Malade : un métier ? À propos de la maladie chronique

People who are ill, particularly those with a chronic disease, must cope with new situations involving their body, lifestyle, and social relationships. Accepting the implications involved, we propose examining the situation of chronic illness as an occupation. Considered in this light, the sick person is an active participant in the health care system, fully striving to achieve cure in cooperation with healthcare professionals and avoiding regression into a situation of self-denial and dependency created when all hope is lost. An essential element is to be accompanied by a healthcare professional who is concerned not only by the “disease” but also by the diseased person who nevertheless is responsible for his/her own existence. Solicitude and dialogue are indispensable for helping the patient reconstruct his/her life, to adhere and persevere in the healthcare plan. This close caregiver-patient collaboration requires active patient participation with the constraints of learning, experience, and periods of difficulties and rejection, just like in any occupational activity.