Public Health care sector: At times viewed as light at the end of the tunnel, other times it may be the start to a long journey through a dark tunnel.
At times viewed as light at the end of the tunnel, other times it may be the start to a long journey through a dark tunnel.
68% of the South African population have at one stage of their lives experienced health care in the public sector. Due to the rising population, doctors, physiotherapists and other allied health care professionals are becoming increasingly pressurised by the demand placed on them. Limited resources further dampen their ability to provide level care services to the general public.
As a patient in the public health care sector myself, it is easy to fall part of the group who view the system as a dark eerie tunnel- A day that starts with early mornings, uncertainty about the darkness surrounding your health condition, a one directional pathway with not many options to choose from to a seemingly formidable destination.
On the contrary, being family to chronically ill patients who have received well timed, exemplary care from specialised professionals in the public health care system, it becomes difficult to choose which side of the tunnel you see yourself on.
It cannot be denied that the public health care system is in dire need of much improvement. Due acknowledgement should however be granted to the many health care providers tirelessly serving the general public. A clear distinction should be made between the level of care from health professionals and the constrained system they are obliged to practice under.
It is crucial to be weary when being a user in the public health sector – the road may be long and may not be as bright as other tunnels. However our health care providers ease the journey with their light source and work hard to provide light at the end of the tunnel.
Literature review:
The literature review suggests that varied views of understanding of illness and expectations of health care provided by patients exist. In some cases patients search for deeper understanding of their illness whilst others are less reflective and have different coping mechanisms that may not involve further understanding. Clinical interventions with both patients and health care providers are essential.
The concept of patient satisfaction is related to the patients’ direct and indirect experiences with the health care system and interaction with health care providers particularly communication. It was noted that the work environment of health care providers may also impact patient satisfaction both positively and negatively. Berkowitz (2016) also notes that patients experience of health care may not necessarily relate to the standard of care provided but rather their expectations of their prognosis, management and , family interaction and environment.
One thought on “Tunnel Vision”
Hi Zulfa. This was a well written post. The text and the picture works very well together. And I think you have an interesting point of view. To be able to see the light at the end of a tunnel or not, is a challenge I belive many patients in the health system experience, no matter which country you live in. It´s interesting to see your point of view and how it may be in your country, that the patient not necessarily relate to the standard of care provided but rather their expectations of their prognosis, management and so on. God work.