Let’s talk about the notion of cure
BMJ 2019; 365 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.l2051 (Published 05 June 2019) Cite this as: BMJ 2019;365:l2051
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What an absolutely amazing piece! There is painfully little talk about the phenomenology of non-normative bodies, and it seems that even the progressive (left) narratives are tailored to the needs and experiences of able-bodied people. "Infirmness", i.e. being different from the majority is still an uncomfortable truth to most, hence the discussion is usually about mending and repairing a body that has been good enough for me, the person who lives in that body. I don't need to be repaired, I just need to be acknowledged. I suggest a new conversation about this topic in the patient communities, and your piece seems to provide a perfect starting point for that.
Competing interests: No competing interests
Thanks so much for this great article, Amy!
It is so encouraging to read what you wrote!
And so disappointing that no-one has responded.
I'm never going to be 'cured' from my multiple conditions. I'm never going to be considered 'normal' by all the many specialists and generalists I have seen (and am trying to stop seeing, since they don't tend to do anything other than assess some measures that they think are important, and I don't)
Thankyou for saying how extraordinary my body is, and how extraordinary the bodies of the many many other people with chronic conditions are.
Thankyou for reminding us all of my and all of our healing potential.
And especially thankyou for underlining the importance of thriving within one’s life.
I'm listening to you - even if no-one else seems to be!
With best wishes
Caroline
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The Recovery Model and patient generated outcome measures - in response to 'Let’s talk about the notion of cure'
I have learnt a lot from the BMJ ‘what your patient is thinking’ series and very much enjoyed Amy Robertson’s, 8.6.19, ‘Let’s talk about the notion of being cured’.
In mental health, the vision of ‘healing as thriving within one’s life as it is’ is embedded in the ‘recovery model’. Whilst we always aim to reduce distressing symptoms, it is well recognised that labelling people as unwell and incurable can cause its own iatrogenic harm. Those living in more accepting, inclusive and caring societies are known to suffer less with a mental illness than those in our society which is focussed on health, wealth, independence and personal ambition because they are accepted as they are.
As Ms Robertson described, the start is not for us to assume what a good outcome is, but to ask our client what they hope for and work with them to achieve that. This is true collaborative co-production of care which builds up trust that can help our clients through stressful and challenging times, relapses, medication side effects and hospital admissions. If we acknowledge that life has its ups and downs and health professionals can be one source of support to walk alongside those at points of crisis, caring not judging, supporting not enforcing, I think we will be seen as more accessible in the next time of crisis.
Furthermore, this model of care and understanding not only improves our clinical practice but should also be embedded in clinical trials - let’s get patient generated outcome measures embedded in all of our trials ensuring that we are truly meeting their goals and not those we assume they have. Then we can truly assess if 'treatment' offers good outcomes.
Competing interests: No competing interests