The Impact of Labelling and Identity in Healthcare

This essay will explain what labeling and identity is and why social workers should be aware of the impact of labelling when providing care. Additionally, it will describe why labelling patients can have a significant and negative impact on our interaction with them. I will discuss two case studies from K102 as an example of labelling and identity. Throughout our lives, people attach labels to us that reflect and influence how others think about our identity as well as how we think about ourselves. We live in a society where stigma is increasing every day, it could be based on gender, race or religion. People need to remember that we are all unique, have strengths and rights.

Moreover, the labelling theory highlights the notion that the experience of an illness has both social and physical consequences for the individual (Nursing Standard). Often in health care when we diagnose someone as a sick or ill person it means giving them a 'label' as a person who has deviated from the social norm of health. An example of this we can find in Cathy's case study from K102 (the Open University). Cathy wasn't feeling very well, she was sneezing and coughing while still working. She felt guilty if she has to ask colleagues for help to cover her meetings. Cathy didn't think she was 'ill', she didn't want to be called a 'sick' person. In the end, she listened to the doctor's advice and took some antibiotics and rested. Cathy's case proved that sometimes people don't want to be labeled as 'sick' or 'ill' specially if they have responsibilities and they don't like to ask others for help. Another example of health care and social workers labelling patients is when they describe palliative patients by labelling them as 'dying' patients. Labelling is when we identify individuals as members of specific groups (based on stereotypes) and categorize them in society, whether or not they see themselves as members of that group (The open University 2022).

Labelling individuals can cause them to lose their motivation and self-esteem. Sometimes it is very difficult to change someone's opinion or perception of that person. When we label patients in health and social care, we take away all opportunities for them to rise above expectation. Patients are unable to express their thoughts and emotions. Furthermore, patients who have experienced care may often experience stigma, prejudice and discrimination. It deprives people of their identity and who they are. They often will hide their talents, character, abilities and hope. We see an example of this in the case of Dennis from K102 (the Open University 2022). Dennis is a 79-year-old widower who lives alone. His mobility decreased after hip replacement surgery. He and his parents moved to from Jamaica in 1948. His daughter is looking for carers to help Dennis with personal care and chores around the house. It would be very important for future carers to find out what Dennis identity is in his past and his background. Health care workers should always remember that every patient is unique, even if they belong to the same group or have a similar experience.

Healthcare professionals should realize how important patients' identity is, their history and their past are. Individuals' identities may have an impact on the care they receive. An individual's identity indicates who they are in terms of the groups to which they belong. Being a part of this group becomes important to how a person views themselves. It is equally important that social workers do not make assumptions based on another person's age, colour, religion or gender. Most stereotypes have a very negative effect on people. Stereotyping can cause problems such as discrimination against other people. Many people are treated very unfairly (The Open University 2022). There are many examples of discrimination within health and social care. One of them could be refusing treatment to an elderly patient even if that's not their wish. Oftentimes elderly people are discriminated against because of their age. Another example is not making adjustments by hospitals, GP Surgeries or care homes for the patients on the wheelchairs. That could stop them been seen by a specialist and can affect their wellbeing. For that reason patient-centred- approach it's very important. Its focus is on the elements of care treatment and support for the patient and his family. As health workers, it is significant that we respect patients' choices even if we don't agree with them. A patient who receives the care should be put first before their disability. The care we provide should be personalised to the patient's needs. Person-centred principles include: respecting the individual, treating them with dignity, understanding their experiences and goals, maintaining the confidentiality and coordinating care.

Overall, this essay has explained the impact of labelling and identity in the healthcare sector and their implications. Healthcare professionals need to understand that the labels they use to describe patients, families and members of the community are harmful. Medical professionals are taught to treat all patients with the same respect and dignity and to provide excellent medical care regardless of age, race, ethnicity. Discrimination is not acceptable and never will be. In health care, we all strive and believe that patients should be treated equally (Equality Act 2010). Patient's like to be heard, and health care workers should let them tell their stories, and listen to them as this may impact the care they receive but also felt respected and valued.