Question

list the stages of Illness and explain in 350 words

Answer 1

According to Schumann's classification there are mainly five stages of illness.

1. Stage of symptom experience
2. Assumption of sick role
3. Medical care contact
4. Dependent client role
5. Recovery/Rehabilitation

1.Stage of symptom experience

It is the primary stage of illness.In this stage the patient feel unwell or something went wrong within his body.It has mainly three aspects;

* Physical aspects- The individual feel some vague symptoms like fever, muscle pain,headache etc

* Cognitive aspects- The individual may perceive that they have flu or other common problems.

*Emotional aspects- The individual may have fear and anxiety.Sometimes they worry about consequences of the problem also.

In this stage the individual usually try to manage it with self -care.They try to overcome the feeling of being unwell.They continue to perform their day to day activities and their role in family and society.Sometimes they will seek the help of intimate person like mother or spouse for support.If the symptoms relive/ if the problem is self limiting the further progression in stages of illness wont occur.

Stage 2.Assumption of sick role

In this stage the patient illness become a social phenomenon,that is the individual confirms presence of illness with the family and his social groups.They would try to take advantage of the sick role.They will be excused from his professional and social duties.In this stage they may use some over the counter drugs to manage the symptoms within the home care setting.

Stage 3. Medical care contact

Medical care contact is the third stage of illnesses.Here the individual seek medical advice.They will validate the real illness and understand meaning of symptoms.They will also try to identify the severity of illness and possible outcomes.They require reassurance in this stage.The proper identification of the disease occur in this stage.

Stage 4.Dependent client role

The individual reaches this stage when his condition requires a hospital admission.They want sympathy and protection from demands of family as well society and also a stress free environment.They will seek professional suggestions from medical experts and they have the right to accept or reject the advices.In this srast the individual remains in a passive state,they will be dependent on others.

Stage 5. Recovery or rehabilitation phase

It is the last stage of illness.If the illness was acute and complete cure is possible the client will be completely recovered and he can assume former roles and functions once the symptoms cured.

If the illness was chronic and made some marked changes in the client's abilities,then rehabilitation is the only option to adjust to the situation.Rehabilitation helps them to achieve maximum possible abilities to continue their lives.