Holistic approach to contraception – the role of provider

M. Short

Dublin, Ireland

Holistic medicine is a system of health care which fosters a co-operative relationship among all those involved from those that require the service to all staff involved, leading towards optimal attainment of health and well being. With internet access and a more and often better informed public, there is a changing expectation of the role of service provision and the doctor/patient relationship. Consumer driven reproductive health care is a feature of the late 20th century to the present day. Magazine articles encourage the latest trends in contraceptive usage whereas media scares influence prevalence of a particular contraceptive. In practice the interview process and treatment is tailored to individual needs and in some cases requests but consumer behaviour (patient behaviour) in affluent societies is not autonomous but is shaped by reference groups and life styles. In traditional societies the approach is more individualistic.

A quality service should ensure that members of staff have as much time as possible for each client and facilities within the practice to ensure privacy, confidentiality in comfortable surroundings in both the waiting and consulting areas. The way is open for a new approach to medicine but time honoured paternalistic behaviours remain substantially unchanged in the standard model of the doctor/patient relationship. Contraception and reproductive health care remain sensitive important social cultural and public health matters and delivery of service must continue apace with changing societal needs.