title: A circle of care.
abstract: The characterisation of health care as a business and health as a product with patients (or doctors) as part of the market share is both a frightening and accurate reflection of today's reality. In this era of cost containment, high technology, and general longevity, the rehumanisation of the health care system is an absolute priority. In my view, it is not okay to think of health care as a business. Virginia Henderson ( 9 ), one of the most respected nurses in the world, says it more eloquently than I: 'It is generally conceded that the human desire to help others dominates the social services (as for instance education) and the profit motive dominates industry. "Professionals" are I said to be effective when their clients . learn enough from them to make their help unnecessary. Industrialists are successful to the extent that they promote dependence of the public on their products and create escalating needs or desires for more and more possessions. Health care systems in some countries are unabashedly industrious, directed by industrialists rather than experts in the service they offer . . .'
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Krauts