
%0 Journal Article
%T Section 2 Introduction: Identity and Self-management
%J Australian Journal of Primary Health
%D 2003/08/01
%V 9
%N 3
%P 53-53
%K 
%R https://doi.org/10.1071/PY03023
%U https://www.publish.csiro.au/paper/PY03023 
%X In the discussion of patient-centred care, a key distinction is made between a disease and an illness (Stewart &amp; Brown, 2001, p. 101). A disease is a ?theoretical construct, or abstraction, by which clinicians seek to describe patients? symptoms or concerns in terms of abnormalities of structure or function of body organs and symptoms? (Stewart &amp; Brown, p. 101). Particular kinds of knowledge and specific behaviours are fundamental to managing a chronic disease. Illness describes a person?s ?personal experience of being unwell ... The illness experience for each person remains unique and defined by their personal experience? (Stewart &amp; Brown, p. 101). Management of an illness is as much about personal identity and agency as it is about bodily function. 
