Tuberculosis Patient
The involvement of the tuberculosis patient in the treatment and active discussion regarding choices and possibilities increases the sense of being in personal control of the disease. The doctor patient relationship must change from directive to collaborative for the long term treatment and cure. Doctors must increase their understanding of the context of the tuberculosis patient as they discuss the disease. The positive feelings exuded about the treatment and conscious involvement of the patient in developing a treatment regimen are essential to success. The patient’s feeling that the final cure lies in their own hands increases the sense of responsibility for self care that is so essential for the management of tuberculosis.
Know the body
Directing the patient towards physiological needs and symptoms that require attention is a useful method of engagement. The patient can expect to feel certain symptoms on account of tuberculosis and the medication to cure it. Some symptoms necessitate medical attention and should not be passed off as minor syndromes. Understanding the manifestation of fatigue and taking due care of rest and nutrition go a long way in curing the patient. When the primary symptoms reduce, the patient may start to feel that the fatigue is due to tuberculosis medication. There is a need to explain that stoppage of medication at this crucial juncture affects cure.
Development of faith
The presence of debilitation and feelings of depression come together. At times like this, transference of faith into the hands of an external source of energy is helpful. Belief in the treatment systems of tuberculosis coupled with faith when the body is embattled allows for the development of a sense that things will turn out all right though that is not how it feels in the present moment. Group faith healing sessions work towards developing a positive attitude in the individual and extended support system.
Existing disease
Patients who are suffering from the fear of stigma related to diseases like HIV are less willing to share the truth with others when they develop symptoms akin to tuberculosis. The medical files and reports must be maintained and provided to ensure effective treatment choices for the treatment of the tuberculosis patient. The family must rally around the patient and ensure that fears regarding disclosure are kept aside and medical attendants provided complete information. Tuberculosis often strikes patients with immune deficiency disorders and impact survival in the absence of immediate medical intervention.
Family support
Families must support the patient regardless of the circumstances that have led to the development of tuberculosis. An attitude of laying the blame on the patient for poor life choices does little to help the patient and affects the attitude towards treatment. There is no doubt of the financial strain due to tuberculosis and the family must be made to see that poor attitude in the immediate surroundings leads to poor attitude towards proper cure and survival. The family cannot afford to be critical of the patient’s condition and must consciously form an attitude of realising that their positive words and feelings can have a positive impact on the patient’s desire to be cured.