Advances In Medical Technology Have Altered The Traje 762450

Advances In Medical Technology Have Altered The Trajectory Of Illness

Advances in medical technology have altered the trajectory of illness in our society. Many illnesses that were once considered acute or terminal are now considered chronic. The trajectory of advanced chronic illness, thus, has shifted from a brief period of time to longer periods with impaired quality of life. Patients and/or families living with chronic illnesses are often forced to adjust their aspirations and lifestyle. They also are vulnerable to protracted distress and developing psychiatric illness.

Optimal care and management of chronic illness is significant because it is likely to minimize distress, prevent psychiatric illness, and improve health outcomes and quality of life (Wagner, 2000). A professional team including a medical social worker can deliver optimal care for chronic illness (Wagner, 2013). To prepare for this Discussion: Review this week’s resources. Consider a chronic illness that is of interest to you. Think about how the following medical social work practice skills might apply to the illness you chose: Assessment, Crisis intervention, Case management, Education and counseling, Advocacy, Team collaboration, Community-level intervention. Post a brief description of the illness you selected and the psychosocial effects of the illness on patients and families.

Paper For Above instruction

For this assignment, I have selected Parkinson’s Disease as the chronic illness of interest. Parkinson’s Disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized primarily by motor symptoms such as tremors, rigidity, bradykinesia, and postural instability. Non-motor symptoms—such as depression, anxiety, cognitive impairment, and sleep disturbances—also significantly impact patients' quality of life. The disease predominantly affects older adults, although it can occur at any age, and it gradually impairs physical mobility and independence.

The psychosocial effects of Parkinson’s Disease on patients and families are profound and multifaceted. Patients often face emotional distress related to loss of independence, changes in physical appearance, and the progressive nature of the illness. Family members frequently grapple with caregiver burden, emotional strain, and role adjustments as they support loved ones through declining physical and mental functioning. Depression and anxiety are common among patients, further complicating management and impacting their social interactions and overall well-being. Families may experience feelings of helplessness, frustration, and social isolation, as caregiving demands increase and emotional responses evolve over disease progression.

The care and management of Parkinson’s Disease involve numerous issues and concerns, including ensuring medication adherence (particularly to levodopa and other dopaminergic treatments), managing symptoms effectively, preventing complications like falls or pneumonia, and addressing mental health issues. Access to specialized care, coordination among healthcare providers, and availability of community resources are critical. Additionally, there are challenges related to sustaining the emotional and psychological health of both patients and caregivers, as the progressive nature of the illness can lead to anticipatory grief and burnout.

Medical social workers play a key role in alleviating these challenges through various practice skills. First, assessment involves evaluating the patient’s physical, emotional, and social needs to develop a comprehensive care plan. By understanding the unique challenges faced by each patient and family, social workers can facilitate tailored interventions that address specific concerns such as mobility limitations or emotional distress.

Second, crisis intervention is essential for managing acute episodes, such as medication side effects, falls resulting in injury, or significant psychological distress. A social worker can quickly mobilize resources, provide emotional support, and connect families with emergency services or mental health professionals to stabilize the situation and prevent further deterioration.

Third, education and counseling are vital to empower patients and families. A social worker can provide information about disease progression, medication management, and adaptive strategies. Counseling services can address emotional responses, help families adjust to changes, and develop coping skills to deal with ongoing stress and grief associated with the illness.

Families and caregivers of patients with Parkinson’s Disease often face considerable challenges, including physical exhaustion, emotional strain, and social isolation. The fluctuating nature of symptoms may mean unpredictable caregiving demands, leading to burnout, financial strain, and strained family relationships. Caregivers may also experience feelings of guilt related to perceived inadequacies in care or emotional withdrawal of the patient.

As a medical social worker, I would address these struggles by providing emotional support and counseling tailored to the caregivers' needs. I would facilitate access to respite care and support groups, which can alleviate feelings of isolation and provide communal understanding. Additionally, I would advocate for coordination among healthcare providers to ensure consistent and comprehensive care, while educating families about disease management and available community resources. Empowering caregivers with knowledge and emotional support can improve their resilience, thus better supporting the patient and maintaining family stability.

References

• Billings, J., & Cooper, C. (2016). Caregiving and Aging: Challenges and Opportunities. Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 59(4), 350-367.
• Dorsey, E. R., Sherer, T., & Okun, M. S. (2018). The emerging landscape of Parkinson's disease care and research: Opportunities and challenges. Movement Disorders, 33(10), 1464-1470.
• Fahn, S. (2018). Parkinson's Disease: Pathophysiology and Management. Oxford University Press.
• Heslop, P., & Murphy, T. (2020). Emotional well-being among caregivers of Parkinson’s disease patients. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 29(1-2), 227-238.
• Kalia, L. V., & Lang, A. E. (2015). Parkinson’s disease. The Lancet, 386(9996), 896-912.
• Marras, C., & Schapira, A. H. (2016). Neurobiology of Parkinson’s disease. Progress in Brain Research, 222, 15-29.
• Reed, L., & Alpert, A. (2017). Strategies for managing chronic neurological illnesses: A review. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep, 17(3), 22.
• Shulman, L. M., et al. (2010). Non-recognition of depression in Parkinson’s disease. Movement Disorders, 25(11), 1524-1530.
• Wagner, E. H. (2000). Chronic disease management: What can health care systems learn from other countries? Journal of General Internal Medicine, 15(11), 752-758.
• Wagner, E. H. (2013). Chronic illness care and team collaboration. Journal of Integrated Care, 21(4), 9-16.