Emotional and Psychological Impact of Illness on Patients and Families

Discussion 1: Emotional and Psychological Impact of Illness on Patients and Families

Illness can lead to emotional instability and permanent or temporary physical disability. Patients might also experience reduced levels of independence and/or modifications of their roles in family and society. These changes may also have significant effects on family members and caregivers’ lifestyles and quality of life. Chronic exposure to stressors, such as medical treatments, side effects, complications, or hospital admissions, can deplete the internal and external coping resources of a patient and his or her family system.

Medical social workers confront the challenges posed by illness every day. In addressing these concerns, medical social workers focus attention on the impact of illness on patients and families. Through ongoing assessment, they consider how and if this impact might change with the progression of illness, whether positive or negative.

To prepare for this Discussion:

Review this week’s resources. Consider the experience of illness by patients and families. Think about emotional or psychological factors associated with illness and the impact of illness on patients and families.

By Day 3

Post a description of three major emotional or psychological factors that influence both patients and their families. Then, explain patients’ and their families’ experiences in dealing with illness and associated disability. Explain one of these factors that might be challenging for a medical social worker to address. Then, explain strategies that a medical social worker might employ to address the factor.

Discussion 2: Impact of Emotional and Psychological Factors on Illness Outcomes

The experience of illness can reach beyond the patient and impact the family system considerably. Patients experience illness through the lenses of their personal emotions, past experiences, stage of life, familial role, social relationships, responsibilities, stressors, and cultural and spiritual beliefs. Other factors, including the nature of the illness and comorbid conditions, also influence how the patient perceives illness. Together, these factors impact how and whether patients seek care, utilize health resources, and receive and adhere to treatment—all of which eventually impact the outcome of the illness.

To prepare for this Discussion:

Think about a patient’s emotional or psychological response to illness and the factors (e.g., depression, stress, anxiety) that might contribute to this response. Select two factors that you believe are important and might critically affect a patient’s course of life beyond family (e.g., at work, school, social life, role in the community). Consider the stages of an illness—diagnosis, treatment, adherence to treatment, worsening of condition, complications, and survival.

By Day 4

Post a description of the two factors you selected. Explain how these factors influence illness and a patient’s life beyond his or her family. Then, explain how these factors might present themselves during at least two stages during the course of illness. Finally, explain how a medical social worker might intervene to ensure that the patient receives the services he or she needs to cope best during each of these stages.

Be sure to support your postings and responses with specific references to the resources and the current literature using appropriate APA format and style.