Research the health-illness continuum and its relevance to patient care. In a 750-1,000-word paper, discuss the relevance of the continuum
Research the health-illness continuum and its relevance to patient care. In a 750-1,000-word paper, discuss the relevance of the continuum to patient care and present a perspective of your current state of health in relation to the wellness spectrum. Include the following:
- Examine the health-illness continuum and discuss why this perspective is important to consider in relation to health and the human experience when caring for patients.
- Explain how understanding the health-illness continuum enables you, as a health care provider, to better promote the value and dignity of individuals or groups and to serve others in ways that promote human flourishing and are consistent with the Christian worldview.
- Reflect on your overall state of health. Discuss what behaviors support or detract from your health and well-being. Explain where you currently fall on the health-illness continuum.
- Discuss the options and resources available to you to help you move toward wellness on the health-illness spectrum. Describe how these would assist in moving you toward wellnReflect on your overall state of health. Discuss what behaviors support or detract from your health and well-being. Explain where you currently fall on the health-illness continuumess (managing a chronic disease, recovering from an illness, self-actualization, etc.).
You are required to cite a minimum of three peer-reviewed sources to complete this assignment. Sources must be published within the last 5 years, appropriate for the assignment criteria, and relevant to nursing practice.
Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center.
This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.
You are required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite. A link to the LopesWrite technical support articles is located in Class Resources if you need assistance.
Expert Answer and Explanation
Benchmark – Human Experience Across the Health-Illness Continuum
Introduction
Very often, individuals fail to show the presence of disease but still have depression, anxiety, and unhappiness. In some situations, people could complain of feeling unwell, but they do not have external symptoms or evidence to justify the same. The health-illness continuum can help examine these characteristic levels of wellness based on a paradigm ranging from premature death and high wellness levels (Kishan, 2020). This essay examines the application of the health-illness continuum in improving the wellness of healthcare givers.
The Health-Illness Continuum Perspective and its Importance in the Health and the Human Experience when Caring for Patients
The Health-Illness continuum perspective represents a graphical or diagrammatic illustration of the concept of human well-being on their emotional and mental states. For some people, wellness is the direct opposite of illness, where the absence of disease conditions shows they are well (Swanson et al., 2019). Other individuals believe that having a healthy lifestyle or the potential to lead a healthy lifestyle is the real definition of wellness (Kishan, 2020). A pictorial illustration of the illness-wellness continuum is as follows.
Fig 1: An illustration of the illness-wellness continuum.
The right side of the graph in Fig 1 shows the different degrees of wellness, while the left side shows illness levels. In this continuum, wellness is explained to be dynamic, in that it is not static, and that the patient is often changing in their present states. Individuals’ outlook is what contributes to their states of wellness for the positive vision of a person who has a disability or a disease, and such a person is likely to face the right side of the continuum (Ow & Poon, 2020).
This is unlike a healthy individual who has a negative outlook, feels anxiety, complains a lot, and is depressed. The latter would face the left side of the continuum, and their emotional and mental growth and wellness are hindered to the point that they experience the real state of wellness.
How Understanding the Health-Illness Continuum Could Enable Healthcare Providers to Better-Promote the Value and Dignity of Individuals or Groups and Serve others in Ways that Promote Human Flourishing
In caring for patients, understanding the health-illness continuum helps to improve the patients’ mental and emotional development. Healthcare givers can use this continuum to motivate the patients’ healthcare and have better health systems including but not limited to, preventing emotional and physical diseases (Sajnani, Marxen, & Zarate, 2017). This continuum is also essential in patient care as it helps to analyze the different developments and evaluate the patient progress.
A Reflection of My Overall State of Health and the Behaviors that Support or Detract from Health and Well-Being
Several behaviors support my overall state of health, and these include but are not limited to workouts, exercises, and healthy eating. I believe what I eat and my behaviors determine how I will show wellness. I have to continually keep my weight in check, where a negative shift in my BMI prompts me to change my diet and my workout strategies.
Besides hitting the gym at least thrice a week, I do regular jogging in the morning before embarking on my daily activities, which I believe serves a long way in improving my emotional well-being. I also walk for 30 minutes to the gym instead of using other less engaging means of transport. I have recently started consuming plenty of water and many greens, which I believe will help me improve my immunity from diseases.
Among the negative behaviors that could be distracting me from wellness is smoking, which I did not know its detrimental effects until a recent webinar on lung cancer. Also, I think I barely have enough time to have a healthy sleep. Lastly, I believe I spend too little time with my loved ones due to excessive engagement in my workplace.
