Situational disease.

D E Gannik

doi:10.1093/fampra/12.2.202

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PubMed · 7589945

Situational disease.

D E Gannik

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Abstract

The American sociologist Angelo Alonzo has put down the premises for a theory of illness behaviour based on an interactionist-situational framework. In this article I suggest that a disease concept of 'situational disease' based on this framework would be well suited for clinical work in general practice. The outlines of the theory is given and compared with a more traditional diagnostic model, especially with regard to consequences for treatment and research methods. I argue that there is a narrow relationship of disease models and research methodology and that e.g. a rigorous enforcement of the prevailing methodology of controlled clinical trials is liable to uphold an anachronistic disease model. Practice guidelines which originate from a situational understanding of disease should be encouraged and to this end general practice needs to develop a broad range of research methods suited to its distinctive professional role.

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Clinical Trials as Topic Diagnosis Family Practice Humans Models, Theoretical Physician-Patient Relations Practice Guidelines as Topic Psychological Theory Research Design Sick Role Sociology, Medical Treatment Outcome Journal Article Review

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D E Gannik. 1995. Situational disease.. https://doi.org/10.1093/fampra%2F12.2.202

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