Beyond the Medical Gaze

by Liza Morton Long-term health conditions (LTCs) affect one third of the global population and are associated with a heightened risk of depression, anxiety, medically related post-traumatic stress, diminished life satisfaction and self-esteem. Further, healthcare professionals face occupational challenges to their emotional health and wellbeing which can result in burnout, compassion fatigue, and vicarious trauma, negatively impacting on patient care. Yet, current healthcare policy and practice poorly addresses psychological and emotional wellbeing, for patients or practitioners. Beyond the Medical Gaze provides an innovative and comprehensive framework for anyone working in healthcare practice, policy, or education grounded in the latest evidence base and the author's unique lifelong experiences, health advocacy, research, and psychology practice. The book embeds contemporary understanding in psychological and emotional health into healthcare practice grounded in the core principles of R.E.S.P.E.C.T; outlining the importance of R elational safety through compassion focused healthcare delivery, leadership and teams; E mpowerment by supporting self-management, healthcare literacy and by challenging disempowering aspects of healthcare; promoting the S oothing presence of caregivers across the healthcare journey; promoting P sychological safety (Polyvagal informed) by validating a normal response to adverse circumstances, incorporating coping strategies throughout healthcare delivery and by supporting wellbeing for healthcare staff; developing E nvironments that better support healing, recovery, rest and wellbeing; ensuring C ulturally sensitive healthcare provision that tackles ableism, recognizing health inequalities and intersectionality; and delivery of T rauma informed practice and environments. Reflective exercises, real life testimonials, case studies, examples of innovative practice and research, and handouts are incorporated throughout. A final chapter is provided for therapists working with people with LTCs or supporting healthcare teams.