Illness Narratives: Suffering, Healing, And The Human Condition

The Illness Narratives by Arthur Kleinman is a prescient and passionate case for bridging the gap between patient and practitioner, interpreting the illness experience of patients as a core feature of doctoring.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 29 October 2020
Publisher: Basic Books

Western medicine treats sick patients like broken machines, diagnosing their physical ailments and prescribing treatments to fix them. However, this mechanistic approach fails to recognize the inherent humanness of illness. When we fall ill, we not only experience physical symptoms but also emotional and psychological distress. Our illnesses are not merely biological conditions but also deeply intertwined with our emotional and social experiences.

It was Harvard psychiatrist and anthropologist Arthur Kleinman who recognized this truth when most of his fellow doctors remained blind to it. In his groundbreaking book, "The Illness Narratives," Kleinman argued that the illness experience of patients should be considered a fundamental aspect of doctoring.

Based on decades of clinical experience studying and treating chronic illness, Kleinman presented a compelling case for bridging the gap between patient and practitioner. He emphasized the importance of understanding the patient's subjective experiences, including their fears, hopes, and beliefs about their illness.

Before the publication of "Being Mortal" or "The Body Keeps the Score," "The Illness Narratives" stood as a pioneering work in the field of patient-centered care. It continues to be a prescient and passionate plea for recognizing the human dimension of illness and fostering a more compassionate and holistic approach to healthcare.

By acknowledging the emotional and social aspects of illness, healthcare practitioners can better understand their patients' needs and provide more effective and personalized care. This approach not only improves patient outcomes but also enhances the overall quality of life for individuals facing chronic health conditions.

In conclusion, Western medicine's approach to treating sick patients as broken machines fails to recognize the inherent humanness of illness. Arthur Kleinman's "The Illness Narratives" provides a powerful case for bridging the gap between patient and practitioner, emphasizing the importance of understanding the patient's subjective experiences and providing compassionate and holistic care. By adopting a patient-centered approach, healthcare practitioners can improve patient outcomes and enhance the overall quality of life for individuals facing chronic health conditions.

Weight: 258g
Dimension: 128 x 202 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781541647121