What’s Stopping Modern Healthcare to Be Great?
Healthcare is by far one of the oldest profession on the planet. While it might not always have existed under this specific name – in the Medieval times, doctors were referred to as healers, shamans or even witches –, the process of turning towards a more knowledgeable body about your health concerns is not new. However, even though science has pushed the boundaries of healthcare knowledge and abilities, there are still many remaining obstacles that need to be tackled. Indeed, with the increasing need for healthcare procedures and treatments, it’s impossible to ignore the mishaps that can happen on the way. Being healthy is, after all, a business that needs serious consideration. Here are the top four things that are frustrating to most patients and doctors.
Lack of organization
Files, papers, and notes. Even though more and more health centers have moved towards the digital area, the cost of digitalizing all medical records is too high. Consequently, too many centers still struggle with a variety of filing systems that are running simultaneously, from paper notes to the use of multiple software tools. Ultimately, if you’re considering applying for a management role within the medical sector, it’s a good idea to bring administrative knowledge. Next time you find yourself asking: ‘Should I Get a Healthcare Administration Degree Online?’, don’t delay it any further. With an online degree, you can carry on your everyday job while learning the essential skills that will keep your clinic or surgery organized.
Not addressing current issues
As surprising as it might sound, there are recurring issues that the healthcare industry is still failing to address. Nutrition is one of these issues that deserve more attention. Indeed, too many young adults – women and men – struggle to eat healthy meals. When not addressed, the problem can develop and escalate into eating disorders, vitamin and mineral deficiency, and can affect mental health and the immune system. However, general physicians are still too late to advise patients on this topic.
Staff or room shortages
It’s not uncommon for local hospitals and clinics to direct patients to another site when they’re running out of beds. For some patients, it is a hugely stressful experience that can put their lives at risk. Additionally, medical accidents and fatalities in healthcare have been well documented and linked to staff shortage. The accumulation of long working hours, stress and exhaustion can lead to mistakes and negligence that are out of the control of the medical team.
Exhaustion and lack of emotional follow-up
Last but not least, more and more long and short-term treatments are lacking the necessary emotional support for patients. Patients struggling with a cancer diagnosis are among the first to be touched by the lack of support. While there is a counseling team available to answer questions and provide guidance, most patients don’t know about this option. Additionally, other medical issues could benefit from an emotional follow-up. From someone who is receiving a life-changing surgery, to a young woman giving birth for the first time, medical centers can lead to anxiety and fear.
It’s high time to bring the people back at the heart of healthcare. From ensuring that medical data are always used to provide the best of care to supporting people going through a difficult situation, there is still a lot to do to make healthcare accessible, safe and user-friendly to all.
Photo: Wikimedia; Public domain
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