Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to Mike Bury.
The policy focus on self-management of long-term conditions is misplaced and not supported by good evidence, acccording to Professor Mike Bury, author of the new book Health and Illness. In a debate with David Pink of the Long Term Medical Conditions Alliance, he also argues that the levels of chronic disease in the U.K. are likely to have been exaggerated.
This paper explores the nature and future of social research on patient-professional interactions. It first sketches the historical background to such research and notes that in the UK and US this was characterised by a focus on the doctor-patient relationship. This research embodied a sceptical view of the power of the medical profession in sustaining and promoting social inequalities, and a critique of 'medical dominance' over other health care professionals and patients. The paper then goes on to outline changes occurring in the nature of professional practice that suggest a fundamental shift in the social relations of health care and the role of medicine. These include a putative loss of public confidence in the medical profession and the authority of science, an increased role of the media in informing patients, and a change in the state's relationship with health care professionals. Finally, the paper outlines some items for a future research agenda, including the need to understand better patient preferences about changes in health care delivery, including a willingness to engage in 'partnership', and the possibilities and barriers to change in professional practice.