La maladie chronique: Une atteinte à l'histoire des familles

Abstract

This case study was designed to assess whether a psychosocial intervention at an individual and family level, as well as in multidisciplinary mode, could improve the care of chronic-disease patients. For this purpose, we chose patients suffering from chronic pulmonary disease. This qualitative study implied an investigation and a "systemic" intervention in a limited number of patients and families during a few months. The results show how significant the impact of chronic disease is on the patients' relatives, a phenomenon which is often underestimated by care providers. Our study also highlights how the disease of a parent influences the development and the process of autonomy in children. The authors propose an intervention model for practitioners. By helping the family members to cope with the disease and to face up to the threat of death, the physician also helps the patient himself.