The purpose of this assessment is to challenge your thinking in relation to the contemporary views of chronic illness and its management.
The reading 4.6 (Hitchcock, 2015) is somewhat controversial in its approach, but likely presents views and scenarios familiar to you. It addresses ‘alternative’ treatments, ‘integrative’ health care, the use of medicines that are often seen as fixes to contemporary life, the politics of health care, and more.
Hitchcock (2015, p.24) states: “Real ‘integrated medicine’… is recognising that a large portion of our ill health is a combined mental, physical, environmental, interpersonal, social and political phenomenon” .
Read and critique Hitchcock’s paper. In your critique consider the following:
•Do you agree with Hitchcock’s criticisms of modern ‘diseases’ and their remedies?
•What evidence do you have for your views?
•Does Hitchcock provide evidence for her views? If so, what type of evidence?
•Why do you think she takes the position she does? What is her intention? Do you think this is a reasonable approach?
•What is the ‘tone’ of this paper?
•Do you think she makes valid points? Why?
•How does Hitchcock’s definition of integrated medicine compare with the medical and nursing definitions presented in this section?
