THE CHANGING FACE OF HOLISM IN HEALTHCARE: CONSEQUENCES FOR PRACTICE, EDUCATION, AND RESEARCH
Abstract
The concept of holism in healthcare is subject to dynamic evolution driven by multifaceted factors such as medical advancements, technological innovations, socio-economic shifts, and political dynamics, all interwoven with the progress of global society. This evolution reflects an ongoing process of conceptual refinement, influenced by practical applications within clinical settings, the continuous development of empirical and conceptual theories through scientific research, and the collective learning experiences of healthcare professionals in educational institutions, as well as socio-informative gatherings like seminars and conferences.
In contemporary healthcare, holism extends beyond individual medical practices and now encompasses an entire universe of healthcare professions, each characterized by distinct functions, roles, and responsibilities. Communication within and across these diverse units and organizational levels is essential for fostering interdependency, and achieving unity, consistency, and harmony in the pursuit of healthcare objectives, delivery, and evaluation. Notably, each healthcare discipline possesses its own distinctive vocabulary, embodied in a set of concepts, which are shaped by disciplinary interests, areas of focus, and the surrounding contextual or circumstantial realities.
This paper explores the evolving nature of holism within the healthcare domain, examining the forces that drive its transformation and the implications of this transformation for healthcare professionals, institutions, and systems. By dissecting the conceptual and practical dimensions of holism, we shed light on the intricate interplay between medical progress, technological innovations, societal shifts, and the dynamics of global healthcare. Through a comprehensive analysis of how diverse healthcare disciplines employ unique terminologies and concepts, we aim to unravel the complex fabric of holism as it manifests in various professional domains and across different levels of healthcare organizations.
Our investigation unveils the challenges and opportunities presented by this evolving concept of holism, emphasizing the need for shared underpinnings in conceptual communication to foster the unity, consistency, and harmony of care objectives, delivery, and evaluation. By identifying the diverse vocabularies and perspectives within healthcare disciplines, we aim to facilitate a more integrated and collaborative approach to holistic healthcare that transcends disciplinary boundaries
