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Six physicians with inflammatory bowel disease.
1Department of Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06510.
Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology
|December 1, 1990
Summary
Physicians with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) often rely on denial and control when managing their illness. This highlights the need for empathy, as blaming patients for IBD is inappropriate.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Psychosomatic Medicine
- Medical Ethics
Background:
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) presents unique challenges for physicians who become patients.
- The psychological impact of chronic illness on healthcare providers is significant.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the role of denial and control in physicians managing IBD.
- To underscore the importance of avoiding patient blame for IBD onset.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative analysis of six physicians' personal narratives with IBD.
- Exploration of the interplay between physician-patient roles and chronic illness.
Main Results:
- Physicians experiencing IBD often employ denial and control as coping mechanisms.
- The perceived psychosomatic origins of IBD can induce guilt in physician-patients.
Conclusions:
- Physicians managing IBD face distinct psychological challenges.
- Empathy and avoidance of blame are crucial when addressing patients with IBD.