Towards a post-modern medicine

Although there is general agreement that our current approach to health and healing is undergoing substantial change, there has been a lack of critical discussion regarding the extent, character and direction of change. It is important for us to articulate the values that we would like expressed in a reconfigured approach to health and healing, and to ensure that our efforts to initiate change are aligned with these values. An overview of Western history suggests that the post-modern world-view is characterized by four essential values: multidimensional realism, intentionality, holism and personal authenticity. Our current efforts to change the direction of health care have failed to produce fundamental change. This has resulted from the compelling influence of existing perspectives and the promotion of parochial, professional and institutional interests. To assure fundamental change, articulated values that are consistent with a post-modern world must be articulated, fostered and embedded into innovative programmes.