Experiences of communication in women with endometriosis: perceived validation and invalidation in different contexts, and associations with health-related quality of life

Grundström, Hanna; Engman, Linnéa; Rimhagen, Elin; Söderstierna, Clara; Flink, Ida

doi:10.1080/0167482x.2023.2264483

Cited by 7 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 30 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…Women often report a lack of understanding from family and friends due to the social stigma both on gynecological diseases and on chronic pain conditions. 75 , 76 However, clinicians also play a critical role in patients’ feeling of alienation. Lack of eye contact, of expressivity and of touch, standing at the end of the patients’ bed rather than beside them, not remembering personal details are all determinants of isolation.…”

Section: Isolationmentioning

confidence: 99%

“SO FAR AWAY” * How Doctors Can Contribute to Making Endometriosis Hell on Earth. A Call for Humanistic Medicine and Empathetic Practice for Genuine Person-Centered Care. A Narrative Review

Cetera,

Facchin,

Viganò

et al. 2024

IJWH

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

“SO FAR AWAY” * How Doctors Can Contribute to Making Endometriosis Hell on Earth [* by Knopfler M. In Dire Straits. Brothers in Arms. Vertigo Records, U.K., 1985] Abstract The distance physicians may create within the relationship with their patients by not having a humanistic approach to their practice may strongly influence clinical outcomes. The purpose of this paper is to convey the well-known narrative of patient dissatisfaction into pro-action by discussing the aspects of dehumanization, which may occur in the relationship between physicians and women with endometriosis. Eight dimensions of dehumanization are examined and related to everyday scenarios occurring in endometriosis care settings and the possible downstream consequences on patients’ clinical outcomes are described. Objectification, which may come across as minimization of pain, may not only increase patients’ perception of pain but also lead to undertreatment of unrecognized forms of endometriosis, especially among adolescents. Passivity, that is not favoring shared decision-making nor self-management, may compromise adherence to treatment, reducing patients’ trust in physicians and quality of life. The same consequences may result from homogenization, that is giving for granted that all patients have the same access to care. Both isolation, ie not practicing therapeutic empathy, and loss of meaning, ie not supporting patients in the re-definition of their life plans, may affect women’s psychological wellbeing and further increase pain perception. Ignoring women’s personal journey by not providing clear information on the consequences endometriosis may have on their lives may favor women’s self-silencing. Not promoting an un-biased communication and not setting aside scientific polarization are the main features of dislocation, which may jeopardize patient empowerment. Lastly, having a reductionist approach to the body may contribute to chronicization of pain, thus compromising quality of life. This considered, taking time to listen to women with endometriosis and tailoring decisions on the basis of their individual needs should be fostered as a moral duty. Physicians should always keep in mind that they are not only deliverers of treatment; they are a form of treatment themselves.

show abstract

Section: Isolationmentioning

confidence: 99%