Holistic approach to contraception – the role of provider
M. Short
Dublin, Ireland
Holistic medicine is a system of health care which fosters a co-operative
relationship among all those involved from those that require the service to all
staff involved, leading towards optimal attainment of health and well being.
With internet access and a more and often better informed public, there is a
changing expectation of the role of service provision and the doctor/patient
relationship. Consumer driven reproductive health care is a feature of the late
20th century to the present day. Magazine articles encourage the latest trends
in contraceptive usage whereas media scares influence prevalence of a particular
contraceptive. In practice the interview process and treatment is tailored to
individual needs and in some cases requests but consumer behaviour (patient
behaviour) in affluent societies is not autonomous but is shaped by reference
groups and life styles. In traditional societies the approach is more
individualistic.
A quality service should ensure that members of staff have as much time as
possible for each client and facilities within the practice to ensure privacy,
confidentiality in comfortable surroundings in both the waiting and consulting
areas. The way is open for a new approach to medicine but time honoured
paternalistic behaviours remain substantially unchanged in the standard model of
the doctor/patient relationship. Contraception and reproductive health care
remain sensitive important social cultural and public health matters and
delivery of service must continue apace with changing societal needs.
