How do women suffering from multiple chemical sensitivity experience the medical encounter? a qualitative study in Spain.

Conclusion: Training and above all awareness raising strategies are needed to address health professionals' prejudices regarding the existence of contested illnesses such as Multiple Chemical Sensitivity. These prejudices hinder diagnosis and medical follow-up, and add negative emotions to the physical limitations already suffered by patients. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION Multiple Chemical Sensitivity It is important to promote a compassionate and empathetic attitude among health providers, in order to avoid rejection and delegitimization of the experiences of women with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity. Multiple Chemical Sensitivity protocols should be developed and implemented to give skills to health professionals to assist patients with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity. These protocols should include avoidance of exposure to chemicals present in healthcare facilities. Training programs for health providers should include not only knowledge, but awareness raising about the characteristics and severity of contested illnesses such as Multiple Chemical Sensitivity. Health providers should avoid stigmatizing patients by psychologizing their symptoms and be aware of the existence of stereotypes regarding women suffering from Multiple Chemical Sensitivity. PMID: 31407924 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: Disability and Rehabilitation - Category: Rehabilitation Authors: Tags: Disabil Rehabil Source Type: research