Marie Curie response on Practising Realistic Medicine
Press release published
In response to Practising Realistic Medicine , the third Annual Report published today by Dr Catherine Calderwood, Scotland’s Chief Medical Officer, Susan Lowes, Marie Curie Policy & Public Affairs Manager, Scotland said:
“We welcome the Chief Medical Officer’s report on Practising Realistic Medicine. It’s encouraging to see practical examples of people embracing the principles of realistic medicine and we hope that continues to grow.
“The workforce is key to making sure realistic medicine works in practice. Often just being yourself is the best way to start creating an open, trusting environment to enable the shared conversations that make realistic medicine possible.
“People’s motivation for working in health and social care is often to help people or to make a difference to people’s lives. However, the lack of investment in the workforce financially, socially and professionally has contributed to a devaluation of that workforce. There can often also be a lack of understanding of the roles people are undertaking and unrealistic expectations over what staff can do.
“Realistic medicine has strong links with palliative care, with a holistic model that cares for an individual medically, socially, psychologically and existentially - there is a lot they can learn from each other. Yet there is often a lack of recognition around palliative care and the benefits of working collaboratively with palliative care specialists in every day practice. It’s not just those working in palliative care who need to think about supporting people at the end of life and supporting their knowledge and choices. Every health and social care professional has a part to play.”
Marie Curie has launched a free information resource ‘You Matter’ on how realistic medicine works in palliative care. Download the resource at mariecurie.org.uk/youmatter