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[Risk as a concept and challenge in health care]

J A Skolbekken1

  • 1Psykologisk institutt, Universitetet i Oslo, Blindern.

Tidsskrift for Den Norske Laegeforening : Tidsskrift for Praktisk Medicin, Ny Raekke
|September 20, 1996
PubMed
Summary

The term "risk" is increasingly used in public health, shifting medical focus to healthy populations. Understanding risk is complex, and communicating it effectively presents challenges, with potential negative health consequences.

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Social science & medicine (1982)·1995

Area of Science:

  • Medical sociology
  • Public health ethics
  • Health communication

Context:

  • The increasing use of the term "risk" since the 1960s coincides with a shift in medical focus towards healthy populations.
  • The concept of risk has evolved, now serving as an ideological tool to legitimize medical interventions in healthy individuals.
  • Current medical controversies highlight that risk assessment involves more than just knowledge versus belief.

Purpose:

  • To analyze the evolving meaning and ideological function of "risk" in public health.
  • To examine the limitations of risk communication and its psychological impact on behavior.
  • To question the ultimate benefit of risk-focused health strategies.

Summary:

  • The widespread use of "risk" in public health, particularly concerning healthy individuals, has transformed its meaning and function.
  • Psychological research suggests that simply knowing about risks does not guarantee behavior change, challenging early assumptions.
  • Improved risk communication techniques exist, but they do not resolve the fundamental question of how best to manage risks, and may even lead to negative outcomes like illness or over-treatment.

Impact:

  • Risk communication strategies need re-evaluation, as current approaches may be counterproductive.
  • The focus on risk may hinder progress towards genuine health and well-being.
  • This analysis prompts a critical reconsideration of the role of risk in contemporary healthcare and public health initiatives.

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