Addressing the social issues satisfied the women and solved their problems without hospitalization, and the hospital reduced its admissions. When we evaluate such situations, we need to also take into account the benefits to the family. Ms. Gordon added that in some cases, the patient likes being at home but the family member doesn't like giving the care. Dr. Reiser suggested we need adequate study before we shuffle people off to their homes to be cared for or to care for themselves. Dr. Moreno commented that in fact, there's a much larger percentage of people in the community who don't seek care from professionals than there is people who do.
Studies show that people are already seeking care from each other instead of professionals.
We can't communicate health promotion to patients without a stable relationship between the patient and the caregiver. Again, the care is being driven by the corporations, not the patients. Dr. Reiser asked if staff feel driven by financial issues instead of health issues. Dr. Hanneman noted that health care is organized around the needs and preferences of the caregivers, not the patients. Dr. Low argued that hospitals are getting better, that they are not as compartmentalized as they were previously, and that some barriers have come down.