Convalescence

Details

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. In this sense, "recovery" can be considered a synonymous term. This also sometimes includes patient care after a major surgery, under which they are required to visit the doctor for regular check-ups.

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

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.

References

References

1. (October 1947). "Studies in Postoperative Convalescence". Annals of Surgery.
2. (February 2001). "Pain and convalescence after laparoscopic cholecystectomy". The European Journal of Surgery = Acta Chirurgica.
3. (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.
4. (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.
5. Pillsbury, Barbara L.K.. (1978). "'Doing the Month': Confinement and Convalescence of Chinese Women After Childbirth".
6. (2015-10-23). "Transitional Convalescent Facilities (TCF): a pilot alternative rehabilitation programme for patients who require a longer term of rehabilitation". The Gerontologist.
7. Francis, Gavin. (2022). "Recovery : the lost art of convalescence".