L27 - Experiencing Chronic Illness & Disability Flashcards
Describe the characteristics of chronic illness?
Ongoing, Long-term (3 to 6 months +), caused by non-reversible pathological change with disability
Uncertain, require training on motivation to care for oneself, Palliative treatment to loss and change in life
What are the leading chronic illnesses in HK?
Hypertension DM Heart disease Hypercholesterolemia Cataract
Age and sex dominant in people with chronic illness in HK?
> 60 years old
Male predom. (53%) over female
What factors contribute to increase in chronic illness?
Better medical care (better screening, better emergency treatment) +
Change in lifestyle (sedentary) +
Change in living environment (pollution, crowding) + Population aging
3 types of chronic illness?
1) Lived-with Illness = Not life-threatening (e.g. DM, hypertension)
2) Mortal Illness = Life-threatening (e.g. terminal cancer)
3) At-risk Illness = potential risks involved (e.g. family hx of cancer)
Define disability?
Any condition of the body or mind (impairment) that makes it more difficult for the person with the condition to do certain activities/ Activity limitation + Participation restriction
Define impairment?
any loss or abnormality of psychological, physiological or anatomical structure or function
Define activity limitation?
e.g. difficulty seeing, hearing, walking, or problem solving
Define Participation restrictions ?
working, engaging in social and reactional activities, accessing health care and preventive services
What is the progression from primary aetiological factors to Deprivation?
Primary aetiological factor»_space; physical impairment»_space; Functional limitation and activity restriction»_space; Deprivation»_space; reinforce primary aetiological factors
Physical impairment and Disability (Functional limitation and activity restriction)»_space; change in self-perception or expectations of other»_space; Deprivation
What are the adverse effects of Short sightedness as a chronic illness?
Impairment = loss of function Disability = compensated by glasses or not? Deprivation = denied some fields of work
How does chronic illness lead to Participation restriction?
Disadvantage and Deprivation because of BARRIERS IN THE ENVIRONMENT
- Disadvantage in seeking work
- Deprived of jobs, peace of mind and self-worth
What chronic illnesses in Hong Kong leads to participation restriction?
Restriction in body movement
Seeing and hearing and speech difficulty
Mental illness and mood disorder
ADHD and Autism
Age and Sex dominant in people with disability in HK?
> 50% are older than 70
> 50% female due to higher life expectancy
What are some challenges that come with managing chronic illnesses?
- Managing symptoms and menifestations
- Coping with medical tech, mastery of new skills
- Overwhelmed by treatment adherence (compliance)
- Interference with job and daily life
What is the key in preventing and managing potential medical crisis?
Always be on the lookout for signs that indicate an impending medical crissi
i.e. self -reported feelings of unwellness
How does chronic illness impact one’s sense of self?
- Loss of personal independence
- Change in body image
- Impact on sense of self due to interruption in life and immersion in illness
How does chronic illness disrupt family and social life?
1) Strains on family members due to the provision of high level of care and support
2) Change in family roles and relationships
3) Withdrawal from key social roles
4) Social isolation
What are the different types of uncertainty that occurs in chronic illness?
1) Pre-diagnostic uncertainty = persistence of vague symptoms
2) Trajectory uncertainty = difficulty in predicting the course and outcome of disease
3) Symptomatic uncertainty = daily fluctuations in symptoms
What are the costs of being chronically ill?
Cost of healthcare
Indirect cost on the ill and their families
List the factors that affect the experience of chronic illness and physical impairment?
Severity of disease
Onset of disease
Stability of disease (how much fluctuation)
Visibility of disease
List a few ways to help someone with chronic illness/ disability?
Information support - Dx and treatment discussion
Emphasize patient’s role in and shared responsibility
Offer continuity of care
Empowerment through self-care management
Attentiveness to individuality
