Honors Theses
Date of Award
Spring 4-30-2021
Document Type
Undergraduate Thesis
Department
Liberal Studies
First Advisor
Sarah Moses
Second Advisor
Susan Pedigo
Third Advisor
Joshua Sharp
Relational Format
Dissertation/Thesis
Abstract
Millions of people worldwide are suffering from chronic illness at this very moment. Just in the United States, a little less than half of the entire population has been diagnosed with a chronic illness, and a large portion of those patients have been diagnosed with multiple chronic diseases. Those stricken by incurable illness are forced to face and manage their unique illness experience along with the side-effects of the disease itself. For this subset of the population, everyday normal activity can become relatively impossible to work through. There are financial, psychological, social, and physical obstacles to overcome every day that happen to seem just that much worse when placed in conjunction with a long-term ailment.
The world of Western medicine today, despite its ever-advancing ways, still fails to provide a proper systematic care plan for these individuals’ personal and intricate needs. Studies have shown promising treatment plans, such as integration and practice facilitation; however, few studies have been performed in regards to these treatment approaches, and the positive results have yet to be fully implemented in a way that suggests their utilization across the country. The goal of this original research is to explore how the current healthcare system, specifically in the United States, approaches chronic.
This research was gathered through research studies, notable books by reputable writers in the area, an interview, and first-hand shadowing experience. Through these outlets, it was found that while there is a greater recognition of the problem today, there is still little knowledge regarding the proper way in which to care for the chronically ill. The system fails to approach the topic in a way that is feasible for the chronically ill, and because of this, many do not receive the correct treatment. As an effect, many will suffer more than they already do.
Recommended Citation
Nash, Skylar, "To Care when there is No Cure: Chronic Illness and Medicine" (2021). Honors Theses. 1835.
https://egrove.olemiss.edu/hon_thesis/1835
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