Coming of age with sickle cell disease and the role of patient as teacher
Document Type
Journal Article
Publication Date
1-1-2010
Journal
Journal of the National Medical Association
Volume
102
Issue
11
DOI
10.1016/S0027-9684(15)30735-5
Keywords
Children/adolescents; Sickle cell anemia
Abstract
Objective: Patients with chronic conditions are encouraged to optimize their health care experience by educating themselves regarding their condition and care. This study sought to explore the ways in which adolescents and young adults with sickle cell disease (SCD) educate others about their condition and the meanings they give to their experiences with health care professionals. Methods: Seventeen individuals with SCD participated in indepth interviews regarding their experiences as an individual with SCD seeking health care. Results: Out analysis revealed participants' belief in the ignorance concerning SCD by others, including health care professionals. Additionally, the participants suggested significant consequences of such a lack of knowledge and the strategies they used to overcome this barrier-primarily the development of the identity of patient-as-teacher. Conclusion: Sickle cell patients in general and adolescent sickle cell patients in particular are often underestimated and discounted as they relate the details of their pain. This study demonstrates that these participants are not only keepers of knowledge but also must work to educate authority figures and peers in their lives to ensure they are properly cared for and that those around them understand their disease.
APA Citation
Campbell, A., Ross, P., Kumagai, A., Christner, J., & Lypson, M. (2010). Coming of age with sickle cell disease and the role of patient as teacher. Journal of the National Medical Association, 102 (11). http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0027-9684(15)30735-5