Options and Resources that Could Help Me to Move toward Wellness on the Health-Illness Spectrum
Among the essential resources to help me improve wellness on the spectrum are programs to stop my smoking habit. I receive a lot of pleasure from smoking, which I believe is healthy, but it is also clear that there are several adverse effects (Pickard, 2018). I have already accessed several support groups from smokers, which will help me improve my score in the spectrum. Also, I hope to use my digital calendar to manage my sleep schedules better.
Conclusion
An individual’s score in the health-illness spectrum is based on their feelings towards healthcare and their perceptions of their health conditions. People who feel that they lack some wellness despite all positive physical signs are more likely to show lower scores. As a healthcare giver, understanding the health-illness continuum helps improve the patients’ mental and emotional development.
I believe some of the behaviors that promote my scores are routine exercising and checking on my diet. Smoking, inadequate sleep, and disconnection from family are some of the things that could contribute to lower scores. Resources such as support groups for smokers could help me to improve my scores significantly.
References
Kishan, P. (2020). Yoga and Spirituality in Mental Health: Illness to Wellness. Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine, 42(5), 411-420. https://doi.org/10.1177/0253717620946995
Ow, R., & Poon, A. W. C. (2020). Theories on Mental Health, Illness and Intervention. Mental Health and Social Work, 3-21. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-13-6975-9_1
Pickard, S. (2018). Health, Illness and Frailty in Old Age: A Phenomenological Exploration. Journal of aging studies, 47, 24-31. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaging.2018.10.002
Sajnani, N., Marxen, E., & Zarate, R. (2017). Critical Perspectives in the Arts Therapies: Response/Ability across a Continuum of Practice. The Arts in Psychotherapy, 54, 28-37. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aip.2017.01.007
Swanson, C., Thompson, A., Valentz, R., Doerner, L., & Jezek, K. (2019). Theory of Nursing for the Whole Person: A Distinctly Scriptural Framework. Journal of Christian Nursing, 36(4), 222-227. Doi: 10.1097/CNJ.0000000000000656
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Benchmark Information
This benchmark assesses the following programmatic competency:
RN-BSN
5.3: Understand the human experience across the health-illness continuum.
Rubric Criteria
|
Criterion |
1. Unsatisfactory |
2. Insufficient |
3. Approaching |
4. Acceptable |
5. Target |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Mechanics of Writing Includes spelling, capitalization, punctuation, grammar, language use, sentence structure, etc. |
0 points Errors in grammar or syntax are pervasive and impede meaning. Incorrect language choice or sentence structure errors are found throughout. |
4.95 points Frequent and repetitive mechanical errors are present. Inconsistencies in language choice or sentence structure are recurrent. |
5.21 points Occasional mechanical errors are present. Language choice is generally appropriate. Varied sentence structure is attempted. |
5.87 points Few mechanical errors are present. Suitable language choice and sentence structure are used. |
6.6 points No mechanical errors are present. Appropriate language choice and sentence structure are used throughout. |
|
Development, Structure, and Conclusion Advances position or purpose throughout writing; conclusion aligns to and evolves from development. |
0 points No advancement of the thesis, position, or purpose is evident. Connections between paragraphs are missing or inappropriate. No conclusion is offered. |
5.78 points Writing lacks logical progression of the thesis, position, or purpose. Some organization is attempted, but ideas are disconnected. Conclusion is unclear and not supported by the overall development of the purpose. |
6.08 points Limited advancement of thesis, position, or purpose is discernable. There are inconsistencies in organization or the relationship of ideas. Conclusion is simplistic and not fully aligned to the development of the purpose. |
6.85 points The thesis, position, or purpose is advanced in most aspects. Ideas clearly build on each other. Conclusion aligns to the development of the purpose. |
7.7 points The thesis, position, or purpose is logically advanced throughout. The progression of ideas is coherent and unified. A clear and logical conclusion aligns to the development of the purpose. |
|
Format/Documentation Uses appropriate style, such as APA, MLA, etc., for college, subject, and level; documents sources using citations, footnotes, references, bibliography, etc., appropriate to assignment and discipline. |
0 points Appropriate format is not used. No documentation of sources is provided. |
3.3 points Appropriate format is attempted, but some elements are missing. Frequent errors in documentation of sources are evident. |
3.48 points Appropriate format and documentation are used, although there are some obvious errors. |
3.92 points Appropriate format and documentation are used with only minor errors. |
4.4 points No errors in formatting or documentation are present. |
|
Evidence Selects and integrates evidence to support and advance position/purpose; considers other perspectives. |
0 points Evidence to support the thesis, position, or purpose is absent. The writing relies entirely on the perspective of the writer. |
4.95 points Evidence is limited or irrelevant. The interpretation of other perspectives is superficial or incorrect. |
5.21 points Evidence is used but is insufficient or of limited relevance. Simplistic explanation or integration of other perspectives is present. |
5.87 points Relevant evidence that includes other perspectives is used. |
6.6 points Specific and appropriate evidence is included. Relevant perspectives of others are clearly considered. |
|
Refection on Personal State of Health and the Health-Illness Continuum A reflection of personal state of health is provided. |
0 points Reflection on personal overall state of health is omitted. |
12.38 points A partial summary of personal overall state of health is included. The summary is not informative. Behaviors supporting or detracting from health and well-being are omitted or incomplete. |
13.04 points A general discussion of personal overall state of health is included. Overall the discussion demonstrates some insight into some behaviors supporting or detracting from health and well-being. The author does not clearly establish where personal health falls on the health-illness continuum. |
