Symptoms and impact

The previous video shows some of the symptoms that may impact some patients. However, how do we really get to understand the full impact for our patients? We can never fully understand this impact, but it may help us to develop more empathy towards them.

There is evidence to suggest that simulating illness experiences i.e. walking in the shoes of our patients helps us to understand the impact that their condition is having and therefore increase the empathy we have with them (Karvelyte, Rogers & Gormley, 2010).

If you have never experienced symptoms of long-term conditions the following exercises are to help you get an insight into the impact long-term conditions can have on patients. Below are 4 cases of real people who live with long-term conditions.

Consider and/or carry out (if you are able) the exercises within each case.