor and Patient) 7 Illness Narrative 11 Conclusion 13 References 14 Bibliography 17 Appendix 18 Introduction An illness can be recognised as a sickness. A few of the illnesses tend to be sensitive by their nature. Certain forms of disease can be chronic by its nature, which implies that they last for a long time or may be for a life time. A disability can be characterised as a mental or physical issue which makes it harder to accomplish daily tasks in a perfect way. A person might either be born with some sort of disability or might get it from an illness or injury (Girlshealth, 2011). There is growing understanding of the fact that it is not only medical experts who have knowledge related to a person’s health as well as illness. Each individual is in a position to interpret and shape his/her wellbeing through proper understanding of his/her bodies. A person can improve his/her life by making proper choices regarding diet, consumption pattern as well as general lifestyle. Such new directions in the health of the individual along with the disapproval related to modern medicines, leads to changes in the healthcare systems in the contemporary communities (Polity, 2006). It can be observed that illness tends to possess both personal as well as public perspectives. When a person is ill, not only that person experiences pain, discomfort, confusion or other sort of challenges but people from the society might as well need to face certain problems to a considerable extent. People learn from the sick role by means of socialisation and thus enact it with the integration of others when they are ill. There are three main bases of sick role. It has been recognised that a sick person is not individually responsible for sick role. The other pillar of sick role states that a sick person is permitted to certain rights as well as freedom, along with withdrawal from normal accountability. Either the sick person needs to consult a medical expert or he/she must agree to become a patient so that he/she can regain health (Polity, 2006). The main objective of the paper is to analyse the case study that has been presented and thus link the case with adequate approaches, theories as well as concepts. The case study will be evaluated and thus linked with four key concepts such as pain level, stigma, and conflict model and illness narrative. Pain Level Pain can be identified as a private and unique experience which is difficult to be seen. One of the easiest and the common methods to measure the pain is for the doctor to ask the patients regarding the complexities that they face. The medical supervisor might ask the patient to describe the degree of pain that is felt by the patient on a scale of 1 to 10. The patient might make use of words such as aching, burning, stinging and throbbing in order to describe the pain. Such words might assist the doctor in order to comprehend the exact degree of pain bore by the patient. There are three distinct kinds of pain. They are minor pain, moderate pain and severe pain. The minor pain does not tend to obstruct with any kind of activities. The patient is capable of adjusting psychologically and with medication or devices. The moderate pain generally interferes with most of the activities. The patient might be required to alter his/her lifestyle. However, he/she remains independent and is not capable of adjusting to pain. When the patient faces severe pain, he/she is not capable of involving himself/herself in any kind of normal activities. The patient is found to be disabled and is not capable of functioning in a proper way (Harich, 2002). From the case study, it is apparent that Michael who was an older adult was suffering from severe pain which would worsen when he was not working and in cold weather as well. Michael’s general practitioner told him that the reason behind such severe pain had been because of wrong lifting that he did in his job previously. The backache was so severe that despite several painkillers Michael did not get any relief. During diagnosis, the doctors never found anything wrong with Michael. It was observed that Michael underwent numerous treatments. Nonetheless, the severity of the pain was so high that none of the medication or any sort of osteopath worked well. It has been apparent from the case study that even though Michael underwent numerous painful manipulations, he was not capable of bearing the pain. If a person is an older adult then it becomes quite difficult to pin down the main causes of the pain. A few of the older adults at times take or need to take too many medicines that put them at danger for adverse reactions, especially if pain related medications are added. Most of the times, the older adults themselves multiply the issue, being unwilling to complain to their doctors. The doctors on the other hand try to wrongly assume the fact that the patient might be suffering from such severe pain because of his/her age. It is apparent from the case study that the doctors were not capable of identifying the reasons behind the pain that Michael was suffering from. Pain is generally identified as a sensory as well as emotional experience. The adequate management of the pain impacts patient based outcomes and is quite vital to the general population and for the nursing profession since it influences the outcomes of the patient. In the present times, patients as well as their families expect to have pain assessed in a proper way in all kinds of contexts, to be cared by nurses who are quite knowledgeable in both pain evaluation as well as administration and have nurses who are knowledgeable in monitoring the pain. In the similar way, Michael also wanted to have control over his pain as soon as possible so that he could pay due attention towards his work and family. Most of the doctors were not capable of identifying any reason behind the pain from occurring. Stigma Stigma can be acknowledged as a negative view that is