Question

In the two movies we watched, what were the major messages we heard about medicine? How are we 'stuck' as a society in what we expect to receive as a patient and what we expect to deliver as a caregiver?

Answer 1

The movies convey messages about healthcare disparities, the need for empathetic care, and systemic challenges. Society often has fixed expectations for patient care and provider behavior, necessitating a balance between empathy and efficacy in medical services.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the movies that we watched, the major messages about medicine seem to center on three key themes: disparities in healthcare access and quality, the humanization of medical care, and the challenges of healthcare systems in balancing quality, access, and cost. Society often finds itself 'stuck' in regards to medical expectations, with patients expecting high-quality care and empathy, while caregivers aim to deliver such care despite systemic challenges and personal biases.

A significant message is the stark contrast in healthcare between developed and underdeveloped countries, where basic necessities like clean water and immunizations are not universally available. Organizations like Doctors Without Borders are crucial in meeting these basic health needs. Meanwhile, Theatre in Health Education and standardized patient programs underscore the importance of bedside manner and empathetic treatment, aiming to enhance the skills of those in the medical profession for the benefit of patients.

Through the perspective of my own family's experience with healthcare disparities during my mother's cancer treatment, I've become passionate about advocating for underrepresented communities facing similar obstacles. It is evident that medical mistrust and health disparities, particularly among historically marginalized groups, need to be addressed through improved health education, disease prevention strategies, and quality care. These experiences reflect societal expectations of what should be received as a patient and what should be delivered as a caregiver, showing the need for substantial changes in both attitudes and structures within the healthcare system.

Answer 2

The movies under discussion communicate global disparities in healthcare availability, the need for empathy in patient care, and struggles against health inequalities and medical mistrust. As patients and caregivers, we anticipate high standards of care and are challenged by the complexities of healthcare systems to meet these expectations. Efforts to understand and address the cultural and racial barriers within the healthcare experience are critical for advancing trust and quality of care.

Step-by-step explanation:

The major messages about medicine in the two movies suggest a global disparity in healthcare and the importance of empathy and respect in patient care. We, as a society, are often 'stuck' in our expectations as patients to receive comprehensive care and as caregivers to provide a high quality of care. This dichotomy is further strained by the healthcare system's ability (or inability) to address basic health needs in underdeveloped countries and to overcome health disparities and issues of medical mistrust in developed nations. Theatrical practices in health education emphasize the necessity for medical professionals to continuously improve their bedside manners using standardized patient programs. Furthermore, personal anecdotes, such as witnessing the struggles of a family member with breast cancer, underline the significant impact of racial and cultural barriers in healthcare, highlighting the urgent need for advocacy and research in underrepresented communities.

Healthcare systems face varying challenges globally, such as managing high costs and ensuring equitable access to care. Core nations struggle with balancing quality, access, and cost in their healthcare systems, while peripheral nations may lack even basic healthcare administration. Additionally, ethical concerns emerge with advancements in medical technology, particularly regarding end-of-life decisions. Addressing the issues of mistrust within healthcare requires an acknowledgment of historical and current injustices and systematic efforts to restore faith in the medical community.