The ‘Standard’ Medical Treatment: An Overview P. I
When it comes to medical care, many people tend to have a certain expectation of what ‘standard’ medical treatment should look like. While the specifics of what ‘standard’ medical treatment entails can vary depending on a variety of factors, such as a patient's individual needs and the nature of their health concerns, there are some general expectations that many people hold.
At its best, ‘standard’ medical care should involve a patient-centered approach to care that prioritizes the patient's needs and preferences, and empowers them to take an active role in their own care. This approach should be grounded in evidence-based medicine, which means that treatments and interventions are evidence-informed or evidence-based and effective.
However, not all medical care meets this standard. At its worst, ‘standard’ medical care can be impersonal, rushed, and focused solely on treating symptoms rather than addressing the underlying root causes of health issues. Patients can feel unheard, dismissed, and even mistreated.
It can be frustrating, to say the least, when standard medical care falls short, but there are steps we can take as patients to help transform the situation. One of the most important things we can do is to advocate for ourselves. This entails being proactive in our care, asking questions, and seeking out second opinions when necessary.
Another way to help transform the situation is by being vocal about our experiences with medical care. By sharing our stories and raising awareness of the issues we've faced, we can help bring about change and improve the quality of care for future patients. We can also enlist others to help regarding our experiences in these settings if our care falls below the mark by contacting our health care setting’s Patient Advocacy, Ombudsman or Director/Manager.
It's also important to remember that healthcare is a collaborative effort. By building a strong relationship with our healthcare team, we can hopefully work together to develop a plan of care that is tailored to our individual needs and goals. This may involve exploring alternative treatments or seeking out specialists who can provide a more personalized approach to care.
Ultimately, transforming the state of standard medical care requires a collective effort from patients, providers, and policymakers. By working together, we can create a healthcare system that prioritizes patient-centered care, values the patient-provider relationship, and delivers the high-quality care that all patients deserve.
Stay tuned for more this series on Standards of CARE, where we will delve deeper into the importance of patient-provider relationships in medical care and explore the benefits of taking a holistic approach to care as well as global and historical responses to these timeless issues.