Summary
Two authors from the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) have proposed that it might be beneficial to “flip” medical thinking (i.e. introduce a 180º change and turn-around), in order to develop innovative models of care which can improve health and care delivery, and lower costs to meet growing healthcare challenges.
In parallel with the widespread transition of the role of teacher from a “sage on the stage” to a “guide on the side” in education, this article proposes a flipped model for healthcare, whereby providers should ask “What matters to you?” in addition to “What’s the matter?”.
Flipping healthcare would involve flipping the balance of care from the hospital to the community, and from individual providers to care teams. The balance of power would shift from providers to patients and their families. The balance of costs from would shift from treatment to prevention and co-production. The balance of emphasis would shift from volume to value, and from healthcare to health.
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Reference
Bisognano, M [and] Schummers, D. (2014). Flipping healthcare: an essay by Maureen Bisognano and Dan Schummers. BMJ. October 3rd 2014; 349: g5852.
Seven example inverted practices and reporting outcomes of possible interest for primary healthcare:
Reference
Mate, K. [and] Salinas G. (2014). Flipping primary health care: a personal story. Healthcare. December 2014. Vol. 2(4), pp. 280-283.
Possibly of interest:
Reference
Absolom, K. Holch, P. [and] Woroncow, B. [et al] (2015). Beyond lip service and box ticking: how effective patient engagement is integral to the development and delivery of patient-reported outcomes. Quality of Life Research: an International Journal of Quality of Life Aspects of Treatment, Care and Rehabilitation. May 2015; 24(5): 1077-85.