Care under threat in the modern world

Area of Science:

• Medical Ethics
• Sociology of Health
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• The 20th century saw significant medical progress, yet the quality of human care in healthcare may have declined.
• Historically, human caring was central to patient services, but scientific positivism influenced healthcare practices.

Observation:

• Traditional caring methods, not easily quantifiable, were often sidelined with the rise of scientific positivism.
• Outcome-oriented healthcare models have redefined care primarily as financially viable, high-quality treatment.

Findings:

• There is a growing concern that the human dimension of care is being marginalized or invalidated in modern healthcare.
• The current definition of care risks overlooking the essential human connection in patient services.

Implications:

• An urgent re-examination of the concept of 'care' in healthcare is necessary.
• Reintegrating the human element into healthcare is crucial for patient well-being and ethical practice.