Medical care for people with multiple chemical sensitivity

Andy · Apr 22, 2022

How do women suffering from multiple chemical sensitivity experience the medical encounter? a qualitative study in Spain, 2019, Briones-Vozmediano

Abstract
Purpose: Multiple Chemical Sensitivity is a condition principally suffered by women. As with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome, Multiple Chemical Sensitivity is usually included among the so called “contested illnesses”, defined as illnesses whose cause, diagnosis, prevalence and even existence are subject to controversy. This article seeks to explore how women with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity experience this contested illness, through their own descriptions of diagnostic processes, search for treatment and encounters with different health professionals. We aim to observe these experiences in detail and to identify aspects that could improve care for Multiple Chemical Sensitivity sufferers.

Method: Qualitative design. We performed personal in-depth interviews, which were recorded and transcribed to conduct a qualitative content analysis supported by Atlas.ti-7.

Subjects/Patients: 22 women diagnosed with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity in Spain.

Results: Two main categories were identified in the interviews: (1) unavoidable barriers: patients’ exposure to chemicals and the absence of treatment, and (2) Skepticism on the part of care providers and lack of recognition in the process of diagnosis.

Conclusion: Training and above all awareness raising strategies are needed to address health professionals’ prejudices regarding the existence of contested illnesses such as Multiple Chemical Sensitivity. These prejudices hinder diagnosis and medical follow-up, and add negative emotions to the physical limitations already suffered by patients.
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Paywall, https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09638288.2019.1650297
Sci hub, not available.

Yessica · Aug 16, 2019

And this. (Not only for MCS.)

Excuse the extra circles. I can't get rid of them.

Bolding mine.

It is important to promote a compassionate and empathetic attitude among health providers, in order to avoid rejection and delegitimization of the experiences of women with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity.

Multiple Chemical Sensitivity protocols should be developed and implemented to give skills to health professionals to assist patients with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity.

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These protocols should include avoidance of exposure to chemicals present in healthcare facilities.

Training programs for health providers should include not only knowledge, but awareness raising about the characteristics and severity of contested illnesses such as Multiple Chemical Sensitivity.

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Health providers should avoid stigmatizing patients by psychologizing their symptoms and be aware of the existence of stereotypes regarding women suffering from Multiple Chemical Sensitivity.

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rvallee · Aug 16, 2019

Yessica said: ↑

And this. (Not only for MCS.)

Excuse the extra circles. I can't get rid of them.

Bolding mine.
Click to expand...

As always, most problems, and their solutions, can be reduced to: don't be a dick.

Unfortunately, this is still asking too much. One day. We got a lot of growing up to do as a species. But one day this simple lesson will actually be taken to heart.

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Medical care for people with multiple chemical sensitivity

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Medical care for people with multiple chemical sensitivity

Andy Committee Member

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rvallee Senior Member (Voting Rights)

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