Patient versus Steward or What's in a Name?

Friends:

A while back I wrote about my fascination with the new (relatively) movement of e-patients (such as at e-Patients.net). One thing has troubled me, however, and that is that this movement still labels itself as "patients", though they are looking to take over their care and become partners. Let's explore some definitions to see if a different term might be more freeing.

From Merriam-Webster's on-line Dictionary, the word "patient" when used as a noun has as a second definition, "one who is acted upon". Another dictionary also lists the definition (attributed to archaic usage) "one who suffers". The term "steward" has as its fifth definition, "one who actively directs affairs". Which term appears to be more empowering? Is it time to change the way we name persons who are actively engaged in the search for health, wellness and wholeness? In my mind, the answer is a resounding YES!

Now, steward in church-speak usually denotes one who pays (as in the annual Stewardship drives in my Methodist church), but in reality, a steward is one to whom something has been entrusted to care for (as in the manager of an estate). Patients are acted upon, stewards actively manage something. In the case of health care, all people can become actively involved in their care, thus taking on the role of steward. After all, our bodies are entrusted to us at birth, and we are free to choose how we manage this most precious resource. Our ability to manage not only own health, wellness and wholeness, but that of those around us, is what will ultimately determine our way out of the episodic and individualistic (silo health care) morass that we have created.

Active management requires state-of-the-art information and analysis, combined with an outlook that places just as much value on my body as it does on yours. No one has primacy, and everyone understands the stewardship needs of their body and the health of the surrounding community. Thus, stewardship is not just a one month event to raise funds for a church, it is a whole lifestyle approach to our lives.

Become stewards. Possibilities Journey, Inc. (www.possjrny.org) can help you on your way, and support you on your trip. We have educational, individual, community programming and support to transform the way that you view and manage your health, wellness and wholeness.

Peace and grace,
Dan