allocated to an individual because of the characteristics which according to others tend to disgraces him or her from usual person to one who is infected as well as discounted (Tummala & Roberts, 2012). The word ‘stigma’ has been generated by the Greeks which originally meant a mark on the physical body of the person that acknowledged the bearer as being ethically faulty and thus substandard to his mates (Tummala & Roberts, 2012). Stigma is generally the devaluation of a person’s social identity. It has been observed that stigma is linked with illness, physical as well as mental constraints that can lead to problems for the residents along with the clinicians offering their care. A number of the illnesses tend to be quite stigmatising in few societies. An environment driven by stigma is characterised to possess chauvinism and favouritism wherein the stigmatised person faces problems related to employment, convenience to health care and acceptance in social groups and/or societies (Corrigan & Watson, 2002). People possessing chronic pain may experience negative stigmatisation by their peers and colleagues. In the context of the case study, it has been observed that because of the backache Michael had to take day off’s quite frequently and his colleagues used to complain regarding his time off. He feels that people used to make fun of him during his absence. He used to decline his colleagues for joining them at the pub after work because of severe backache that he was suffering from. It is apparent from the case study that Michael was stigmatised. For instance, he usually felt trapped as well as abandoned from time to time. He was incapable of socialising himself since he might have assumed that he would be discriminated in comparison to a usual person. His reluctance to join pubs with his colleagues stems from the fear of the stigma. Such fear has undermined his self-confidence and autonomy. It can be analysed that Michael might also confront shame as well as depression and he might also involve himself in behaviours that might place him as well as others at risk or jeopardize his along with others health (Chapple & et. al., 2004). Certain features of severe pain might lead in sufferers being viewed to transgress the unconditional division between mind as well as body and to mystify the codes of morality surrounding sickness as well as health. It is because of this fact the sufferers tend to threaten the normal practices of biomedical treatment along with the expectations that monitor face-to-face communications. Such communications take place between individuals who are labelled as sick and other members of the society. It can be analysed that a person suffering from such chronic pain does not require sympathy but needs empathy and understanding (The University of Texas, 2009). Stigma is attached to severe pain because it is an invisible disability. It is because of the fact that pain cannot be viewed by the eyes, therefore people do not realise that it is there. The stigma related to the pain depends on whether or not the person is held accountable for the disease and if the disease leads to serious disability, lack of control, defacement as well as disturbance of social interactions (Jackson, 2005). It is quite significant for others to understand that each person is valuable, despite any sort of illness or pain. An environment needs to be created that facilitates to augment on the lowering morale and strengths of Michael and thus promotes respect. The people of the society need to realise and endorse Michael so that he can be successful in overcoming such a grave problem that he is suffering from. Care and sensitivity is required by the doctors while they are treating patients with illness considered to be self-inflicted (Sampson & Raudenbush, 2005). Conflict Model (Relationship between Doctor and Patient) The relationship that exists in between the doctor as well as the patient is considered to be an emotional link that takes place when the doctor in his/her professional capacity communicates with the patient. It is generally associated with clinical events. However, it is significant to identify the relation beyond the clinical premise. The patient is required to have a good association with the doctor so that he/she can improve his/her health. In the present complex healthcare organisations, it has been observed that conflicts among the nurses, physicians and patients are likely to occur. If open conflict occurs between the patient and the doctor then in such circumstances, it can be quite painful and time consuming for both the parties. It has been opined by a few of the doctors as well as the communication specialists that conflicts are generally taking place rapidly because patients as well as families who are endorsed to be the consumers monitor their medical care, research treatment options and are also found to be offering opinions to others that might annoy the general physicians. Most of the times, the patients are found to be changing their primary care doctors because of the relationship related issues, along with poor communication. A person’s religion, customs, habits as well as beliefs have a strong impact on his/ her behaviours which impacts his/her association with the doctor. On the other hand, the culture, traditions as well as religious practices might also impose certain limits on or preferences for a particular health system and also regarding obtaining care at all. In the similar way, the educational position along with the access to health information of a person impact his/her decision while choosing a particular doctor and a health care system. Most of the times, the financial position of the patient, suggestion from the peers and other related factors may decide the selection of the health care provider. Patients generally look for care so that they can get rid of the illness as soon as possible. They consult a doctor who