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definition of chronic illness, the human experience and the
suffering encountered by the individual. Although some
people take on what might be called a ‘sick role’ identity, most
people with chronic conditions do not consider themselves to
be sick or ill and try to live as normal a life as is possible. Only
when complications develop or when symptoms become severe
enough to interfere with performance of daily life activities
do most people who are chronically ill think of themselves as
being sick or disabled (Boogaerts & Merritt, 2008).
Phenomenon of chronicity
Although each chronic condition has its own specific physio
logical characteristics, chronic conditions do share common
qualities such as pain and fatigue.
Many people with chronic illness and resultant disability
function independently with only minor inconvenience to
their everyday lives; others require frequent and close moni
toring or placement in long-term care facilities. Certain condi
tions require advanced technology for survival, as in end-stage
renal illness, or intensive care or mechanical ventilation for
periods of weeks or months. Some chronic conditions have
little effect on quality of life, but others have a consider
able effect. Some degree of
disability
(the lack of ability or
Chronic health problems affect people of all ages—the very
young, the middle aged, and the very old. The frequency of
chronic conditions tends to increase with age, and older people
often have multiple chronic disorders, commonly referred to as
a
comorbidity
.
Chronic illness
occurs in all socioeconomic groups, but
people who have low incomes and disadvantaged backgrounds
are more likely to report poor health. Factors such as poverty
and inadequate health insurance decrease the likelihood that
people with chronic illness or disability receive healthcare
and health screening measures such as mammography, choles
terol testing and routine check-ups (National Health Priority
Action Council [NHPAC], 2006).
Definition of chronic conditions
Chronic conditions
are defined as medical conditions or
health problems (illness, injury or disability) that are long
term, last more than 6 months, and have a significant impact
on a person’s life. Chronic conditions can also be defined as
illnesses or an illness that have a prolonged course, that do
not resolve spontaneously, and for which complete cures are
unlikely or rare (Australian Department of Health and Ageing
[ADHA], 2012). Lubkin and Larsen (2013) also include in the
K E Y T E R M S
activities of daily living
(ADLs)
adaptive device
assistive device
assistive technology
chronic conditions
chronic illness
comorbidity
disability
habilitation
impairment
instrumental activities of
daily living (IADLs)
rehabilitation
secondary conditions or
disorders
L E A R N I N G O B J E C T I V E S
On completion of this chapter, you should be
able to:
1
Define ‘chronic conditions’.
2
Identify factors related to the increasing incidence of
chronic conditions.
3
Describe characteristics of chronic conditions and
implications for people with chronic conditions and for their
families.
4
Describe the phases of chronic conditions.
5
Discuss the concept of disability and describe its impact on
society and individuals.
6
Describe the goals of rehabilitation.
7
Discuss the interdisciplinary approach to rehabilitation.
8
Describe the significance of continuity of care and
community re-entry from the healthcare facility to the home
or extended care facility for patients who need rehabilitative
assistance and services.
Chronic illness,
disability and
rehabilitation
Chapter
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