For many, the American healthcare system seems a perfect example of effectiveness and innovation as the latest technology is employed, and high-profile professionals are involved. However, the system is far from being cost-effective or even just effective. According to the documentary by Heineman and Froemke (2012), approximately 75% of the costs are allocated to treat illnesses that can be prevented. One of the healthcare practitioners featured in the documentary stresses that people’s lifestyles tend to be the major causes of the disorders. Most importantly, once a person is cured, it is rather common that this individual continues living an ordinary life that resulted in considerable health issues. Therefore, new health problems often occur, and more resources are needed. Due to the high costs of healthcare services, many people do not have access to the required care, which leads to the development of more severe forms of disorders and higher costs for the system.
American health care has been referred to as sick care. However, a solution can be found if people start focusing on health rather than disease. Antonovsky’s salutogenic model can be one of the keys to solving the issue (Fries, 2020). The central principles of this model include recognizing health as a complex adaptive system, focusing on health rather than the disease, being person-centered, and seeing disease as unavoidable and a valuable opportunity for adaptation and wellness. The process of the shift from sick care to health care will require time and resources. It will be necessary to educate people and explain to them the benefits and peculiarities of the new approach. However, the outcomes will inevitably be positive and will lead to major transformations in society. Wellness and prevention will finally become true priorities that will make millions healthier and happier.
References
Fries, C. (2020). Healing health care: From sick care towards salutogenic healing systems. Social Theory & Health, 18(1), 16-32. Web.
Heineman, M., & Froemke, S. (Directors). (2012). Escape fire: The fight to rescue American healthcare [Film]. ‎Aisle C; Our Time Projects.