India’s healthcare sector has seen significant improvements in the past few years, with an impressive doctor-to-patient ratio of 1:854 in 2022, surpassing WHO’s recommendation of 1:1000. This improvement signifies progress and ensures that each patient receives the care they deserve. While these numbers highlight improvement, the real focus extends beyond statistics to the quality of care and the growing relationship between doctors and patients.

This shift in focus is part of a more significant transformation that’s currently reshaping the healthcare landscape in the country. The traditional provider-centric medical model is evolving into a patient-centric approach emphasizing active patient participation. The late English physician Ian McWhinney once said, “The physician tries to enter the patient’s world, to see the illness through the patient’s eyes.” However, with changing healthcare dynamics and technological advancements, patients are now principal figures in their care continuum. They are transitioning from passive followers to active influencers empowered to make informed decisions about their healthcare journey.

The Evolving Doctor-Patient Relationship
A patient journey has traditionally been seen as a treatment process, oversimplifying the complexities of managing diseases. It often neglects the emotional, behavioral, and psychographic factors essential in disease diagnosis, treatment, and management. Today, however, the doctor-patient relationship is evolving from a model of paternalism to one of partnership. Doctors now guide patients through their healthcare choices in collaborative discussions to determine the best action.

This shift towards patient empowerment, with patient-doctor interaction, is well-documented. Research from Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital highlights that a solid doctor-patient relationship fosters better communication and improves diagnosis, encouraging patients to share symptoms they might otherwise withhold. Similarly, a study by the British Medical Journal found that continuity of care leads to higher patient satisfaction and reduced hospital admissions.

Moreover, the rise of digitalization has significantly contributed to the shift where patients are better prepared for their medical appointments. They look for transparency, engaging in conversations with doctors. Additionally, the digital age has democratized information related to healthcare, with one in every 20 Google searches related to health and wellness. Nearly 57% of patients go online first to research their health conditions, understand the disease and arrive with pointed questions. Almost 70% of patients review online feedback, request recommendations and discuss with family or friends before selecting a healthcare provider.

Embracing Patient-Centric Initiatives
Patient-centric initiatives, such as outlining customized treatment plans, shared decision-making, and open communication, are revolutionizing healthcare delivery.

Personalized Treatment Plans and Shared Decision-Making:
Collaborating with patients for their treatment, doctors are now immersing themselves in patient education while involving patients in their treatment strategy. This allows doctors to create plans that better suit patients’ needs and preferences. This approach improves patient satisfaction, treatment adherence, and outcomes. Working together also fosters a trusting and respectful relationship between doctors and patients, creating a partnership based on mutual understanding and cooperation.

Improved Accessibility:
Healthcare technology, particularly telemedicine, is revolutionizing healthcare delivery by breaking geographical barriers. This innovation is not just about expanding access to quality healthcare, even in underserved rural areas, but also about improving patient outcomes. Real-time access to health data through digital therapeutic platforms enables healthcare providers to take immediate and informed action, thereby enhancing the quality of treatment and promoting continuous monitoring. This is a significant step towards advanced patient-centric healthcare.

Enhanced Communication and Transparency:
Patients increasingly access information online, seeking clear explanations of their diagnoses, treatment options, and potential risks. This underscores the importance of doctors communicating empathetically, respecting patients’ privacy, and providing clear and correct information about conditions. While encouraging patients to ask questions and share their preferences, doctors must also adhere to treatment protocols and medical guidelines to balance patient empowerment and medical adherence.

Collaboration Across Healthcare Ecosystems
Achieving true patient-centricity is a collective effort that requires collaboration across the healthcare ecosystem. Pharmaceutical companies, healthcare providers, policymakers, and patient advocacy groups all have a crucial role. Pharmaceutical companies, for instance, must prioritize drug development and pricing and initiate digital technology-driven innovations that go Beyond the Pill to improve patient outcomes. Healthcare providers must invest in patient education and support programs, while policymakers must ensure equitable access to quality care while fostering innovation. Patient advocacy groups are integral to addressing patient needs with their unique ability to amplify patient voices. Integrated care delivery, focusing on the patient journey, will be the future of successful healthcare.

India, by promoting interdisciplinary collaboration and sharing best practices, has the potential to establish a healthcare system that is not only fair and accessible but also truly patient-centric for all. The process of patient journey mapping, for instance, effectively identifies barriers to care delivery, the efficiency of patient-physician engagement, and patient pain points. This, in turn, helps pinpoint areas where suitable interventions can significantly improve patient outcomes, inspiring a brighter future for healthcare in India.

As we celebrate National Doctor’s Day, let’s honour the contributions of medical professionals who are the cornerstone of our country’s efforts to establish a more integrated, digitally enabled care system. Their expertise and dedication are instrumental in making healthcare more inclusive and accessible.

References:
https://www.pwc.in/assets/pdfs/healthcare/enabling-healthcare-with-technology.pdf
https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/doctor-patient-relationship-improves-your-health
https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/doctor-patient-relationship-improves-your-health
https://www.iqvia.com/-/media/iqvia/pdfs/library/white-papers/transformation-of-patient-journey-in-the-digital-age.pdf

This article was first published in the Financial Express on the 1^st July 2024