Good communication with healthcare providers helped patients with multiple sclerosis to cope and adapt

摘要

In the study by Thome et al, 12 people with MS shared their perceptions of healthcare professionals' communication patterns across the trajectory of chronic illness. They identified 3 transition points of the MS trajectory and described the different communication styles required to optimise successful adaptation in each phase. In managing fear, health professionals helped patients to obtain and interpret information and resources. During the taking charge phase, health professionals had to relinquish control and work to empower patients to manage their MS. Finally, in crafting a life, the health professional's role was to support and champion patients through a complex integration process.Thorne ef al suggest major differences in the communication patterns of health professionals in chronic and acute care management models. Chronic illness requires lifelong management over the course of a changing illness. As the prevalence of chronic illness increases, health professionals must be prepared to expand their knowledge of communication theories and strategies that reflect the special needs of people with chronic illness.Besides acute and chronic illness, 3 other variables that may influence helpful communications between healthcare providers and people with MS are age, gender, and ethnicity. MS is a disease with an onset in young adulthood. Study participants were 33-54 years of age. The developmental milestones that shape the desired communications patterns in young to middle age are different from those of older populations. In this study, 83% of participants were women. Would a comparable group of men describe desirable communication patterns differently? Some literature supports different styles of communication based on gender.1 Finally, all study participants were of Euro-Canadian ethnicity. How might ethnicity influence desired communications with health professionals throughout the chronic illness trajectory? Further research is needed to answer these and other questions to improve communication strategies in chronic illness.