Producing Patient-Centered Health Care: Patient Perspectives about Health and Illness and the Physician/Patient Relationship

(Hardback)

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A holistic view of the factors that impact the health of a patient beyond the illness itself, this book examines what it is like to be a patient. It espouses the view that terminal illness may not be a tragedy but, an opportunity for emotional growth. The inadequacies of medical care today are discussed, from the failure of health care professionals to see the person with the disease, to the many ways in which managed-care organizations jeopardize the doctor/patient relationship. The work reviews concrete ways in which health care professionals can enhance the quality of their care, by remaining compassionate, continuing to offer patients hope (even if their condition is terminal), acknowledging and addressing patients' suffering, and counseling patients so that they can obtain the support needed. A new advocacy role for doctors is presented that enables patients to make advised decisions about their own treatment. This book encourages patients to take back their lives from the diseases that overwhelm them. It also discusses advance directives, living wills, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and do not resuscitate orders. Information is provided to help patients assume self advocacy on end-of-life issues from an emotional perspective as well as a legal perspective.

Reviews

"This book is an inspiration to those who suffer, and a challenge to those who care for them. It is full of practical advice. Don't wait until you get sick to read this book."-Larry Dossey Author of Be Careful What You Pray For, Prayer Is Good Medicine, and Healing Words
"This book needs to be read by all patients and every health professional so that medical education and care can be humanized through experience and not the pain of those involved. For the inspired this is a guide book to transformation."-Bernie Siegel Author of Love, Medicine, and Miracles--Prescriptions for Living
.,."this book is an effective introduction to the broad issues concerning patient perspectives on health and healthcare. It is not a textbook or objective review of the evidence for and against patient-centeredness, but an attempt to inspire both patients and health professionals to change the way they think about chronic and terminal illness and their approach to patient care."-Social Science & Medicine
"Although the book was written for physicians and medical students, all healthcare professionals can benefit from the concepts presented. [T]he book is timely and practical, with excellent points for all healthcare professionals to incorporate in their practice with patients. This book is a good resource for healthcare professionals who are interested in basing their practice on the needs of the patient."-Oncology Nursing Forum
...this book is an effective introduction to the broad issues concerning patient perspectives on health and healthcare. It is not a textbook or objective review of the evidence for and against patient-centeredness, but an attempt to inspire both patients and health professionals to change the way they think about chronic and terminal illness and their approach to patient care.-Social Science & Medicine
Although the book was written for physicians and medical students, all healthcare professionals can benefit from the concepts presented. [T]he book is timely and practical, with excellent points for all healthcare professionals to incorporate in their practice with patients. This book is a good resource for healthcare professionals who are interested in basing their practice on the needs of the patient.-Oncology Nursing Forum
..."this book is an effective introduction to the broad issues concerning patient perspectives on health and healthcare. It is not a textbook or objective review of the evidence for and against patient-centeredness, but an attempt to inspire both patients and health professionals to change the way they think about chronic and terminal illness and their approach to patient care."-Social Science & Medicine

Author Bio

JAMES MONROE SMITH is a lawyer and scientist who has taught courses on the sociopolitical aspects of AIDS./e He is the founding executive director of the AIDS Legal Council of Chicago, a nonprofit organization providing legal services and advocacy for persons affected by HIV/AIDS.