All-around care for patients with Chagas disease: a challenge for the XXI century
AUTOR(ES)
Oliveira Jr, Wilson de
FONTE
Memórias do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz
DATA DE PUBLICAÇÃO
2009-07
RESUMO
In 1987, the University of Pernambuco's Oswaldo Cruz Hospital in Recife, Brazil opened its Chagas Disease and Heart Failure Outpatient Clinic with the aim of providing its patients all-around care through adoption of a biopsychosocial model of care. All-around care involves caring for the patient as a whole human being in the context of the biological, psychological and social factors present, which are an inherent part of the human condition. One prerequisite for the proposed model of care is the participation of a multidisciplinary team of trained technical staff committed to this framework. Although the main focus of the service is on care, teaching and research are also an important part of its work. The Pernambuco Association of Chagas Disease Patients is guided by the same model of care and has been carrying out educational activities relating to the disease, its treatment and support for patients and family members for several years. This Association plays an important role in advocating to public authorities on behalf of patients. The accumulated experience of the past 22 years has shown us that a broad vision of health care can help clinicians and policy makers to make decisions that are more in tune with the everyday reality of the patient, which in turn has a positive impact on adherence to treatment and quality of life.
Documentos Relacionados
- Chagas disease: still a challenge around the World
- An Approach to The Acute Phase of Chagas' Disease: The Continuing Challenge it Presents in the 21(st) Century
- Home-Based Care for Patients with Lysosomal Storage Disease: Experiences in Argentina
- Health-related quality of life in patients with Chagas disease: a review of the evidence
- Comprehensive healthcare for individuals with sickle cell disease: a constant challenge