14.69 points A discussion of personal state of health is included. The discussion demonstrates personal insight into overall behaviors supporting or detracting from health and well-being. The author establishes where personal health falls on the health-illness continuum. |
16.5 points A well-developed discussion of personal state of health is included. The discussion demonstrates strong personal insight into behaviors supporting or detracting from health and well-being. The author clearly establishes where personal health falls on the health-illness continuum. |
|
Importance of Health-Illness Continuum to Health and Patient Care (B) A discussion on the importance of the health-illness continuum in relation to health and the human experience in patient care is presented. (C5.3) |
0 points A discussion on the health-illness continuum, including why this perspective is important to consider in relation to health and the human experience when caring for patients, is omitted and inaccurate. |
16.5 points A discussion on the health-illness continuum, including why this perspective is important to consider in relation to health and the human experience when caring for patients, lacks detail or is incomplete. |
17.38 points A discussion on the health-illness continuum, including why this perspective is important to consider in relation to health and the human experience when caring for patients, is present. |
19.58 points A detailed discussion on the health-illness continuum, including why this perspective is important to consider in relation to health and the human experience when caring for patients, is present. |
22 points A thorough and accurate discussion on the health-illness continuum, including why this perspective is important to consider in relation to health and the human experience when caring for patients, is present. |
|
Relation of Human-Illness Continuum to Value, Dignity, and Promotion of Human Flourishing An explanation of the relationship between the health-illness continuum and the ability of a health care provider to promote the value, dignity, and flourishing of patients is presented. |
0 points An explanation of the relationship between the health-illness continuum and the ability of a health care provider to promote the value, dignity, and flourishing of patients is not presented. |
16.5 points A partial explanation of the relationship between the health-illness continuum and the ability of a health care provider to promote the value, dignity, and flourishing of patients is presented, but the connection is tenuous and key elements are omitted, incomplete, or left unexplained. |
17.38 points A general explanation of the relationship between the health-illness continuum and the ability of a health care provider to promote the value, dignity, and flourishing of patients is presented. There are some inaccuracies, and more information or rationale is needed to support the response. |
19.58 points An explanation of the relationship between the health-illness continuum and the ability of a health care provider to promote the value, dignity, and flourishing of patients is presented. The explanation demonstrates that the health care provider does play a role in promoting human flourishing, but some additional rationale is needed for clarity. |
22 points A thorough explanation of the relationship between the health-illness continuum and the ability of a health care provider to promote the value, dignity, and flourishing of patients is logically and convincingly presented. The explanation draws clear connections between the role of the health care provider and the promotion of human flourishing. Strong rationale is offered for support. |
|
Resources Supporting Wellness Options and resources available that would help the author move toward wellness on the health-illness continuum are presented. |
0 points Options and resources available to help the author move toward wellness on the health-illness continuum are omitted. |
12.38 points Partial options and resources available that would help the author move toward wellness on the health-illness continuum are presented. It is unclear how this will assist in moving the author toward wellness. |
13.04 points General options and resources available that would help the author move toward wellness on the health-illness continuum are presented. More information is needed to establish how this will assist in moving the author toward wellness. |
14.69 points Options and resources available that would reasonably help the author move toward wellness on the health-illness continuum are presented. The author establishes how these resources will assist in moving toward wellness. |
16.5 points Options and resources available that would be extremely helpful to help the author move toward wellness on the health-illness continuum are presented. The author clearly establishes how these will assist in moving toward wellness. Insight into wellness as it pertains to the health illness continuum is demonstrated. |
|
Thesis, Position, or Purpose Communicates reason for writing and demonstrates awareness of audience. |
0 points The thesis, position, or purpose is not discernible. No awareness of the appropriate audience is evident. |
5.78 points The thesis, position, or purpose is unfocused or confused. There is very little awareness of the intended audience. |
6.08 points The thesis, position, or purpose is discernable in most aspects but is occasionally weak or unclear. There is limited awareness of the appropriate audience. |
6.85 points The thesis, position, or purpose is adequately presented. An awareness of the appropriate audience is demonstrated. |
7.7 points The thesis, position, or purpose is clearly communicated throughout and clearly directed to a specific audience. |
FAQs
Examine the health-illness continuum and discuss why this perspective is important to consider in relation to health and the human experience when caring for patients
Holistic View – Encourages care that addresses physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Personalized Treatment – Recognizes each patient’s unique position on the continuum. Promotes Prevention – Supports proactive health measures, not just treatment of illness. Enhances Empathy – Helps healthcare providers understand the full human experience, not just clinical symptoms. Supports Recovery – Guides care strategies that help patients move toward wellness.What is the health illness continuum?
