Will The Future of Healthcare see the person as a Patient or an Individual?
The future of healthcare is individualized for an engaged consumer.
Digital technologies and the web are bringing — and have brought — a transformation to each of us. Opportunities to engage in and take control of our health have created a new world where we are self-monitoring and communicating directly about the treatment plan. Respect is given to healthcare workers and technologies from past decades — we are here today as a result of their dedication and focus. (The paper chart and "running" the doctor's stat order to the pharmacy are fond memories.)
So, what's different today — for each of us, and collectively for our society?
"Patient" is a term from a by-gone era. It puts the individual in a passive or reactionary position, subject to the direction of another. In this environment, decision-making and care are given over to another person — a healthcare professional who may or may not know the individual's health condition or needs.
The future sees the individual as consumer, member, madam, or sir — terms that include the individual and engage them to participate in their health and accept accountability for their lifetime of health, not only healthcare.
The treatment plan
Treatment is based on averages, clinical trials, pharmaceutical predictions, or a model based on the patient's insurance plan — the level of coverage or a provider's contract. The patient may have limited knowledge of their expected recovery or outcome based on these statistical results, yet the individual takes the prescribed medication.
The future of care
Care is individualized — that is the expectation from the digital footprint developing now. Self-monitoring is easier based on portable monitoring devices, sensors, trackers, and, yes, robots.
The future landscape
In the current environment, more attention is given to the providers of care, along with the technologies. Going forward, more attention will be given to health — preventative health, global health, self-healing — where an individual is interested, informed, and engaged.
The take-away
Healthcare professionals are a valuable and respected asset for our society. We will, however, interact with doctors and nurses differently in the future of medicine, including individuals, persons, consumers — everyone.