[Expectations of self-help groups of the social medicine competence of physicians--a contribution from the viewpoint of social work in the course and management of chronic diseases exemplified by multiple sclerosis]

Abstract

Doctors dealing with incurable chronic ill patients need to show empathy and should be capable of assessing social and occupational consequences of diseases. They should also know about potential rehabilitative measures as well as entitlements or connect patients with respective resource persons. Self help groups can be very conducive to coping with a disease. However, physicians still know too little about them or consider them competitors.