Welcome back to our series on predicting the future of healthcare. In our first segment, we delved into forecasting as a crucial method for envisioning potential scenarios. Today, we shift focus to a tool that delves into the ripple effects of change: the Futures Wheel. While forecasting addresses the “what,” the Futures Wheel tackles the “so what?” – the chain reactions and opportunities triggered by a single event or trend.
Importance of the Futures Wheel
The strength of the Futures Wheel lies in its adaptability. It can be applied to a wide range of scenarios, such as the introduction of 5G technology in healthcare, the mass production of lab-grown organs, deploying AI chatbots for mental health support, or the implications of universal basic income on healthcare. Each of these examples can serve as a starting point for a Futures Wheel analysis, highlighting the potential impacts of various developments in the healthcare landscape.
Building Your Futures Wheel
The process of constructing a Futures Wheel begins by identifying a central point – an event, trend, or milestone that holds significance in the context of study. This central point serves as the focal point for exploring the cascading effects that follow.
Starting with the primary consequences – the immediate outcomes directly linked to the central point, we then move on to the secondary consequences, which stem from the primary ones. Further exploration into tertiary consequences is optional but can offer additional insights.
Breaking down the analysis into specific categories, such as legal, professional, policy-related, or technological aspects, can aid in structuring the discussion and enhancing visual clarity.
Applications of the Futures Wheel
Besides analyzing future scenarios, the Futures Wheel method can also be applied to understanding the past, tracing back events and decisions that have shaped the present state. By creating “Future Futures Wheels,” we can envision potential outcomes and make informed decisions to steer towards desired futures.
The method’s simplicity and accessibility make it a valuable tool for individuals and teams, fostering structured thinking and strategic planning. By actively shaping our choices and actions, we can navigate through the multitude of possible futures and work towards realizing our preferred outcomes.
Remember, the future is not predetermined; it is shaped by our present decisions and actions. By embracing tools like the Futures Wheel, we empower ourselves to actively participate in creating the future of healthcare.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the distinction between alternative medicine (AM) and complementary medicine (CM)?
Alternative medicine refers to treatments not considered conventional by mainstream medical professionals but have been shown to provide benefits for certain conditions. Homeopathy, acupuncture and aromatherapy are all examples. Complementary medicines are therapies that can be used alongside traditional medicine. These include dietary supplements such as vitamins, minerals, herbs, amino acids, enzymes, probiotics, and other natural substances.
Both types of medicine are used frequently, but many conventional doctors won’t recommend them due insufficient evidence or safety concerns.
The best way to integrate CAM into patient care is not a consensus among health care professionals.
Many CAM practices are based on theories developed over thousands of years. Clinical trials conducted over the past two decades have shown that some of these treatments might be effective.
A variety of studies have suggested that acupuncture might relieve pain. Preliminary data also show that acupuncture may help to reduce nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy. Studies have also shown that acupuncture may reduce symptoms of irritable-bowel syndrome, fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome.
Other CAM methods may have therapeutic effects on conditions like HIV/AIDS and diabetes, heart disease or hypertension, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and rheumatoidarthritis.
Even though there are still gaps in our knowledge about the effectiveness of CAM, most experts agree that it can play a role in treating various ailments.
As a result, CAM practitioners are becoming more popular as a way to treat common illnesses.
Despite its popularity, many are still confused about what “alternative” and “complementary medicine is.
What are the 5 domains of integrative medicine?
Integrative medicine encompasses five domains: mind-body; nutrition; social determinants; lifestyle and prevention. These five areas address all aspects of health care, including physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and environmental well-being.
Integrative medicine offers a comprehensive approach for addressing your overall health, well-being, and treatment of diseases. It includes both conventional medical treatment and complementary therapies such acupuncture.
What is Alternative Medicine?
This is a holistic approach to healing that emphasizes prevention over treatment. It encourages people become educated consumers who are actively involved in improving their overall health and well-being.
Alternative medicine refers generally to any form of diagnosis or treatment that does away with allopathic (conventional), medical approaches.
What does it mean to use complementary medicine?
Complementary Medicine encompasses any medical treatment that adds to the mainline. This covers treatments such as acupuncture (aromatherapy), chiropractic care, homeopathy and hypnosis.
