Publisher's Synopsis
This book examines the experiences and psychosocial needs of the young adult with a serious chronic illness in the context of the acute hospital. The effects of chronic, progressive disease on lifestyle is explored and in particular, the anticipation of premature death. The book draws on a wide range of literature in addition to two contrasting studies of young adults with differing chronic conditions. The context is the Irish health services which are of particular interest on account of their complex mix of public/private provision both of funding and of service delivery. Specific attention is focused on the acute hospital and on the compatibility of its organization and practices with the needs of the young chronically ill patient. The role of the social worker as part of the multidisciplinary team receives particular attention as the research demonstrates that the emotional needs of such patients can be unrecognised or neglected.
