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Altered body image: managing social encounters.
1Royal College of Nursing Institute, London, UK.
International Journal of Palliative Nursing
|January 6, 2001
Summary
Terminally ill patients face challenges with altered body image and social interactions. Palliative care nurses can guide patients and supporters in managing these changes within the community.
Area of Science:
- Palliative Care
- Psychosocial Oncology
- Community Health Nursing
Background:
- Altered body image significantly impacts terminally ill patients active in the community.
- Patients and their lay supporters often struggle with presenting and reacting to changes in appearance and function.
Observation:
- Disease progression and treatments can cause visible physical changes.
- Navigating social interactions with an altered body image is a complex psychosocial challenge.
Findings:
- Palliative care nurses play a crucial role in facilitating patient-community reintegration.
- A case study approach highlights practical steps for managing social encounters.
Implications:
- Developing strategies to support patients with altered body image is essential in community palliative care.
- Improved patient-carer communication can enhance quality of life for terminally ill individuals.
- Further research into psychosocial interventions for body image in palliative care is warranted.