Occupational adjust by communication technologies in a patient with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a self-report
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15448/1980-6108.2017.4.27984Keywords:
amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, neuromuscular diseases, supported employment, self-help devices, rehabilitation.Abstract
AIMS: This self-report presents the case of a physician and university professor affected by amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and his experience in adjusting his occupational activities through communication technologies, as a distance education lecturer. It is a personal communication written by the reported patient/professor.
CASE DESCRIPTION: The Neurophysiology Subject at the Federal University of the Juiz de Fora Medical School includes clinical case discussions at an online teaching platform. The reported patient has been collaborating as a lecturer of this discipline following the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis diagnosis. His professional experience as a physician and personal experience as a patient with a neuromuscular disease enriches the virtual clinical discussions. Through distance education, the lecturer overcome the physical limitations imposed by his underlying condition. He is able to deepen the discussion, highlighting psychosocial aspects, doctor-patient relationship, and humanization in neurodegenerative diseases.
CONCLUSIONS: The interaction with the students, through distance learning, of this neurophysiology lecturer suffering with advanced amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, resulted in greater interest, better commitment to patients’ care, and better student performance in the subject. It also improved the professor’s self-reported quality of life and satisfaction, as he overcame his physical and social limitations, "feeling useful" again.
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