For one of our classes, we are asked to write about certain topics weekly relating to preventive medicine. Preventive medicine includes being PRO-ACTIVE in your health. In today's society and the recent discussions about the future of healthcare, this is a MAJOR part of taking responsibility for one's health.
Simply put --- If you have health insurance, use it! (Although I do understand that we have a LONG way to go as it relates to health insurance. Good luck, Obama...)
Here is what I had to say:
"Clinical preventive medicine is assessing the potential for disease in patients using risk factors, past medical history, family history and other clinical factors. Most screening tools are effective, relatively inexpensive and practical – as long as they are applied appropriately and incorporated into the overall plan for patients. As healthcare providers we need to be up-to-date on the recommendations for the disease, injury or indication based on each patient’s current history and status. This will involve applying and incorporating the provider’s knowledge and research in order to provide the best care to each and every patient, with each patient encounter.
As I was reading the supplemental material, the barriers to care stood out to me as a major problem. Most notably the barriers to care as related to the level and quality of care provided by our colleagues and associates in medicine. Did the previous provider take the time to get a comprehensive history? If not, they may have not been screened for certain diseases and the patient may be at risk. In such a situation, you will need to follow up and obtain a thorough history, etc. in order to apply the principles of preventive medicine previously mentioned. This may take time but if you apply the same principles the same way, each time, this will help ensure quality care for each patient, especially from the perspective of long-term medicine and health. I have no doubt that we will encounter patients that had less than satisfactory care provided to them by another healthcare professional. How are you going to build a respectful and trusting relationship with your patient if they have had poor experiences or were not properly “screened” with previous providers?
The PA-Physician team is one of the most vital pieces when it comes to serving your patients. In regard to this team, you need to be sure that you both have the same vision relating to screening for diseases, determining a plan for care and implementing preventive medicine practices. What can you do to encourage the importance of clinical preventive medicine in your practice?
Another interesting barrier is the healthcare providers’ own health – including attitudes and personal characteristics. What if the provider does not appear to be in great health and serves as a “bad” role model to the patient? This will more than likely affect the patient's view of screening and preventive medicine. I feel that this is a major concern in today’s society and the “fast pace” of the world. Most want instant gratification and this relates to the habits of most Americans – including eating unhealthy food due to time constraints and always being “rushed.” If we do not “practice what we preach” – how are we to expect our own patients to respect our recommendations?"
Have a great wkend!
love,
adg
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