Section 2 Introduction: Identity and Self-management

Abstract

In the discussion of patient-centred care, a key distinction is made between a disease and an illness (Stewart & Brown, 2001, p. 101). A disease is a ?theoretical construct, or abstraction, by which clinicians seek to describe patients? symptoms or concerns in terms of abnormalities of structure or function of body organs and symptoms? (Stewart & Brown, p. 101). Particular kinds of knowledge and specific behaviours are fundamental to managing a chronic disease. Illness describes a person?s ?personal experience of being unwell ... The illness experience for each person remains unique and defined by their personal experience? (Stewart & Brown, p. 101). Management of an illness is as much about personal identity and agency as it is about bodily function.