Summary: This paper examines the challenges posed by infectious diseases and strategies for coping with them from the perspective of patients. Through the analysis of psychological changes, information needs and medical decision-making in cases of infection, a number of recommendations have been made to help patients to better cope with the infection, including positive mental adjustment, proactive information-seeking, effective communication with medical teams and participation in self-management.
I. Infectious diseases are one of the major health challenges facing humankind. When patients are diagnosed with an infectious disease, they face not only physical discomfort but also psychological stress. From a patient ‘ s perspective, it is important to understand their needs and challenges in the process of contracting the disease and to develop strategies to respond to it.
II. Challenges to patients from infected diseases
(i) Illness. Infecting diseases usually lead to the patient ‘ s fever, coughing and inactivity, which seriously affects the patient ‘ s physical functioning and quality of life. Some infectious diseases can also cause complications, such as pneumonia, cardiovascular disease, etc., which further exacerbates the patient ‘ s condition. (ii) Psychological stress. When diagnosed with an infectious disease, the patient tends to feel fear, anxiety and helplessness. They fear that the disease will lead to fear of transmission to their families and friends, and may also face a sense of isolation resulting from social discrimination and segregation.
(iii) Lack of information However, the professionalism and complexity of medical knowledge may make it difficult for patients to obtain accurate and comprehensive information, which creates difficulties in their treatment decision-making and psychological adaptation.
(iv) Medical decision-making difficulties. Treatment programmes for infected diseases usually need to be tailored to the specific circumstances of the patient. Patients may be confused and hesitant when facing different treatment options. In addition, patients need to consider the risks and side effects of treatment, as well as medical costs, which further complicates their medical decision-making.
III. Infectious diseases in the patient ‘ s perspective
1. Accept the reality that the patient first accepts the fact that he/she suffers from an infectious disease and does not escape or deny it. Only by accepting the reality can the disease be actively confronted and effective treatments taken. 2. Be optimistic. Optimistic attitudes help to increase the immunity and treatment of patients. Patients can enjoy emotional support and encouragement and remain optimistic by communicating with their families and friends and participating in support groups. 3. Learn to relax. Illnesses can put physical and psychological stress on patients and help them to relieve stress and improve their quality of life. Patients can relax their physical and psychological well-being and ease their anxiety and stress through meditation, yoga, deep breath, etc.
1. The patient should actively communicate with the doctor about the causes, symptoms, treatment methods and prognosis of the disease. Doctors are an important source of accurate information for patients, who can provide personalized advice and guidance based on the patient ‘ s specific circumstances. 2. Access to information. Patients have access to information on infectious diseases through the Internet, books, magazines, etc. When accessing information, patients should be careful to choose an authoritative source of information and avoid being misled by false information. 3. Participation in support groups Support groups can provide emotional support and encouragement to patients, but can also help them to access more information and resources.
(iii) Effective communication with the medical team 1. Express their needs and feelings The medical teams include doctors, nurses, pharmacists, etc., who can provide better medical care according to the needs and feelings of the patients. 2. Patients should comply strictly with the treatment programme established by the medical team, take their medication on time and review it regularly. Where patients have doubts about or lack understanding of treatment programmes, they should communicate with the medical team in a timely manner to seek clarification and guidance. 3. The effect of feedback treatment. Patients should provide timely feedback to the medical team on the effects of the treatment, such as whether the symptoms are palliative and whether the drugs have side effects. Based on the patient ‘ s feedback, the medical team may adjust the treatment programme to improve its effectiveness.
1. The patient shall develop good habits, such as a reasonable diet, adequate exercise and adequate sleep. Good living habits help to improve patients ‘ immunity and treatment and promote rehabilitation. 2. Patients should take care of personal hygiene, wash their hands, wear masks, maintain social distance, etc. Personal hygiene is essential to prevent the spread of infectious diseases, while protecting the health of patients themselves and others. The patient should closely monitor the changes in his or her condition, such as body temperature, blood pressure, heart rate, etc. If the patient finds an aggravating trend, he or she should seek treatment in a timely manner.
IV. CONCLUSION: From a patient ‘ s perspective, infectious diseases pose challenges such as physical discomfort, psychological stress, lack of information and difficulties in medical decision-making. To better respond to these challenges, patients can adopt strategies such as positive mental adjustment, proactive information-seeking, effective communication with the medical team and participation in self-management. These strategies help to improve the treatment and quality of life of patients and promote rehabilitation. At the same time, society should strengthen its support and care for people living with diseases, providing them with better medical care and psychological support.