according to them is quite capable and competent. It is the doctor’s attitude demonstrated towards the patient along with the empathy during an encounter that would assist in creating a long-term association between doctor-patient. If the patient finds that the attitude of the doctor towards him/her is quite unfavourable then in such circumstances conflict is likely to arise (NVCC, 2012). While looking for care, it is imperative for the patient to consider the factors such as accessibility, affordability as well as convenience. Once the patient decides to visit a particular health care centre the attention as well as the treatment obtained along with the personal care offered are vital in generating trust and a sound and long-term association. The patient is required to interact with the doctor so that exchange of information takes place between the two and a correct diagnosis is offered by the doctor. By spending enough time with the sufferer, the doctor will be capable of comprehending his/her conditions in an appropriate way. The incapability of the doctor to spend sufficient time with the patient might lead to dilemma and thus conflicts between the two is likely to arise (World Health Organisation, 2012). In the present times, the medical practice is being progressively more commercialised that badly hampers the doctor-patient relationship to a considerable extent. The way in which the doctor treats a patient determines the future relation between the two. At times, it is often noted that doctors are overloaded with work because of which they are incapable of devoting sufficient time to the patients. At the same time, the patient might be in need to spend some time so that he/she can explain regarding his/her problems to the doctor and the doctor might want to be relieved from unnecessary burdens. Such cases generally lead to conflicts between the two (Kowalczyk, 2007). From the case study, it is apparent that conflict seemed to have taken place between Michael and his general practitioner. According to the general practitioner, the main reasons behind the pain suffered by Michael were because of wrong lifting that he did in his workplace. However, Michael argued that backache has been a heredity problem. Michael further stated that they all are quite skinny and his dad complained of having suffered from lumbago. It can be analysed that Michael’s general practitioner was incapable of identifying the exact reasons behind the pain. Instead of identifying the exact reasons behind the pain, the general practitioner was actually making wrong assumptions regarding the pain suffered by Michael. When the doctors are incapable of meeting the needs of the patient then in such cases the relationship between the doctor and the patient is generally undermined by a considerable extent (Tova & et. al., 2007). Despite several painkillers prescribed by the doctors, no improvement was determined in Michael. It was further observed that Michael’s general practitioner said that he was incapable of recognising why Michael was not getting recovered. Such statements made by the doctor might irritate the patient and might retard the relation between the two. Michael also visited an osteopath who was quite professional and economical and offered him with numerous painful manipulations. However, it did not help Michael to cure his backache (Clarke & et. al., 2004). It would not be appropriate to mention that the doctors with whom Michael underwent treatment were not performing their jobs in a proper way. However, it can be observed that distinct societies tend to possess different expectations. A patient always wants that the doctor is aware of everything and thus wants to be treated in a way that leads to recovery of illness. This might not take place always because healthcare practitioners generally have their own limitations, depending upon the society they belong to and the form of training obtained by them. The mismatch of interests between the doctor and the patient leads to conflict which has been apparent in the case study (University of California Press, 2012). Illness Narrative Illness narratives are generally described as the narration of the sick person regarding his/her illness and its impact upon his/her life. It might as well comprise the narratives related to the impacts of illnesses on their association with the sick person. Illness narratives might take place as oral narratives with the patient’s family, friends as well as colleagues. It might as well take place in written and in published forms. It is worthy of stating the fact that both oral as well as written illness narratives assist in constructing and communicating experiences that alter the lives of the people because of illness. The narrative of the patient captures the problems faced by the individual on a regular basis (Ritzer, 2007). Illness stories are considered to be therapeutic for tellers possessing the scope to be heard. It can also be observed that illness narratives are therapeutic for others who possess an unremitting illness or disability. By hearing the stories narrated by patients, they can recognise the fact that they are not alone in such grave situations. There are people who can understand their experience and might as well possess similar experience. The patients may identify role models demonstrating them the ways in which the patients can work actively with their illness and thus enrich their lives. By hearing the illness experiences from other individuals, Michael might be encouraged to take a risk and thus begin to narrate his own illness experience. It is apparent from the case study that most of the doctors were incapable of identifying the reasons behind such chronic pain that Michael suffered. If Michael would have narrated his illness story properly to the doctors then it would have been quite easier for them to diagnose the root cause of the problem and thus could have offered