Abstract / Description of output
This chapter examines how traditional, existing and future healthcare systems can support or undermine generalism in practice. We discuss current issues within UK general practice, although our reflections and suggestions on the crucial contribution of generalism to healthcare systems are by no means limited to this context. The relevance of generalism within all healthcare systems is emphasised. We provide historical examples from medicine with relevance to generalist clinical learning and practice today and beyond.
Drawing on Don Berwick’s seminal paper published in 2016 ‘Era 3 for Medicine and Health Care’ (1), we describe how the ‘epic collision of two eras with incompatible beliefs’ has undermined generalism, and emphasise the achievable changes required in the organisation and delivery of care to make ‘Era 3’ a reality with generalism at its core. We highlight the importance of generalism and Era 3 approaches now and in the future, as healthcare systems worldwide face the increasing challenges posed by mobile and ageing populations, isolation, multimorbidity and frailty. We describe how and why the organisation and design of healthcare systems, and their surrounding social, political and physical environments, are crucial to enabling effective and efficient generalist care.
Generalism is not a panacea for poverty, poor housing, unemployment, insecurity, abuse or injustice and will never fully mitigate health inequalities. However, generalism can help work towards ensuring health services work best where they are needed most. We highlight the key partnerships required – between health and social care providers and between care providers, care users and the general public – for generalism to flourish in the interests of the people that need it, now and in the future.
Drawing on Don Berwick’s seminal paper published in 2016 ‘Era 3 for Medicine and Health Care’ (1), we describe how the ‘epic collision of two eras with incompatible beliefs’ has undermined generalism, and emphasise the achievable changes required in the organisation and delivery of care to make ‘Era 3’ a reality with generalism at its core. We highlight the importance of generalism and Era 3 approaches now and in the future, as healthcare systems worldwide face the increasing challenges posed by mobile and ageing populations, isolation, multimorbidity and frailty. We describe how and why the organisation and design of healthcare systems, and their surrounding social, political and physical environments, are crucial to enabling effective and efficient generalist care.
Generalism is not a panacea for poverty, poor housing, unemployment, insecurity, abuse or injustice and will never fully mitigate health inequalities. However, generalism can help work towards ensuring health services work best where they are needed most. We highlight the key partnerships required – between health and social care providers and between care providers, care users and the general public – for generalism to flourish in the interests of the people that need it, now and in the future.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Generalism in Clinical Practice and Education |
| Editors | Sophie Park, Kay Leedham-Green |
| Publisher | UCL Press |
| Chapter | 8 |
| Number of pages | 25 |
| ISBN (Electronic) | 9781800085428 |
| ISBN (Print) | 9781800085442, 9781800085435 |
| Publication status | Published - 26 Jul 2024 |