Helsetjenesten sett fra pasientens ståsted: Pasientforløp ved langvarige og komplekse behov i Troms- og Ofoten

Abstract

Despite the many positive patient experiences in this study, we have also found serious mishaps, disorder and discontinuity of care. In long-term conditions, the patient's own efforts are crucial for treatment success, but there is no systematic identification and support of patients’ own resources. All collaboration between professionals concern patients, yet the health care system continues to ignore that the patient is the hub of all interaction and coordination. Quality of care for patients with long term conditions include 1) the correct diagnosis and appropriate multidisciplinary treatment 2) coordinated and predictable health care, and 3) support for self-care and self-management. We need a health service, which puts what matters to patients first, and then secondly uses diagnostic interventions as tools to promote the goals that matter to patients. This requires a significant cultural change, professional development and system changes. Health professionals, who are patient-centered, must feel that they are working with and not against the system. We need a visionary and bold long-term commitment from a management willing to change both organizational, cultural and economic incentives in support of the good patient pathway.