THE NEED OF THE HOUR
The public's view of cardiac care providers in India is a complex tapestry woven from commendable achievements and alarming concerns. Sadly, the tide is turning against us. Should we sit quietly on the sidelines, or is it time to actively reshape this narrative?
On the bright side, we have much to be proud of! Our expanding state-of-the-art infrastructure, innovative technology, and dedicated multidisciplinary teams save lives and enhance patient well-being. We offer services that are not just professional and prompt but also strive to be world-class.
Yet, there is a shadow lurking over our successes. Often fueled by media portrayals and vested interests, negative sentiments have painted a skewed picture of the cardiac care provider community. Narratives of "greed over need" and "profit over care" have taken root, creating concerns about unethical motivations in our field. Issues like referral kickbacks, inflated bills, and unnecessary procedures further erode the trust we desperately need to foster. Patients feel that consultations are becoming more about numbers than genuine care, leading to a growing emotional disconnect.
We must ask ourselves: How can we combat this?
First, we need to acknowledge that problems exist. Then, we must take actionable steps to tackle them head-on. Let us champion Evidence-Based, Guideline-Directed Medical Therapy! Create protocols for appropriateness criteria and intrinsic utilization review. Our “Tripod of cardiac care model” should focus on effective treatment, prioritize both primary and secondary prevention, and actively promote cardiac rehabilitation.
Integration and collaboration are key! By partnering with complementary care providers, we can expand our reach in prevention and rehabilitation efforts.
Let us enhance communication, cultivate empathy, and truly listen to our patients. To turn the tide, we should engage in vibrant media campaigns that resonate with the community, share our success stories, and partner with influencers who can help us rewrite the narrative.
Feeling overwhelmed? It does not have to be! United, we can reshape and reestablish ourselves as compassionate professionals who deserve societal respect. LET US ACT BEFORE THE NEXT GENERATION SWAPS BULLETPROOF VESTS FOR LEAD APRONS!
I am excited to hear your thoughts and suggestions as we embark on this critical journey together!
