Roy Romanow - Need to shift emphasis in health and health care.mp4

Summary

The speaker discusses the concept of a 'third revolution' in healthcare, emphasizing a shift from focusing solely on acute care to addressing broader factors that affect health, such as quality of life and community influences. He reflects on the legacy of Tommy Douglas in Canada and the need for a national community health strategy. The speaker highlights the importance of upstream determinants of health and expresses hope for future policies under the current government. His passion is rooted in personal experiences and a belief in community-based healthcare solutions as critical for the future.

Takeaways

• 💡 The speaker discusses the concept of a 'third revolution' in healthcare, which involves a shift in focus from acute care to factors that affect quality of life.
• 🌍 This revolution emphasizes the importance of social determinants of health, such as community, work environment, and lifestyle, as major contributors to health outcomes.
• ⚕️ Acute care, while crucial, has overshadowed other aspects of healthcare, and there’s a need to rebalance the system.
• 🌱 The 'third revolution' is seen as an extension of Tommy Douglas's vision for healthcare in Canada, moving beyond just treating illnesses to preventing them by addressing broader health determinants.
• 🏥 The public often believes that modern medicine can fix all health problems, which creates a barrier to understanding the importance of preventive care.
• 👨‍⚕️ The speaker stresses that healthcare funds should come with conditions aimed at improving community health and addressing upstream health determinants.
• 🔄 There is a need for a national community healthcare strategy, focusing on Community Health Centers (CHCs) to promote preventive care and health equity.
• 📈 The speaker is cautiously hopeful that the Harper government will take steps to support this approach, depending on its values and policy decisions.
• 👪 The speaker’s passion for the issue is influenced by personal experiences, growing up with immigrant parents who faced challenges accessing healthcare before Medicare.
• 💪 The speaker believes that the time is right for a stronger focus on community health and that determined leadership is needed to bring these ideas to the forefront of policy discussions.

Q & A

What is meant by the 'third revolution' in healthcare?

The 'third revolution' refers to a shift in focus towards quality of life and preventive care, rather than solely concentrating on acute care. It emphasizes how lifestyle, community, and environmental factors contribute to health and well-being.

Why does the speaker believe the third revolution is important?

The speaker believes the third revolution is important because it highlights the need to focus on the quality of life and the social determinants of health, which are often overlooked but are crucial in preventing illness and promoting overall well-being.

What are the barriers to achieving this third revolution in healthcare?

One key barrier is society's perception that medical professionals can always 'fix' health issues, leading people to overlook the importance of lifestyle and environmental factors. Another barrier is the emphasis on technological advancements and acute care, which dominate public discourse and funding.

How does the speaker view society's current attitude towards healthcare?

The speaker views society's current attitude as overly reliant on medical professionals to repair health issues after they arise, without considering the preventative measures and lifestyle changes that can avoid illness in the first place.

What is the speaker's stance on the role of technology in healthcare?

The speaker acknowledges the importance of technology in healthcare but believes it receives disproportionate attention compared to preventive care and social determinants of health. They argue that too much focus is placed on treating diseases rather than preventing them.

Why is a national community healthcare strategy important, according to the speaker?

A national community healthcare strategy is important because it would shift the focus toward upstream determinants of health, such as community support and preventive measures. This approach could lead to more effective and sustainable healthcare systems.

What are the speaker’s hopes regarding the Harper government and healthcare funding?

The speaker is hopeful that the Harper government will replenish funding for acute care, but they also stress the need for conditions that require the provinces to focus on upstream determinants of health and community health centers.

How does the speaker’s personal background influence their views on healthcare?

The speaker’s background as the child of Ukrainian immigrants who lived without Medicare has made them keenly aware of the challenges people face in accessing healthcare. This personal experience, along with inspiration from Tommy Douglas, has shaped their views on the importance of universal healthcare and preventive care.

What role did Tommy Douglas play in shaping the speaker’s views on healthcare?

Tommy Douglas, known for his role in establishing Medicare in Saskatchewan, deeply influenced the speaker by advocating not only for acute care but also for preventive measures like community health centers, which the speaker now views as crucial for healthcare reform.

What does the speaker suggest should be done with healthcare funding going forward?

The speaker suggests that any renewed healthcare funding should come with conditions that prioritize community health strategies and preventive care. They believe that funding should be directed toward initiatives that address upstream determinants of health, rather than just acute care.