Convalescence is the gradual recovery of health and strength after illness or injury.

A convalescent woman. Photo by Paolo Monti.
Religious melancholia and convalescence

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It refers to the later stage of an infectious disease or illness when the patient recovers and returns to previous health, but may continue to be a source of infection to others even if feeling better.[1] In this sense, "recovery" can be considered a synonymous term. This also sometimes includes patient care after a major surgery,[2][3] under which they are required to visit the doctor for regular check-ups.[4][5]

Convalescent care facilities are sometimes recognized by the acronym TCF (Transitional Convalescent Facilities).[6]

Traditionally, time has been allowed for convalescence to happen. Nowadays, in some instances, where there is a shortage of hospital beds or of trained staff, medical settings can feel rushed and may have drifted away from a focus on convalescence.[7]

See also edit

References edit

  1. ^ Cole WH, Keeton RW, Calloway NO, Glickman N, Mitchell HH, Dyniewicz J, Howes D (October 1947). "Studies in Postoperative Convalescence". Annals of Surgery. 126 (4): 592–609. doi:10.1097/00000658-194710000-00017. PMC 1803419. PMID 17859018.
  2. ^ Bisgaard T, Kehlet H, Rosenberg J (February 2001). "Pain and convalescence after laparoscopic cholecystectomy". The European Journal of Surgery = Acta Chirurgica. 167 (2): 84–96. doi:10.1080/110241501750070510. PMID 11266262.
  3. ^ Laplace (February 1946). "Convalescence from surgical procedures. I. Studies of the circulation lying and standing, of tremor, and of a program of bed exercises and early rising". American Heart Journal. 31 (2): 249. doi:10.1016/0002-8703(46)90635-7.
  4. ^ Tui C, Wright AM, Mulholland JH, Carabba V, Barcham I, Vinci VJ (July 1944). "Studies on Surgical Convalescence I-Sources of Nitrogen Loss Postgastrectomy and Effect of High Amino-Acid and High Caloric Intake on Convalescence". Annals of Surgery. 120 (1): 99–122. doi:10.1097/00000658-194407000-00013. PMC 1617881. PMID 17858477.
  5. ^ Pillsbury BL (1978). "'Doing the Month': Confinement and Convalescence of Chinese Women After Childbirth". The Embryo Project Encyclopedia. Vol. 12. pp. 11–22. PMID 565536. Archived from the original on 2018-07-12. Retrieved 2018-07-12.
  6. ^ "Transitional Convalescent Facilities (TCF): a pilot alternative rehabilitation programme for patients who require a longer term of rehabilitation". The Gerontologist. 55 (Suppl_2): 719. 2015-10-23. doi:10.1093/geront/gnv358.02.
  7. ^ Francis, Gavin (2022). Recovery : the lost art of convalescence. London. ISBN 978-1-80081-048-8. OCLC 1285689647.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)

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