title: Representational Approach: A Conceptual Framework to Guide Patient Education Research and Practice.
abstract: Illness representations are cognitive structures that individuals rely on to understand and explain their illnesses and associated symptoms. The Representational Approach (RA) to patient education offers a theoretically based, clinically useful model that can support oncology nurses to develop a shared understanding of patients' illness representations to collaboratively develop highly personalized plans for symptom management and other important self-management behaviors. This article discusses theoretical underpinnings, practical applications, challenges, and future directions for incorporating illness representations and the RA in clinical and research endeavors.
authors: University of Pittsburgh.
authors: Janet A
authors: JA
authors: Arida
authors: University of Pittsburgh.
authors: Paula R
authors: PR
authors: Sherwood
authors: University of Rochester Medical Center.
authors: Marie
authors: M
authors: Flannery
authors: Department of Acute and Tertiary Care in the School of Nursing, University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
authors: Heidi S
authors: HS
authors: Donovan
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D017145:Models, Educational; D009859:Oncology Nursing / Q000592:standards*; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D012648:Self Care / Q000592:standards*
keywords: Patient education; illness representations; self-management ; symptom management