Integrating the patient in healthcare

It is concerning that in a country as vast as ours, there exists an age-old system where patients sit obediently in front of doctors, sometimes treating them with unwarranted reverence. They briefly mention their symptoms, answer a few questions, undergo clinical tests (if any), and are sent away with prescriptions and instructions on medication consumption.

As a doctor myself, I strongly believe it is time to change this mindset. Patients should be well-informed about their conditions and should feel empowered to express their opinions, even if they differ from their doctor’s recommendations.

While some medical professionals may argue that spending additional time with one patient can impact others waiting to be seen, I counter this by asking, what purpose does our profession serve if we merely provide treatment without truly providing healthcare? Shouldn’t we strive to elevate our role beyond a job and embrace it as a true profession?

In 2021, my colleagues and I decided to challenge the status quo by developing a care plan based on the NICE guidelines from the UK’s National Institute of Health and Care Excellence for epilepsy treatment. Epilepsy, being one of the most stigmatised diseases in India, has profound effects on mental health and familial well-being, necessitating a more comprehensive approach.

From a professional standpoint, a care plan is crucial in addressing all aspects of a person’s life affected by their epilepsy and treatment, involving the collaboration of doctors, patients, and caregivers.

Through our efforts, we discovered that many epilepsy patients and caregivers lacked systematic follow-up with epileptologists due to the absence of a care plan. Crucial details, such as the duration of medication’s effects and the time required for its therapeutic action, were often overlooked during consultations, leading patients to seek help elsewhere. Sudden changes in medication for severe and chronic diseases like epilepsy can have dangerous and irreversible consequences.

Following our primary audit, the implementation of our care plan led to improved overall well-being and mental health for both patients and caregivers. Additionally, patient retention rates increased, emphasising the importance of continuity of care with a doctor familiar with their medical history.

Imagine if we could adopt this approach for all diseases, such as asthma or systemic lupus erythematosus. The entire landscape of medicine in India would undergo a remarkable transformation, allowing us to proudly proclaim it as true healthcare.