A Game Changer for Health Outcomes - A Little TLC

A little TLC goes a long way for improving health outcomes

An article in Wired Magazine (February 2013) caught my attention. We all know about the Placebo Effect. It's been vetted and verified. The human mind is capable of some amazing things, and in some cases, it is responsible for positive health outcomes even when given a placebo.

Along those lines, Wired states that how a patient is treated by an HCP can also make a significant difference in health outcomes. If the patient believes the HCP cares about her well being, and this is demonstrated through empathetic actions, the outcomes are better than if the treatment is administered without any personal empathy with the patient.

One NEJM-published study showed that patients with arthritic knees fared no better with arthroscopic surgery than with a placebo. According to the article, "Many patients who really need empathy and advice are instead given drugs and surgery."

Imagine the savings in spending if the health care industry adopted a more caring philosophy first, instead of immediately going down the path of more traditional treatments.

I'm certain that some stakeholders would push back, but in the long run, what's best for the patient is the ultimate barometer.

Read full article

Wired's "Think Big" issue