Acute VS Chronic Illness

Acute VS Chronic Illness

 

Acute Illness

• Abrupt onset
• Limited duration
• Usually single cause
• Diagnosis usually accurate
• Self-limited
• Specific Rx available
• Lab testing, imaging
• Effective interventions
• Medication, surgery
• Cure likely
• Return to normal health
• Minimal uncertainty
• Professional knowledgeable
• Client inexperienced

 

Chronic illness

• Gradual onset is common
• Unfolds over time
• Multiple contributing factors
• Diagnosis may be uncertain
• Continual, some change over time
• Maybe no effective Rx or cure
• May be difficult to diagnose
• Medication, surgery may not be effective
• No cure
• Management over time
• Usually uncertainty
• Professional & client partially & reciprocally knowledgeable