Complementary medicine should not be considered in isolation of conventional medicine. They’re also sometimes called “alternative” or “integrative” medicine because they integrate Western scientific methods with other approaches that have been proven effective in healing people.
Who uses holistic medicine
Holistic medicine is health care that treats the whole person as opposed to treating specific symptoms. Holistic medicine focuses on both mental and physical well-being.
Holistic medicine includes acupuncture, massage therapy, chiropractic treatment, nutritional counseling, yoga, and other complementary therapies.
People who use holistic medicine include those who have been diagnosed with cancer, heart problems, diabetes, arthritis, depression, anxiety, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, post-traumatic stress disorder, eating disorders, migraines, infertility, menopause, asthma, autism, and many others.
How safe is holistic medicine.
Holistic remedies are safe, as they are not dangerous drugs, but natural remedies for people who have used them for centuries.
Many diseases have been treated with these herbs, including cancer, arthritis, chronic and severe pain, asthma, diabetes, high cholesterol, heart disease, obesity (obesity), depression, anxiety stress, insomnia as well sexual dysfunction and infertility.
Millions of people all over the globe are using holistic medicine to treat various types of illnesses. They include homeopathy. Chiropractic care, herbal therapies, massage therapy. yoga. meditation. Biofeedback. These therapies target the whole person and not just the symptoms.
Statistics
- According to the World Health Organization, 80% of people use herbal medicine worldwide. (webmd.com)
- category.[111]Edzard Ernst characterized the evidence for many alternative techniques as weak, nonexistent, or negative and in 2011, published his estimate that about 7.4% were based on “sound evidence.” However, he believes that may be an overestimate. (en.wikipedia.org)
- According to a 2005 book by a US [116]Institute of Medicine panel, the number of RCTs focused on CAM has risen dramatically. (en.wikipedia.org)
- A 15-year systematic review published in 2022 on the global acceptance and use of CAM among medical specialists found the overall acceptance of CAM at 52% and the overall use at 45%. (en.wikipedia.org)
- In the 17% in which they disagreed, a third reader agreed with one of the initial readers to set a rating. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
cam.cancer.gov
doi.org
nccih.nih.gov
liebertpub.com
- Games for Health Journal by Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers
- The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.
How To
What are the main 4 categories of complementary and/or alternative medicine?
The four major categories of CAM are natural products, energy healing, manipulation therapies, mind-body medicine and natural products. Mind-body medicine covers yoga, Tai Chi and Reiki, as well as chiropractic care, homeopathy (naturopathy), biofeedback, hypnosis and hypnosis. Natural products are herbs, vitamins, minerals and dietary supplements. Manipulative therapies include physical manipulation such as osteopathic and chiropractic care, acupuncture, therapeutic exercise, and bodywork. Techniques such as prayer or visualization can be used to bring about energy healing.
CAM refers to a variety of health practices that are not in line with Western medical models. These practices can be supported by scientific evidence, or they may involve surgery. They also vary in terms of the conditions they treat. Some CAM professionals also perform diagnostic testing, such as blood tests, and prescribe medication. Others may do neither.
These four categories are not the only ones. There are many subcategories within each one. There are many subcategories within mind-body medicines, such as relaxation techniques and mindfulness training. Natural products include nutritional supplements as well botanical medicines, homeopathic treatments, essential oils and herbal preparations. Manual, movement or traction can be used to manipulate the body. Spiritual healing can be done through prayer or faith healing.
Many CAM treatments help symptoms without addressing the cause of the disease. Some chronic diseases can be helped by CAM. If used correctly, CAM may be a complement to conventional treatments.
There are many reasons that people use CAM.
- To improve their overall wellbeing.
- To manage a special condition.
- To reduce pain or discomfort.
- To prevent illness.
- To promote wellness.
- To address a personal belief.
Some people use CAM to have more control over their own health than traditional medicine. It may have fewer side effects. Some choose CAM because they don’t have to take prescription medication. Others prefer to avoid taking pharmaceuticals whenever possible. Many people also seek out CAM because of bad experiences with traditional medicine.
Some people who use CAM claim they want to be confident about what they’re doing before trying out new techniques. Many CAM users are concerned about the safety and effectiveness. Others rely on word of mouth from friends and family members.
