(HS2712-Unit1)

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University of the People *

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2712

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Sociology

Date

Nov 24, 2024

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docx

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2

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In 2015, my husband endured a life-altering accident when he was struck by a car. The impact was severe; he was pulled under the vehicle, and the rear tire ran over his back, resulting in a spinal injury that left him paralyzed from the waist down. Following weeks in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), his journey toward recovery led him to a rehabilitation hospital, at this point we sought help at Craig Hospital, known for its spinal cord injury specialization. The hospital's holistic approach aimed at addressing both the physical and mental aspects of living with a disability resonated with the interpretative approaches in medical sociology, emphasizing subjective interpretation and the meanings attached to health and illness (Crinson & Martino, 2017a). Despite the comprehensive care offered, my husband was hesitant to engage with the mental health aspects, which, unfortunately, had a profound impact on his well-being. The sociological perspective on illness as a social role, as described by Parsons, outlined the rights and responsibilities of sick individuals (Crinson & Martino, 2017b). This aligns with the contemporary shift towards patient-centered care, emphasizing open communication and active patient involvement (Crinson & Martino, 2017c). However, this transition may not fully address the complexities of managing chronic illness, particularly when patients, like my husband, face resistance in embracing mental health support. The impact of disability and limitations on societal roles, such as the inability to work due to accessibility issues, is evident in the sociological approaches discussed in Concepts of Health, Wellbeing, and Illness (Crinson & Martino, 2017c). The crisis and negotiation models shed light on the labeling, stigma, and adaptation processes individuals go through when dealing with chronic illness, which resonates with my husband's journey. The evolving landscape of the sociology of health and medicine, as discussed by Karvonen, Kestilä, and Mäki-Opas (2018), emphasizes the need for innovative approaches in the face of global challenges. Our experience reflects the urgency of adapting to emerging themes, maintaining interdisciplinary collaboration, and fostering a more engaged and accountable sociology of health and medicine. In the end, complications from the accident claimed his life, underscoring the profound implications of living with a chronic condition. Our situation encapsulates not just the physical struggles but the emotional, societal, and existential dimensions, painting a detailed picture of a life reshaped by the concepts that define the experience of chronic illness and disability. Questions for the class: In light of the evolving themes discussed in the sociology of health and medicine, how can healthcare systems adapt to better address the complex needs of individuals facing chronic conditions, considering both the physical and mental aspects? How might patient-centered approaches be further refined to accommodate the unique challenges of long-term health management?
References: Crinson, I., & Martino, L. (2017a). Section 1: The theoretical perspectives and methods of enquiry of the sciences concerned with human behaviour. In Concepts of Health, Wellbeing and Illness, and the Aetiology of Illness. Accessed at: http://www.healthknowledge.org.uk/public-health-textbook/medical-sociology-policy- economics/4a-concepts-health-illness/section1 Crinson, I., & Martino, L. (2017b). Section 2: Illness as a social role. In Concepts of Health, Wellbeing and Illness, and the Aetiology of Illness. Accessed at: http://www.healthknowledge.org.uk/public-health-textbook/medical-sociology-policy- economics/4a-concepts-health-illness/section2 Crinson, I., & Martino, L. (2017c). Section 6: Impairment, disability and handicap. In Concepts of Health, Wellbeing and Illness, and the Aetiology of Illness. Accessed at: http://www.healthknowledge.org.uk/public-health-textbook/medical-sociology-policy- economics/4a-concepts-health-illness/section4 Karvonen, S., Kestilä, L. M., & Mäki-Opas, T. E. (2018). Who needs the sociology of health and illness? A new agenda for responsive and interdisciplinary sociology of health and medicine. Frontiers in Sociology, 3. https://doi.org/10.3389/fsoc.2018.00004 or to download here. 581 words
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