If you’ve watched the news or read anything about healthcare in the last decade, you know that we currently have an extremely controversial healthcare system in our country. There is plenty of debate over whether or not the system makes healthcare available to the masses.
But if we strip away the politics and simply look at the actual “care” that is being given, especially to those with chronic degenerative conditions, we can see that the system is not working.
Obesity levels are on the rise. Chronic illnesses are too. We are seeing more autoimmune conditions than ever before. And many of these issues are showing up in our younger generations. Conditions that used to be more common to arise in those aged 35-45 are now becoming common to see in those age 15-25. Something has to change.
DISEASE CARE MODEL
The vast majority of healthcare in the US is based on the idea that if the right tests are run to diagnose you with a disease or a condition, then you can be categorized with others that have the same diagnosis. A pre-determined treatment plan is then administered, again, based on that diagnosis and you’re left to hope that it works.
For some, there is symptom relief, but they are left to take a myriad of prescriptions to keep those symptoms under control. These often are taken for life and as long as your test results look “normal” your doctor will keep you on them.
Others will have side effects from those prescriptions that will eventually lead to more prescriptions to deal with the new symptoms. Many others will see no relief at all. These are the individuals that many doctors will say “can’t be helped” or “it’s all in their head.” If the standard treatment for that condition didn’t work, it can’t be the systems fault.
According to the CDC and the National Center for Health Statistics, almost half of those survived stated they had used at least 1 prescription medication over the previous thirty days. That’s a lot of people buying into the current disease care model.
THE PLACE FOR MODERN MEDICINE
Now, don’t get me wrong, I do believe that there is a time and a place for this style of healthcare, especially in emergency conditions and in life-saving scenarios. But for those with chronic ailments, this approach more often than not will leave the patient confused, hurt and possibly feeling worse than when they started. Not to mention the emotional and financial toll that this process can cause.
THE PATIENT-CENTERED CARE MODEL
Picture this: you walk it to a doctor’s office and the staff is genuinely happy to see you. You are greeted by your name, not your insurance companies. You don’t have to wait hours for only 10-15 minutes of facetime with your doctor.
Does this sound like a foreign concept? For too many patients, it does. Doctors are even disenchanted with this model. A survey by the Physician’s Foundation shows Only 14% of doctors responded by saying they have the time they need to provide the highest standards of care. 49% of doctors reported often or always experience feelings of burn-out. 62% responded that they felt pessimistic about the future of the medical profession. 49% said they would not recommend a career in medicine to their own children.
Individuals with a chronic illness need better care than this. They need someone to listen to their story. They need to feel safe, comfortable and loved by their healthcare team. They have questions and they need answers. That’s what a Patient-Centered Care model can provide.
THE NEED TO BE HEARD
The story of their chronic illness can be very difficult for a patient to tell. It stirs up emotions and memories of trauma. It can take a lot of time to tell and it’s important for the Doctor to take the necessary time to review it. Often times, the keys to unlocking the case are right there in the story if the Doctor is willing and able to take the time to find them.
The body tells a story as well. Performing a proper exam is incredibly important. A big piece of that exam includes diagnostic testing. The type of tests that are run is very important. Many diagnostic tests, especially for chronic immune issues will look for the presence of a microbe or infective organism. These tests are done in order to DIAGNOSE a disease or condition and will sometimes, but not always provide the what factor to the condition. While this can be helpful in guiding the treatment program, it speaks little to how WELL the body is functioning or WHY the condition exists.
A better process is to run diagnostic tests that determine where, why and how the DYSFUNCTION is affecting the body. By addressing these issues and getting the body into a better functional state, it’s possible that the disease processes and conditions can be reversed. Treat the patient that has a condition. Don’t treat the condition that has the patient.
This is accomplished by spending more time with the patient. Getting to know their case. Implementing healing strategies unique to them as an individual, not cookie cutter their condition. Assessing their response and making appropriate changes when needed. Teaching and coaching the patient on how to make positive lifestyle changes that will help them get better faster and maintain a high level of health when they reach their goals.
At the Institute for Restorative Health, we can offer this. We pride ourselves on being Patient-Centered. Compassionate, effective care in a safe and comfortable environment.