The health-illness continuum is a conceptual framework that represents a spectrum of health states ranging from optimal health on one end to severe illness on the other. It is a way to visualize and understand the dynamic nature of health and how it can change over time. This continuum acknowledges that health is not simply a binary state of being either “healthy” or “sick” but rather a complex and fluid concept with various degrees and stages.
Here’s a breakdown of the key points of the health-illness continuum:
- Optimal Health: At one end of the continuum is the state of optimal health, where an individual is physically, mentally, and socially well. They have no symptoms of illness or disease, and their overall well-being is at its peak.
- Normal Functioning: Moving along the continuum, there is a range of states where individuals may have minor health concerns or symptoms but can still carry out their daily activities without significant impairment. These states are often considered within the realm of “normal” functioning.
- Suboptimal Health: Further along the continuum, individuals may experience mild to moderate health issues, chronic conditions, or symptoms that affect their daily lives but are not severely debilitating. They may still have some capacity to function and perform daily activities.
- Acute Illness: As you progress towards the middle of the continuum, individuals may experience acute illnesses or injuries that require immediate medical attention. These conditions are typically short-term and can often be treated and resolved.
- Chronic Illness: Continuing along the continuum, chronic illnesses or conditions become more prevalent. These are long-term health issues that may not have a cure but can be managed with ongoing medical care and lifestyle adjustments.
- Severe Illness: Toward the far end of the continuum are individuals with severe or life-threatening illnesses. These conditions often require intensive medical intervention and can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life.
- Terminal Illness: At the extreme end of the continuum are individuals with terminal illnesses, where there is no expectation of a cure, and the focus shifts to palliative care and ensuring the best possible quality of life in the remaining time.
Importance of health illness continuum in patient care
The health-illness continuum is a model that represents the different states of health and illness that an individual can experience. It is a spectrum that ranges from optimal health on one end to severe illness on the other end. The importance of the health-illness continuum in patient care is as follows:
- Helps in assessing the patient’s overall health status: The health-illness continuum helps healthcare providers to assess the patient’s overall health status by placing them on a continuum of health and illness. This assessment helps healthcare providers to identify the patient’s current health status and make informed decisions about their care.
- Helps in determining the appropriate level of care: The health-illness continuum helps healthcare providers to determine the appropriate level of care for a patient based on their current health status. Patients who are closer to the optimal health end of the continuum may require only preventive care, while patients who are closer to the severe illness end of the continuum may require more intensive care.
- Encourages patient-centered care: The health-illness continuum encourages patient-centered care by focusing on the patient’s individual health status and needs. This approach helps healthcare providers to develop a care plan that is tailored to the patient’s specific needs and goals.
- Helps in monitoring the patient’s progress: The health-illness continuum helps healthcare providers to monitor the patient’s progress over time. By placing the patient on the continuum at different points in time, healthcare providers can track changes in the patient’s health status and adjust their care plan accordingly.
Overall, the health-illness continuum is an important tool in patient care as it helps healthcare providers to assess the patient’s overall health status, determine the appropriate level of care, encourage patient-centered care, and monitor the patient’s progress over time.
