Evolution of the Current Healthcare System & Emerging Healthcare Crises
by Dr. B S Grewal MD, MPH, MPHIL, OCPAt the outset I want to make it clear that no system is perfect and has issues. But when a system knowingly refuses to address the issue with earnestness we have a problem. The stakeholders today have interest in a status quo and not willing to move out of their comfort zones. The forces that are interacting are taking the healthcare system the full circle and move towards prevention from where it all started.
How Health System Evolved:
The practice of
preventive health is well documented in the ancient Indian texts. This later evolved into Ayurveda, Unani, & other systems of medicine. All had a major focus on whole health where physical, mental, social health was integrated.
The vaid (Indian System), or the family physician, came to adopt the practices. They knew every member of the family and their health state and needs, There home visits enabled them to and provide
preventive care, emotional support and address mental health issues.
The concept of hospitals started when communities entered the era of infective diseases that required isolation and management. With the era of infectious & Communicable diseases and acute illness isolation was the need. Where It was felt that having a common place for isolation and treatment requiring fewer care team members and
social care workers would solve the problem. Sickness centers for isolating and treating infectious diseases sprung up.
With people going to sickness centers the Family Physicians house rounds disappeared. The casualty was Preventive & Proactive care. The Family Physician moved into Clinics and started visiting sickness centers. They lost touch with the community and families.
With passage of time the control of infectious diseases and increasing longevity in age these now turned to manage trauma, lifestyle disorders. These evolved into what are today know as primary, secondary and tertiary Hospitals and medical schools to treat and teach sick care management.
The focus on fixing problems (sick care) became the priority. These developed into centers of excellence for managing sick care and emerging disease such as lifestyle, accidents and malignancies. It further led to specialization & super specialization where doctors look at an organ / organ system and not the whole person. Multispecialty management led to an increase in medication errors that today account for 14% of the costs to manage and rectify them.
Medical education focused on diagnosing and treating these ailments and the focus and training on preventive care was relegated to the background. Thus the healthcare system started training doctors to manage sick care. There was more money in treating sick than preventing sickness.
THE HEALTH SYSTEM aka SICK CARE CRISES:
Sick Care forms around 20% of the population seeking care for sickness, whereas the balance 80% suffered a Gap In Care. The is no way for them to know what to do and how to remain healthy. These started moving from no risk—to Low Risk – Medium Risk – to High Risk – Emergency visit and hospitalisations. This has led to the increasing burden of disease and we now have epidemic proportions of preventable diseases like Obesity, Diabetes, and Hypertension etc. Because of gap in care in the majority of the population we have more and more moving to Sick care and increasing the burden of disease and thereby the cost to treat them.
THE SOLUTION:
The only panacea to the crises we are in is proactive Preventive care that manages monitors and tracks the health of individuals when they are healthy and provide timely vaccinations, clinical screening of disease. Identification of risk can be treated and the risk reversed and the onset of disease delayed. Early disease detection and treatment also has the same effect in retarding the onset of morbidity and mortality. This will read to a healthy productive workforce that will contribute to the growth of the nation and its GDP.
Active Wellness is a Whole of life Proactive Preventive care solution that focuses on physical, mental, social and emotional health, intellectual, spiritual health. Its 360 Degree holistic approach creates a Dynamic care plan that not only manages preventive care but also provides sick care interventions. It brings healthcare back to the basics of preventive proactive care. That addresses the gap in care faced by 80% of the patient / consumer population.
It integrates the disparate care teams to use an continuity of care framework to work collaboratively to manage monitor track escalate the care needs and emphasis in following proactive care and reduces the need for emergency sick care. More can be seen at our website.
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Created on Aug 13th 2023 00:21. Viewed 182 times.
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| Henrico D. AutoBotCertainly! Here are some thoughts on the evolution of the current healthcare system and emerging healthcare crises:Advancements in medical technology: The healthcare system has witnessed significant advancements in medical technology, such as telemedicine, wearable devices, and electronic health records. These innovations have improved access to healthcare services, allowed for remote monitoring and diagnosis, and enhanced patient care. However, ensuring equitable access to these technologies and addressing the digital divide remain challenges.Rising healthcare costs: The cost of healthcare has been a persistent issue, with rising expenses for medical treatments, medications, and insurance premiums. This has led to financial strain on individuals and families, making healthcare affordability a critical concern. Finding ways to control costs, improve efficiency, and promote preventive care can help address this challenge.Aging population and chronic diseases: The global population is aging, leading to an increased prevalence of chronic diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular conditions, and dementia. This places a greater demand on healthcare systems, requiring a shift towards more preventive and long-term care approaches. Integrated care models, personalized medicine, and health promotion initiatives are crucial to manage these emerging healthcare challenges.Pandemics and infectious diseases: The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the vulnerability of healthcare systems to global health crises. It exposed gaps in preparedness, response, and coordination. The evolving nature of infectious diseases necessitates robust surveillance systems, early warning mechanisms, and effective healthcare infrastructure to mitigate the impact of future outbreaks.Mental health and well-being: Mental health has gained recognition as a critical component of overall well-being. The healthcare system needs to evolve to address the growing demand for mental health services, including access to therapy, counseling, and support systems. Integrating mental health into primary care and reducing stigma are essential steps in addressing this emerging healthcare crisis.Health equity and access: Despite progress, disparities in healthcare access and outcomes persist. Achieving health equity requires addressing social determinants of health, reducing barriers to care, and ensuring that marginalized communities have equal access to quality healthcare services. Telehealth and community-based initiatives can play a significant role in reaching underserved populations.Sustainability and climate change: The healthcare sector contributes to environmental degradation, and climate change impacts public health. Adopting sustainable practices, reducing waste, and transitioning to renewable energy sources are essential to mitigate the environmental impact of healthcare systems and build resilience against climate-related health crises.As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, it is crucial to address these emerging challenges through innovation, collaboration, and policy changes. By embracing technology, promoting preventive care, ensuring equity, and prioritizing public health, we can work towards a more resilient and inclusive healthcare system for the future. Aug 19th 2023 17:57 1 Likes Like it Report |
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