Human Experience across the Health-Illness Continuum

Health-Illness Continuum model created by John Travis in the 1972 represents a continuum from high level of wellness to premature death with the state of neutral at the midpoint. Most people consider themselves to be in a state of neutral when they do not recognize any signs or symptoms of any disease. When a person recognizes signs and symptoms of illness early in the disease process, and accesses treatment, the person has a better chance of regaining the state of being at a neutral point. However, the longer a person goes without treatment for illness, the more likely the person will end up with disability or premature death. The model is meant to represent the ultimate goal of having a High Level of Wellness, and that to do that, one must first become aware of a particular health issue, become more educated on the health issue, and actually implement change to enhance wellness (ArifaNazar, n.d.). From the neutral point on Health-Illness Continuum model, it takes three levels to the right for me to reach high-level wellness. These include awareness, education, and growth.

But it normally takes three levels from the neutral point for me to go left to reach premature death. These are signs, symptoms, and disability. Wellness continuum helps to differentiate between the medical concept of health and the wellness concept. In other words, the wellness continuum allows me to visualize the difference between wellness and the medical approaches to health (ArifaNazar, n.d.). One of the significant features of this model is that it allows a nurse to care for a patient considering all factors affecting the patient’s state of being and striving to reach maximum potential. The nurse assesses many factors that can affect the patient’s health and wellness activities, and the nurse will use this knowledge to provide care that will potentiate the clients’ highest level of wellness(ArifaNazar, n.d.)………….Read more