Travis health illness continuum
John Travis is a well-known figure in the field of wellness and health promotion, and he is indeed associated with the development of a health-illness continuum. Dr. John W. Travis is a physician and the founder of the Wellness Inventory, which is a widely used tool for assessing and promoting holistic well-being.
The Travis Health-Illness Continuum, also known as the Wellness Continuum, is a conceptual framework that emphasizes the dynamic nature of health and wellness. It posits that health exists on a continuum, with illness at one end and high-level wellness at the other. Here is a detailed explanation of the Travis Health-Illness Continuum:
- High-Level Wellness: At one end of the continuum, individuals experience high-level wellness. This state is characterized by a sense of overall well-being, vitality, and optimal health. People in this stage typically engage in healthy behaviors, maintain balanced lifestyles, and have a strong sense of purpose and fulfillment in life.
- Emerging Wellness: Moving slightly away from high-level wellness, individuals in the emerging wellness stage may have a good level of health but still need to work on certain aspects of their well-being. They are proactive in taking steps to improve their health and prevent illness, such as adopting healthier habits and reducing stress.
- Awareness: In the middle of the continuum is the awareness stage. Here, individuals become more conscious of their health and well-being. They may recognize areas where they need improvement and start to take action to address them.
- Disease or Illness Symptoms: As individuals move further along the continuum away from wellness, they may start experiencing symptoms of illness or disease. These symptoms could be physical, emotional, or mental. This stage often indicates the need for medical attention or intervention.
- Diagnosis and Treatment: Beyond the symptoms stage, individuals may receive a formal diagnosis and require medical treatment or therapy to address their health issues. This is typically the point at which medical professionals become directly involved in the individual’s care.
- Chronic Illness or Disability: In some cases, individuals may progress to a state of chronic illness or disability, where they live with ongoing health challenges that significantly impact their daily life. Managing their condition becomes a primary focus.
- Premature Death: Unfortunately, at the far end of the continuum, some individuals may experience premature death due to severe illness or health complications.
What factors influence the health illness continuum?
The health-illness continuum, often associated with figures like John Travis and Don Ardell, is a conceptual model that illustrates the dynamic nature of health. Several factors influence an individual’s position on this continuum, and these factors can vary from person to person. Here are some key factors that influence the health-illness continuum:
- Lifestyle Choices: Lifestyle choices play a significant role in determining one’s position on the continuum. Factors such as diet, physical activity, tobacco and alcohol use, and substance abuse can either promote health or contribute to illness.
- Physical Health: Physical health includes aspects like genetics, chronic conditions, and physical fitness. Genetic factors can predispose individuals to certain health conditions, while regular exercise and a balanced diet can promote physical well-being.
- Mental and Emotional Health: Mental and emotional factors, such as stress management, coping skills, and mental health disorders, have a significant impact on overall well-being. Effective stress management and access to mental health support can influence one’s position on the continuum.
- Social Support: Social connections, relationships, and the presence of a strong support system can positively affect well-being. Isolation and lack of social support can push individuals closer to the illness end of the continuum.
- Economic Factors: Socioeconomic factors like income, access to healthcare, and education can influence health. Those with lower incomes or limited access to healthcare may face barriers to maintaining good health.
- Environmental Factors: Environmental factors, such as exposure to pollutants or access to clean water and nutritious food, can affect health. Living in a polluted or unsafe environment can contribute to illness.
- Healthcare Access and Quality: Access to healthcare services and the quality of care received are critical factors. Those with limited access to healthcare may not receive timely interventions or preventive care, potentially leading to illness.
- Personal Choices: Personal decisions regarding preventive measures, such as vaccinations, regular health check-ups, and adherence to prescribed treatments, can impact an individual’s position on the continuum.
- Culture and Beliefs: Cultural norms and beliefs can influence health behaviors. Cultural practices may either promote or hinder health and wellness.
- Age: Age plays a role in health and illness. Younger individuals may generally be closer to the wellness end of the continuum, while older individuals may face age-related health challenges.
- Life Events: Major life events, such as trauma, loss, or significant changes in life circumstances, can influence health. These events may trigger stress or lead to changes in behavior and health status.
- Genetic Factors: Genetic predispositions can impact an individual’s susceptibility to certain diseases and conditions.
It’s important to note that the health-illness continuum is not static; individuals can move back and forth along the continuum based on these factors and the choices they make. Health promotion efforts often focus on empowering individuals to make positive choices that move them toward the wellness end of the continuum and reduce the impact of negative influences that push them toward the illness end.
