Applying Illness Models: Analyzing Mary Ellen's Chronic Condition

This discussion post analyzes the case of Mary Ellen, a 35-year-old woman experiencing unexplained neurological symptoms and the challenges she faces in obtaining a diagnosis. The analysis focuses on applying Rolland's illness trajectory model to understand Mary Ellen's current situation, placing her in the crisis phase, specifically the symptomatic period before diagnosis. The post emphasizes the importance of empathy and reassurance in addressing patient frustration and dissatisfaction with healthcare services. It references Chronic Illness in Canada to support the application of the chosen model and provides insights into managing chronic illness experiences.

Running head: CHRONIC ILLNESS MANAGEMENT
Chronic illness management
Name of student:
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1CHRONIC ILLNES MANAGEMENT
The client Mary Ellen has been suffering from unexplained and neurological symptoms at
an early age of 35 years. She had been working in the position of staff associate on a full time
basis at the country assessor’s office. Her condition compelled her to take leaves citing the
reason of short-term disability reasons. It is evident that the Mary has been considerate about her
professional career and since she fears of losing her job. The ill behavior and frustration is a
result of inability to diagnose her condition. The failure of the clinic to provide her with a
differential diagnosis and successive care plan over considerable period of 3 months has led to
frustration and dissatisfaction (Auerbach, 2013).
Deter (2012) outlined strategies for addressing concerns of clients when they are
dissatisfied with services provided. It is essential to maintain composure considering that Mary is
frustrated and annoyed with the failure to diagnose her condition. Empathy goes a long way
when the patient is complaining to console the individual. Mary is to be assured that the
diagnosis for her condition would soon be made and realistic goals related to her chances of
recovery can be further discussed.
The model that best describes Mary Ellen’s experience is Rolland’s illness trajectory
model. The model encompasses three phases that are crisis, chronic and terminal. The first phase
termed crisis phase is further divided into two sub-phases. These are the symptomatic period
before the diagnosis and the period of initial adjustment after the diagnosis has been made. The
chronic phase is the period between the treatment initiation and terminal phase. The terminal
phase is the one where the death of the client is inevitable (Kramer-Kile et al., 2012). In the
present case, Mary is at the crisis phase and in particular the symptomatic period. The diagnosis
of her condition is yet to be made and Mary has been experiencing crisis in her life. She is
concerned about her professional career and demands a diagnosis to be made as soon as possible.

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She further points out that she feels one believes the suffering she has to face and is further
annoyed as people perceive her to be a psyche case.

3CHRONIC ILLNES MANAGEMENT
References
Auerbach, C., Beckerman, N., & Blanco, I. (2013). Women Coping With Chronic Disease: The
Psychosocial Impact of Lupus. Journal Of Social Service Research, 39(5), 606-615.
Deter, H.-C. (2012). Psychosocial interventions for patients with chronic
disease. Biopsychosocial Medicine, 6, 2.
Kramer-Kile, M., Osuji, J., Harvey, A., & Parker, K. (2012). Chronic illness in Canada. Jones &
Bartlett Learning.