Being an Educated Health-Care Consumer
Given that the entire health-care system has built-in adverse effects that will continue to harm a certain percentage of consumers, the question remains "What can we do about it?" The health-care delivery system is crying out for an overhaul. Change requires motivation, but the blind trust many of us have negates the motivation for change. As long as some of us continue to have unquestioning faith in health-care providers and executives, the system will continue to produce its casualties, and the people who operate the facilities will go on referring to these recurring mishaps as "unfortunate but unavoidable."
Thus one answer lies in each of us becoming an educated consumer. Once you realize a few basic truths, you and your family members will be equipped to recognize those conditions that are unsafe and can refuse to accept them. Once the chief executive officer (CEO) of the hospital and its board of directors receive enough protests, the wheels of change are more likely to be set in motion. If no one complains, nothing changes. Additionally, as an informed patron, you can engage in consciousness-raising dialogue with healthcare professionals, making them more responsive to your need for comfort, dignity, and safety. |
by T.Sharon
