Management of Long-Term Conditions Essays
Nursing students are often asked to write essays about managing long-term conditions (LTCs). These essays should explore the patient’s experience and the disease’s impact on their lifestyles. They should also consider the role of nurses and the part of social and health policies. This essay writer will explore the lived experiences of an elderly patient with psoriasis.
Self-management
People with chronic conditions must learn to manage symptoms and emotional responses to lead a quality life. Self-management is an essential part of treatment for patients with these conditions, and it can save a patient’s life and prevent them from becoming disabled. Health professionals are increasingly accepting of this type of treatment, which is changing the traditional patient-physician relationship.
However, many health professionals need to be more ambivalent about self-management programs because they often conflict with their professional responsibilities.
Understanding the psychological aspects of self-concept is necessary for teaching people how to manage chronic conditions. Social psychologists and humanists define self-concept as the beliefs we have about ourselves. We have two basic types of self: the categorical self and the existential self.
Education is another critical principle of self-management. Educating ourselves about our LTC is essential to be proactive in managing it. The Internet is an excellent resource for this, and there are reputable websites that are constantly updated. In addition, they provide a convenient, private way to access information and support.
Self-management of long-term conditions can be effective when they provide evidence of the positive effects of the treatment. In addition to helping people manage symptoms, they can also improve their quality of life. Providing information and resources to help people better manage their illnesses is an essential part of the process. Self-management courses provide participants with the instrument to take charge of their condition.
Impact on patient’s lifestyles
A recent study shows the impact of multiple conditions on a patient’s lifestyle. The study found that the risk of improving various conditions is higher among those with less education and men and women of certain ethnic groups. This association may not be due to biological or other non-modifiable factors but may result from multiple chronic conditions occurring together over time.
The complexity of multiple long-term conditions, even those within the same body system, increases the complexity of care. For example, various diseases may be challenging to treat, and numerous specialists may need to be consulted to manage each patient’s needs. In addition, interventions may be more intensive and must be sustained over an extended period.
Multimorbidity is becoming an increasing problem in the UK. It is estimated that one in four adults in England has two or more chronic conditions. This rate is increasing and is even higher in people from disadvantaged groups. People with more than one chronic illness may also have a greater risk of developing a secondary condition.
The impact of long-term conditions on a patient’s lifestyle can vary greatly. For example, diabetes and cardiovascular disease similarly affect a patient’s life expectancy. However, the life expectancy after chronic disease diagnosis is higher among those with low-risk lifestyle factors.
Impact on patient’s ability to cope
This study examines the impact of long-term conditions on patients’ ability to cope. Patients were asked about their experiences with depression, loneliness, and social isolation. The results identified six major themes: loss of autonomy, social isolation, emotional imbalance, unmet need for support, and coping strategies. In general, patients perceived their illness as a burden that increased their dependency and risk of social isolation.
Patients also emphasized the importance of putting things in perspective, comparing themselves to those in worse circumstances, and prioritizing their needs. However, some patients felt too proud to accept help. Some reported that religious faith, talking with other sufferers, and keeping a pet helped them cope.
Patients with mental illnesses also experienced shame due to the stigma and taboo associated with mental illness. The stigma of mental illness has caused patients to hide their disease from friends and family, reinforcing their feelings of being burdened and miserable. One patient reported that she had kept her depression secret because the stigma of mental illness is so prevalent. In addition, patients often experience fear about the future, especially about their health. The lack of resources reinforces these fears.
Those diagnosed with cancer and other long-term conditions scored higher on the social network subscale than patients without any disease. It may be because the diagnosis of cancer evokes thoughts of death. While people with cancer tend to feel sad and worried, they also experience hope through the support of their social network.
