Shifting Perspectives Model

One of the major challenges facing the health care system today is the large number of individuals living with chronic illness. Chronic illness can have a detrimental impact, not only on the affected individual, but on those around them as well. It can cause financial burdens, family problems and psychological issues. This paper will explore the concept of chronic illness, as shown in one of my patient’s narratives. The concept will be analyzed through the viewpoint of Paterson’s Shifting Perspectives Model, and relevant nursing interventions will be discussed, such as patient education, and supportive care programs provided by advanced practice nurses.
Chronicity Defined
Chronic illness refers to long duration health problems that occur throughout
This model is used to analyze the concept of chronic illness in adults as exhibited in my patient’s illness narrative. This analysis will give the reader a better understanding of the unique challenges posed to those living with chronic illness. The Shifting Perspectives Model demonstrates that living with chronic illness is an on-going, continually shifting process (Paterson, 2001). This model includes the illness and wellness in the foreground perceptions of chronic illness. When illness is in the foreground, patients are generally newly diagnosed with their illness, and have a rush of emotions. This is seen in my patients experience when she first got her diagnoses of Cancer and was feeling not only scared but distant from her family. My patient was more focused on her sickness, grief, loss, and the immense load of living with her illness. The concept of chronicity is related to my clinical experience because my patient was demonstrating acceptance when she was newly diagnosed even though she was devastated she was acknowledging her illness and getting ready to cope (Ambrosio et al, 2015). However, when wellness is in the foreground, the patient shifts to a more positive outlook on the illness, and the patient wants to connect with others and pays closer attention to their relationships and environment. In relation to chronic illness, my patient was representing
Health care teams must educate themselves regarding the diverse array of chronic illnesses, as well as educating their patients on ways to increase quality of life and implement coping strategies for their specific illness. Chronic illness can occur at any age or life stage, meaning preventative measures should take place for those yet unaffected, as well as interventions implemented to further help the quality of life of those who are affected. From my perspective, the first prominent opportunity for nursing intervention in chronic illness is education. Education enables healthcare providers to be knowledgeable regarding illnesses manifestation and progression, and equips them to be able to inform their patients about these matters as well. In relation to my clinical experience, my cancer patient had felt much more at ease when she was aware of her illness and the progression of it and had been able to clearly define what it meant for her. This allowed her to make healthy decisions for lifestyle changes in order to achieve and maintain optimal health, even in the midst of being chronically ill. This aided her in maintaining a wellness in the foreground perspective. Being well-educated and informed gave my patient the strength and confidence to cope with her illness and not feel discouraged just because she was battling cancer. Another intervention that enhances quality of life