Reference no: EM133555992

ASSIGNMENT:

Pathways to medical care follows on from the business of healthcare that we looked at last week. This means we are looking at how individuals navigate their way to formally organised medical care. The topic learning outcomes relevant to this content are:

• Analyse the structure and function of the Australian health and social care system and its impact on professional practice and health outcomes.
• Apply social, economic and political perspectives to contemporary issues in health and social care.
• Evaluate the conditions that shape lived experiences of health and illness in Australia.

To start off, let's consider the problem-solving process you might go through when faced with an everyday issue such as a flat tyre on your car (or bike), feeling exhausted, or not being able to locate high quality sources for writing assignments. Use the attached worksheet (page 1).

Now, use the same process to consider how someone with a health 'problem' might work through the process for menstrual pain and non-specific low back pain. You could use any example if it makes the process easier to understand. Use the worksheet (page 2) to collate the process.

Taking the case of endometriosis, as described by Manderson, Warren and Markovic (2008), we will look at the pathway to diagnosis that is premised on illness beliefs and illness behaviours of menstruating women. Can you explain the illness beliefs of women experiencing pronounced period pain? Use the framework that includes:

• Concepts of self.
• Conceptualisation of the body.
• Pain.
• Family (context).

Now have a go at explaining illness behaviours in the case of endometriosis and the pathway to medical care by considering:

• The sick role: doctor-patient interaction.
• Medical labelling and deviance.
• Breaking medical practice rules.
• Control of interaction.
• Medical rationality.

You will need to watch the lecture for an explanation of these issues.

This week, there are three expected responses for pathways to medical care:

• Explain the illness beliefs of women experiencing pronounced period pain that might be endometriosis.
• Describe the illness behaviours in the case of endometriosis.
• Discuss the statement: Consultation is a social process.