treatment at an earlier stage. It will be easier for the doctors and Michael to make sound decision regarding the illness that Michael is having. The doctor will be capable of researching more on the matter and thus will be able to come up with a better solution to the pain if Michal narrates his illness story to the doctors (Christer, 2007). Conclusion Illness has a negative impact upon the health of a person. It hampers one’s personal as well as professional lives by a considerable extent. Pain level can be minimised significantly by visiting a healthcare professional. However, it has been observed that at times the severity of the illness tends to be so high that even the doctors are not capable of identifying the exact reasons behind the illness. This gives rise to conflicts between the doctor and the patient which ultimately hinders the relationship between the two. When a person like Michael suffers from any sort of illness such as chronic pain, he can find himself stigmatised. He tends to aloof himself from others in order to evade from being discriminated or from any sort of prejudices that might hamper his mental well-being. It is quite crucial for the doctors to encourage the patients to narrate their stories related to illness in a descriptive way so that it becomes easier for the healthcare professionals to identify the exact reasons behind the illness. It will assist the doctors in taking measures at the earliest. The doctors must endeavour to identify the reasons behind the illness and the social contexts in which the particular illness took place. The patient will also feel less burdened after having narrated the complete story to the doctor, which will increase the possibility of receiving appropriate treatment. References Corrigan, P. W. & Watson, A. C., 2002. “Understanding the Impact of Stigma on People with Mental Illness”, World Psychiatry. Vol: 1, Iss: 1, pp: 16-20. Chapple, A. & et. al., 2004. “Stigma, Shame, And Blame Experienced By Patients With Lung Cancer: Qualitative Study”, BMJ. Clarke, G. & et. al., 2004. “Physician-Patient Relations: No More Models”, The American Journal of Bioethics. Vol: 4, Iss: 2, pp: 16-19. Christer, H., 2007. Illness Narrative. Blackwell Encyclopedia of Sociology. Girlshealth, 2011. Illness and Disability. Nutrition. [Online] Available at: http://www.girlshealth.gov/disability/ [Accessed June 2, 2012]. Harich, J., 2002. The Comparative Pain Scale. Documents. [Online] Available at: http://www.tipna.org/info/documents/ComparativePainScale.htm [Accessed June 2, 2012]. Jackson, J. E., 2005. “Stigma, Liminality, and Chronic Pain”, American Anthropological Association. Vol: 32, Iss: 3, pp: 332-353. Kowalczyk, L., 2007. Unhappy Ending. Yourlife. [Online] Available at: http://www.boston.com/yourlife/health/articles/2007/10/08/unhappy_endings/?page=full [Accessed June 2, 2012]. NVCC, 2012. Biomedical Ethics. Home. [Online] Available at: http://www.nvcc.edu/home/aaoudjit/docpat.htm [Accessed June 2, 2012]. Polity, 2006. Health, Illness and Disability. The Sociology of the Body. [Online] Available at: http://www.polity.co.uk/giddens5/sample/samplechapter.pdf [Accessed June 2, 2012]. Ritzer, G., 2007. Illness Narrative. Blackwell Encyclopedia of Sociology. Sampson, R. J. & Raudenbush, S. W., 2005. “Neighborhood Stigma And The Perception Of Disorder”, Focus. Vol: 24, Iss: 1, pp: 7-11. The University of Texas, 2009. Where Does it Hurts. About Us. [Online] Available at: http://www.utexas.edu/features/2009/09/28/pain/ [Accessed June 2, 2012]. Tova, H. & et. al., 2007. “Nurse/Physician Conflict Management Mode Choices: Implications for Improved Collaborative Practice”, Nursing Administration Quarterly. Vol: 31, Iss: 3, pp: 244-253. Tummala, A. & Roberts, L. W., 2012. Ethics Conflicts in Rural Communities: Stigma and Illness. Abstract. [Online] Available at: http://geiselmed.dartmouth.edu/cfm/resources/ethics/chapter-10.pdf [Accessed June 2, 2012]. University of California Press, 2012. The Functional Analysis of Medical Ethics. UC Press Books. [Online] Available at: http://publishing.cdlib.org/ucpressebooks/view?docId=ft9w1009qr&chunk.id=d0e472&toc.id=&brand=ucpress [Accessed June 2, 2012]. World Health Organisation, 2012. Meeting of Experts on Doctor and Patient Relationship. Introduction. [Online] Available at: http://www.searo.who.int/linkfiles/primary_and_community_health_care_sea-hsd-346.pdf [Accessed June 2, 2012]. Bibliography Goffman, E., 1968. Stigma, Notes on Management of Spoiled Identity. Penguin Group London. Helman G. C., 2007. Culture, Health and Illness. Oxford Trade Mark. Riegelman, K. R., 2009. Public Health 101: Healthy People-healthy Populations. Jones & Bartlett Learning. Appendix Illness is one of the most vital problems that an individual faces and which badly hampers his or her daily lives. Analysing the case study that has been solely based upon illness and physical health has been a quite challenging task for me. The topic itself is quite sensitive which needs to be paid due attention. The outline of the study was not at all complex. However, linking the key concepts such as pain level, stigma, conflict model and illness narrative in relation to the topic had been quite difficult task. I was unaware of the terms such as stigma and thus decided to conduct an extensive research on the topic. Innumerable data were available related to stigma, however the adequate choice of the materials and thus linking them with the case study was quite challenging for me. Data collection tends to be one of the most cumbersome aspects in such assignments and incorporating them in the study becomes even more challenging. I had to revise my project quite a few number of times in order to identify the loopholes. Nonetheless, I was successful in completing the assigned task by paying due attention towards the usage of high quality journals and articles and minimisation of the errors to a considerable extent. Read More