So far in this short series on the problems with the biomedical model we’ve looked at the mind-body separation, biomedicine’s claims to objectivity and access to the truth about health and illness, it’s construction of atomistic individuality, and last week, the problematic nature of normalisation. In this post we’ll look at the passivity that biomedicine engenders in patients. Biomedicine is a powerful discourse and it has brought enormous power and social capital not only to the medical profession, but also to those who practice in its image. One of the most widely voiced critiques of medicine is that it is hegemonic (or dominant not through force but a degree of consent and … [Read more...] about Critique of the biomedical model #5
New: Encroachment
One of the ways that physiotherapists have recently looked to secure greater influence in the health care system has been to take on role previously done by others. Extended scopes now include limited prescribing rights and some invasive procedures like injecting, cannulation and bronchoscopy. We now also have new consultancy, advisory and leadership roles that are changing the nature of our practice. And one of the most popular extensions that can be taken up by the whole profession has involved the drift towards public health medicine. Physiotherapists and others are looking at the possibility of offering 'wrap-around' care where once they were specialists in discrete areas of … [Read more...] about New: Encroachment
Why physiotherapy is not patient centred
Patient centredness is becoming a widely used, but poorly understood, concept in medical practice. It may be most commonly understood for what it is not—technology centred, doctor centred, hospital centred, disease centred (Miller, 2001: 322). There are a lot of practitioners and professional bodies that claim that their practice is patient centred. And why not. If people expect this to be stated as a defining feature of health professional practice today, why wouldn't you say it? After all, we work with patients don't we? We treat people every day. How could we not be patient centred? But isn't it interesting that this needs stating at all? Because how could health care not be patient … [Read more...] about Why physiotherapy is not patient centred