Soundbites and patient centred care

摘要

Former prime minister Harold Mac-millan famously once said, "You've never had it so good," thereby inventing a classic soundbite. It could be argued that health care has never had it so good-we are enjoying access to an unprecedented range of powerful and effective means of combating disease and illness; we are living longer, healthier lives; and spending on health care has never been so high. However, expectations have risen faster than improved healthcare delivery, which has resulted in major political and financial pressures on the NHS, and mounting public dissatisfaction. There is concern, too, that health professionals remain too aloof, paternalistic, and controlling to suit the needs of their patients. We need more "patient centred health care," it is claimed.