Personalised Care: What Is It and How Does It Differ from Generic Healthcare?

In today's fast-paced world, it's easy to feel like you’re just another number in the healthcare system because of the generic way of treatment.

You want a treatment solution that addresses your unique health concerns, not one that makes you feel like another statistic. In fact, a recent study found that most people are now seeking a more personalised and deeper relationship with their healthcare provider.

But with so many generic options, how do you know the healthcare you’re getting is right for you?

That's where personalised care comes in.

In this blog, we'll delve into what personalised care is, how it differs from generic healthcare, and the benefits you stand to gain from it.

So whether you're struggling with chronic illness, looking for a more proactive approach to your health, or you simply want to feel more in control, read on to learn how personalised care can be the solution you're looking for.

But first, what is personalised care?

Imagine you’re always feeling tired and mostly find it hard to sleep at night.

Then one day you decided you’ve had enough and it’s time to do something about it. So, you visit the nearest clinic to complain about your condition.

However, after the initial diagnosis, your doctor briskly told you you have a chronic condition.

But what if, instead of just treating you in a generic way, your doctor took the time to understand your unique needs and goals? What if they worked with you to find a solution that fit your lifestyle and allowed you to manage your condition effectively?

This is exactly what personalised care is.

It’s a type of healthcare that's customised specifically to meet your unique treatment needs.

This means rather than a conventional approach, your doctor works closely with you to come up with a care plan, after considering factors that affect your well-being–including your lifestyle, age, weight, preferences, and family–to determine the best type and dosage of medication for you.

What are the goals of personalised care?

When it comes to your health, the primary aim of personalised care is to address what you need, what you’re worried about and most importantly, what you hope to achieve.

It puts you at the centre of your healthcare journey, so you can make informed decisions about your health and receive the best possible outcomes.

Asides that, its major goals are to:

• Empower you to take an active role in your own health and wellness
• Improve your overall quality of life

Why is personalised care important to you?

You might still be wondering if personalised care is right for you, so let’s walk you through what you stand to gain if you choose this option of care.

1. Improved outcomes: Because your care is tailored to fit your specific needs and goals, you'll get a better chance at improving your health with a personalised care.
2. Enhanced satisfaction: Personalised healthcare puts you in control of your healthcare journey, allowing you to have a say in your treatment plan. This eventually leads to higher levels of satisfaction and a better overall experience as evidenced in various researches.
3. Better quality of life: This form of care minimizes side effects from medications. Because you're getting the attention you deserve, you can inform your doctor if you notice any change, which eventually improves quality of life.
4. Increased efficiency: Another benefit is that it streamlines your healthcare process, reducing the number of unnecessary tests and procedures, which can save you time and resources.
5. Improved coordination: Personalised care ensures that you receive consistent and coordinated care; reducing the risk of missed appointments, and potential health problems. You’ll have peace of mind knowing that all your healthcare needs are being addressed in a comprehensive and coordinated manner.

Also read: 5 simple tips for managing your chronic illness

Personalised care vs traditional healthcare, which is better?

Personalised care and traditional healthcare are two different approaches to healthcare, each with its own pros and cons.

So, you need to understand the differences between them to be able make informed decisions about your health.

Traditional healthcare is like a one-size-fits-all approach. It's like buying the same type of shoes for everyone in your family, even though each person requires different sizes and needs.

It’s often a reactive approach, because it focuses on mainly treating your illnesses after they’ve already developed. And you’ll only be receiving generic treatment without considering what you want.

Personalised care, on the other hand, is like getting the right shoe for each person, making sure you’re comfortable with what you get. For instance, if you have a medical condition like diabetes, you’ll get special treatments or medications that can help with it after certain considerations.

What this means is you’ll get a proactive approach where your doctor will involve you in making healthcare decisions that affect you. They listen to your concerns and preferences, and help you understand your condition so that together, you can make the best choices for your health.

So, what are the benefits of traditional healthcare?

Traditional healthcare is not all that bad. As said earlier, it has its own advantages too, some of which include:

• Familiarity: Traditional healthcare is well-established and widely recognised, so you may feel more comfortable with this care approach.
• Cost: This form of healthcare is often less expensive than personalised care, as it does not require the same level of individualised attention.
• Accessibility: Traditional healthcare is widely available, making it easy for you to find a provider.

Regardless of the approach you choose, it’s important you work with a healthcare provider who’d provide you with the best possible care.

How can you achieve personalised care?

Personalised care is all about finding the right balance between your unique needs and the best available medical treatments.

So if you're looking to get the most out of this form of healthcare, here are some tips to help you achieve just that:

1. Choose the right healthcare provider: Look for a healthcare provider who’s open to a personalised approach and willing to work with you to create a customised treatment plan.
2. Be an active participant in your care: You need to be willing to participate in discussions with your healthcare provider. Also, ask questions that'll help you understand your health and treatment options available to you.
3. Keep a record of your health: Write down your symptoms, medications, and other health information that can help your healthcare provider understand your health history and create a personalised treatment plan.
4. Be proactive: Always stay informed about your condition and take advantage of preventive health screenings and other preventive measures that can improve your health.
5. Stay organized: Keep track of your appointments, medications, and test results, and don't hesitate to inform your healthcare provider about changes in your health.
6. Communicate: Communicate openly, honestly, and exhaustively with your healthcare provider, and be sure to share your concerns and questions. Talk about everything that worries you when sharing information with your care specialist.

How do you know you’re getting a standard personalised care?

1. Patient-centered: Personalised care system puts you, the patient, first! Before making any decision, your needs and preferences are taken into account. This means you'll be involved in conversations with doctors or care specialists about how you want to be treated.
2. Comprehensive assessment: For standard personalised care, there’ll be a thorough evaluation of your physical, emotional, and social health–to determine your specific challenges and needs.
3. Collaboration: It involves collaboration between you, the patient and your healthcare providers. There has to be seamless communication to ensure you get what works perfectly for you.
4. Evidence-based: The healthcare has to be based on recent scientific evidence and best practices to help you get the most effective and efficient treatment.
5. Continuity of care: If you're not receiving consistent, coordinated care throughout your health journey, then it isn't personalised care.

Want to get personalised care?

The traditional healthcare approach often relies on a conventional system which can lead to subpar outcomes and a lack of personalisation.

This system often results in misdiagnosis, inadequate treatment plans, and you might even get frustrated in the end. Because you may feel like just a number in a sea of other patients, rather than an individual with unique needs and concerns.

This is why you need to consider personalised care, so you can feel heard, understood, and confident in your treatment plan.

And this is exactly what you'll get when you opt for a plan from Famasi. You'll be assigned a care specialist that takes care of all you need, so you can achieve your health goals and live your best life.

So, whether you're dealing with a chronic condition or simply looking to maintain good health, there's a personalised healthcare for you.