“Take the patient’s social context into account in your considerations and especially resolution strategies,” poverty expert Tim S. Jungers, MD, warns us clinicians in this edition of MC. Lack of sleep, stress, too little or too much diet, one-sided diet, but also breathing problems can be manifestations of poor living conditions for patients. Treating the causes is better than treating the symptoms.
In the Netherlands we have a strong first line of doctors who regularly have insight into the patient’s social context and see problems in practice during their visits. But at the same time, these doctors often have their backs to the wall when it comes to solving these problems. There are great initiatives such as the Social Hospital, in which multiple problems in the areas of debt, poverty and health problems are addressed in an integrated manner. But these initiatives are not yet widespread or available everywhere. As therapists, we often find ourselves at the end of a leaky pipe trying to plug the gap.
Treating the causes is better than treating the symptoms
We can save a lot of health care costs and doctors’ energy if we can prevent less fortunate people from getting sick due to poverty and social inequality. Less care, more health. This may seem logical, but it does not motivate policymakers enough, and the financial resources available are very limited. In fact, there will be cuts in social affairs next year. For doctors, this health gap becomes more apparent in practice if we pay attention to it or ask about it. We must do something about this outcome, as we swore or promised in our oath. Although much of the problem is beyond the everyday realm of many doctors, it is important to take action together. As doctors, we have been united in KNMG for 175 years this year. Let us continue to work together in the coming years to advance integrated public health and close the gap.
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