Introduction: Unveiling the Healthcare Conundrum

Hey there, folks! Today, let’s talk about something that’s been a topic of discussion for quite a while – the good ol’ American healthcare system. Now, we’re all familiar with the infamous saying, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” But when it comes to the US healthcare system, it seems like the saying might need a little tweaking – “If it’s broke, let’s talk about fixing it!”

The Numbers Game: Mixed Reviews for the Healthcare System

Picture this: you’re at a dinner party, surrounded by friends and friends-of-friends, enjoying a lively conversation about everything under the sun. Then, out of the blue, someone throws the healthcare topic into the ring. Suddenly, it’s like a switch flipped, and the room transforms into a mini town hall meeting. Animated discussions, opinions flying left and right – and why not? The American healthcare system is a puzzle we’ve all been trying to solve, and our attention to and frustration with the system’s current plight has only grown since COVID-19. Now, our overwhelmed system is facing the added stressors of burnout providers, the “silver tsunami” of an aging population, and a mutating endemic virus.

So, the numbers are in from the Kaiser Family Foundation’s “Views and Experiences with End-of-Life Medical Care” report, and they’re pretty bleak (and these surveys occurred before most of those issues mentioned previous – 2016). Apparently, about half of Americans, – that’s 54 percent, to be precise – give the healthcare system a thumbs-down, rating it as “fair” or “poor.” Only a quarter (26 percent) think it’s “good,” while a modest 16 percent consider it “excellent” or “very good.” That’s like your favorite restaurant getting a mix of ‘meh’ and ‘well, it’s okay’ reviews – not exactly a Michelin-star situation.

Nearing the End: End-of-Life Care and its Quandaries

And let’s zoom in on something that affects us all, regardless of where we stand on the healthcare debate – end-of-life care. One reason I became a departure death doula was how concerned I was about the current state of healthcare for our aging/dying population. Most doulas feel the same, and we’re not the only ones. When it comes to the healthcare system’s performance in this critical phase of life, the survey says… “Could do better.”

Almost half of the respondents (49 percent, to be exact) acknowledge our healthcare system’s shortcomings when it comes to end-of-life care. They rate it as “fair” or “poor.” Only a mere 14 percent believe it’s doing a stellar job, opting for the “excellent” or “very good” rating. It’s almost as if the system is running the relay race of healthcare, but drops the baton right before the finish line.

Deciphering the Dilemma: Unraveling the Reasons

Now, the state of things are lamentable, and the system and the institutions within it are cumbersome, and every problem, issue and concern uncovered leads down a long twisted and knotted chain of other systems that have different issues, problems and concerns. Finding solutions seems overwhelming for sure. Because the American healthcare system is such a mammoth entity – a complex web of insurance plans, providers, regulations, and price tags addressing problems often just leaves us scratching our heads in confusion.

End-of-life care, in the meantime, requires a delicate balance of medical expertise, empathy, and support for both the patient and their families. It’s not just about administering treatments; it’s about dignity, comfort, and quality of life in those final moments. And that, my friends, is a tall order. It’s the mission of hospices all over the country, but many hospices get sucked into the insurance, regulation, costs, demands and profits web that can lead to the opposite of what families need at this time.

Towards a Brighter Horizon: Igniting Change in Healthcare

So, where does this leave us? Are we doomed to a mediocre healthcare system, especially when it comes to our last chapter? Not necessarily. These survey results are a call to action – a reminder that we have a voice and that change is possible. It’s like we’re all holding a massive healthcare puzzle, and if we work together, we can find a way to put those pieces together in a way that truly benefits everyone.

Competition is good. Having choices in healthcare helps us all, even choices for hospice care. Having access to wellness and health practitioners who are not part of the healthcare system – us doulas, home health aides, etc. – can help fill some gaps and offer one-to-one presence and valuable time that our current healthcare systems simply cannot; unfortunately, most of those options have value because they are not part of the system, meaning they are out of pocket expenses and not covered by insurance. More should be covered, but that’s a story for a different day.

Conclusion: Crafting a Compassionate Future

In conclusion, the American healthcare system might not be the blockbuster hit we all hoped for, and its performance in end-of-life care might be a bit like an unfinished symphony. But hey, it’s not game over just yet. By engaging in conversations, demanding improvements, and pushing for change, we can reshape this puzzle into something that truly reflects the care and compassion we all deserve.

So, let’s keep talking, advocating, and striving for a healthcare system that doesn’t just meet expectations, but exceeds them – even in life’s final chapters. After all, isn’t that what a compassionate and forward-thinking society should aspire to achieve?