Psychology, hospitalization and some thoughts on medical training

Experience of adults and children in hospitals

“…More specifically, they might feel 'dehumanized', as if the health professionals treat their bodies like inanimate machines, and ignoring their human spirit and wholeness of their existence (Hughes, 2001). Such perception can result in considerable distress and feelings of helplessness in patients (Polimeni & Moore, 2002).…”

“…This is essentially due to the fact that with the exception of the limited visiting time of their family and friends, hospitalised patients' social contact is limited to interaction with the medical staff. Albeit, this interaction is indeed that of an imbalanced nature; at one side are the patients, quite powerless, passive, weak and dependent due to their illness, and at the other side are the doctors, nurses and supporting staff, who are in complete charge of almost every aspect of the patients care, with all the knowledge, authority and power (Hughes, 2001).…”

The interface of loneliness, hospitalization and illness

“…These interactions are obviously unbalanced. On one side, there is the patient, who is powerless, passive, weak, and dependent, and on the other side, are the doctors , nurses , and supporting staff, who are in complete control of almost every aspect of the patient's care, with all the knowledge, authority, and power to influence his life and healing [18].…”

“…Upon entering the health care system , patients in the Western hemisphere benefit from the most contemporary care available, enhanced by modern technology and the expertise of medical staff who have been trained long and hard in regards with the most current information about the human body and the variety of treatments that are available [17]. Despite that, hospitalization can be one of the most distressing events people experience in their lifetime [18]. Brannon and Feist observed, "When a person enters the hospital as a patient, that person becomes part of a complex institution and assumes a role within that institution [13].…”

Loneliness in Pre and Post-operative Cancer Patients: A Mini Review

“…It was compared to the loudness of heavy traffic which can damage one's hearing after just eight hours of exposure [17]. That noise not only disturbs patients' sleep, but especially for post op patients whose sensitivity to pain is increased, it may contribute to increased requests for pain medication [3,18]. Following surgery, and while struggling with the effects of anesthesia, pain and healing, with the exception of friends almost everyone around the patient is in a position of superior knowledge and power.…”