Book Title: Advanced Studies in Multidisciplinary Research and Innovation (ASMRI)
Chief Editors: Dr. Jagdish Kumar Sahu and Dr. Krishna Ashutoshbhai Vyas
Associate Editors: Dr. N. Ramesh Chandra Srikanth and Dr. Lourdu Vesna J
Co-Editors: Dr. Aarti Sharma and Dr. Pushpa Mamoria
ISBN: 978-93-7183-010-2
Chapter: 16
DOI: https://doi.org/10.59646/745/16
Authors: Ms. Prarthana Mahapatra, and Mrs. Sneha Dixit
Abstract
The burden of invisible illnesses, especially those illnesses which remain undiagnosed and are chronic, is a problem that is increasing and remains relatively under-researched in modern health care systems. The symptoms of these conditions are rarely diagnosed, often are vague, and there are few pathways for diagnosis and few resources available in the healthcare system to address these conditions, making a significant impact on patient well-being, productivity, and long-term health outcomes. This research paper focuses on the pattern in reporting of symptoms, time to diagnosis, access to healthcare and patient outcomes among various demographic groups to understand the burden of undiagnosed chronic illnesses. The study employs a mixed-method approach, combining the quantitative analysis of the healthcare utilization data and diagnostic delays with qualitative analysis of the patient and healthcare professional interviews. The results suggest that inequities in access to health care, physician recognition bias, and diagnostic technologies are significant drivers of the influence of undiagnosed chronic conditions. Numerous patients have to traverse long diagnostic pathways, visiting a number of health care professionals before receiving a correct diagnosis, resulting in a large emotional, financial and physical burden. Moreover, the study shows that hidden diseases strike people with lower socioeconomic status and those who are less knowledgeable about medical care and treatment, who are more likely to dismiss or misrecognize these symptoms. The research also highlights the value of policy measures like improving clinical education, creating universal diagnostic guidelines and implementing AI-powered diagnostic systems for early detection of chronic diseases. This paper highlights the need for healthcare systems to be more comprehensive, responsive, and evidence-based, as it outlines the unmet health needs and the importance of addressing them in a more holistic and effective way. The findings are relevant to the existing literature on chronic diseases management and diagnostic equity, providing evidence-based suggestions for the improvement of early diagnosis and to minimise health care disparities.
Keywords: Invisible illnesses, undiagnosed chronic conditions, diagnostic delay, chronic disease burden, healthcare disparities, symptom recognition, early diagnosis, healthcare access, patient outcomes, medical diagnosis systems