In recent years, a new phenomenon known as assembly-line medicine seems
to have spread throughout an entire industry in a very short time. But more
significantly (IMHO), from what I’ve seen, heard, and/or read this new practice
mindset can be one of the biggest root causes leading to the demise of Primary
care as a specialty. The complaints, frustrations, and/or disappointments of
primary care providers seem to have reached an all-time new-level highs given the massive
exodus of healthcare givers into medical/surgical specialties.
The old nice, relaxed
pace of practicing the medicine of years gone by are now just a distant memory
for many. Back then student graduates were guided and nurtured. They were transitioned easily into their roles by more senior peers or employing
supervising physicians. Today & sadly, that’s not the case nor the reality of this
business; everyone is now required to see a higher number of patients regardless
of the acuity listed for that encounter visit.
The pressure to
see increased patient numbers (i.e., 10-minute time slots for patient encounters) has not only
strained working relationships but also compromised patient care in so many
instances. Moreover, is no surprise why many veteran providers retire early,
others simply burn out, and others move on to other specialties and/or careers
as well. This new practice mindset is not what many students expected nor were they prepared for
during their training. Similarly, this very same situation raises another ugly
question: are we sacrificing guided professional development with this
fast-paced reality? (a topic of discussion for another time)
Sure, I realize
we live & practice in a different economic world order where “lean”
operational practices supposedly enhance work productivity & safeguard the (financial) bottom line. I for one, have nothing against this reasoning or belief, yet
what I truly oppose is the element of dehumanization this industry philosophy brings
to the patient-provider delicate relationship: a mixed message at its core… if
not a conflicting one. Isn’t somewhat hypocritical when we try to come across
as a very patient-centric industry but all we truly worry/care is about the “numbers”
we can keep up, or dare I say it… profits?
