I approached the article "Flipping Healthcare" in anticipation of a new paradigm of medical care. As I read it I found myself increasingly confused and bemused.
What, I wondered, was the big deal? I've been a GP for the past 32 years. I and my colleagues have been practising patient-centred, community-based care since we entered general practice, together with other members of our practice team and wider teams of community nurse, physiotherapists and health visitors.
In the article it mentions that "Trevor's dreams for his healthcare are to be able to maintain a strong bond with his doctor and care tram; to express concerns or ask questions and get answers and advice".
Again, what's the big deal? I've l known many of my patients for three decades. Many of them tell me that I'm like a member of the family. They're always phoning me judging by the confetti of memo notes on my desk so I seem to be pretty accessible.
And what GP doesn't take into account the wider social context of their patients, often having a good knowledge of local networks that can help our patients?
Then I twigged. The article was penned by a couple of Americans.
Someone ought to tell them that British GPs have been turning somersaults on behalf of their patients for years.
Most of us are flipping well fed up that no one seems to understand or appreciate what we do.
Competing interests:
No competing interests
31 October 2014
Ian D Rubenstein
GP
Eagle House Surgery, 291 High Street Ponders End, Enfield EN2 8LQ
Rapid Response:
I approached the article "Flipping Healthcare" in anticipation of a new paradigm of medical care. As I read it I found myself increasingly confused and bemused.
What, I wondered, was the big deal? I've been a GP for the past 32 years. I and my colleagues have been practising patient-centred, community-based care since we entered general practice, together with other members of our practice team and wider teams of community nurse, physiotherapists and health visitors.
In the article it mentions that "Trevor's dreams for his healthcare are to be able to maintain a strong bond with his doctor and care tram; to express concerns or ask questions and get answers and advice".
Again, what's the big deal? I've l known many of my patients for three decades. Many of them tell me that I'm like a member of the family. They're always phoning me judging by the confetti of memo notes on my desk so I seem to be pretty accessible.
And what GP doesn't take into account the wider social context of their patients, often having a good knowledge of local networks that can help our patients?
Then I twigged. The article was penned by a couple of Americans.
Someone ought to tell them that British GPs have been turning somersaults on behalf of their patients for years.
Most of us are flipping well fed up that no one seems to understand or appreciate what we do.
Competing interests: No competing interests