Although CAM is often viewed negatively by society, most users report positive feelings toward CAM. People who use CAM are healthier and happier than those that don’t. This holds true regardless your age, gender or race.
An overwhelming majority of Americans are familiar with some form of complementary or alternative medicine. Nearly all adults–95%–use one type of CAM at least once during their lifetime. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health – NCCIH, approximately 40,000,000 visits were made to CAM providers alone in 2010.
The NCCIH estimates that 10 percent of the U.S. population uses chiropractors, massage therapists, acupuncturists, naturopaths, and/or osteopaths.3 By comparison, only 2 percent of the population uses medical doctors.
The American Medical Association renewed its support for integrative medicines in 2013. It stated that doctors should incorporate scientifically validated complementary and alternative medicine into their clinical practice to meet patients’ expectations and needs.
The Institute of Medicine published a landmark study in 2007 titled “Releasing Constraints – Improving Access to Complementary and Alternative Healthcare” which concluded that “there is no credible evidence of any specific CAM intervention being effective in preventing, treating, and curing cancer.”
CAM continues to gain popularity despite this finding. The 2008 number of CAM practitioners increased 8 percent compared with 2007.
Recent research found that nearly half of respondents used CAM in their primary healthcare routine.
CAM therapies include natural products, mind-body practices, manipulative techniques, energy healing modalities, exercise, dietary supplements, and other approaches.
Many CAM therapies are used primarily as pain relief. But, many offer additional benefits such relaxation, improved moods, better sleep, decreased stress and enhanced immunity.
Acupuncture is a treatment that can reduce chronic back pain, anxiety, depression and improve the immune system, promote weightloss, and improve menstrual symptoms.
Many CAM treatments have roots in Ayurvedic, Chinese, and Traditional Chinese medicine.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), a form of Traditional Chinese Medicine, was first practiced in China over 5,000 year ago.
TCM is an important component of modern health care.
Today, it’s estimated that more than 70 percent of people in the United States rely on TCM for treatment.
Yoga is another popular CAM treatment. Yoga was first developed in India around 5000 B.C. Yoga is now widely accepted worldwide.
Yoga has become increasingly popular with the general public because it offers physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual benefits.
Yoga can relieve stress, improve flexibility, and increase strength.
Although there is limited scientific research, yoga seems to have positive effects on sleep33 and may be helpful for those suffering from insomnia.
Other CAM therapies are also gaining acceptance in mainstream medicine, including meditation, homeopathy, and aromatherapy.
One of the most used types of CAM is herbal medicine.
Herbal medicines are made up of herbs, spices flowers, seeds fruits, nuts, bark, leaves and roots.
They are often considered safer than prescription drugs and are used widely by consumers.
The U.S. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health estimates that about 90 million Americans use some form of complementary/alternative medicine.
According to the American Cancer Society 45% of adults with cancer used alternative medicine during their illness.
The National Institutes of Health estimates that 60% of patients with cancer use CAM, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that about 50% of all cancer survivors report using CAM.
In fact, according to a recent study, 51% of cancer survivors reported using at least one type of CAM.
However, only 8% discussed the topic with their physicians.
This communication gap between conventional medical providers, CAM users and traditional doctors is a major problem in healthcare delivery.
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By: Andrea Koncz
Title: Exploring Healthcare Futures: Understanding the Futures Wheel Method
Sourced From: medicalfuturist.com/how-to-predict-the-future-of-healthcare-method-2-futures-wheel
Published Date: Thu, 13 Jun 2024 07:30:00 +0000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the distinction between alternative medicine (AM) and complementary medicine (CM)?
Alternative medicine refers to treatments not considered conventional by mainstream medical professionals but have been shown to provide benefits for certain conditions. Homeopathy, acupuncture and aromatherapy are all examples. Complementary medicines are therapies that can be used alongside traditional medicine. These include dietary supplements such as vitamins, minerals, herbs, amino acids, enzymes, probiotics, and other natural substances.
Both types of medicine are used frequently, but many conventional doctors won’t recommend them due insufficient evidence or safety concerns.
The best way to integrate CAM into patient care is not a consensus among health care professionals.
Many CAM practices are based on theories developed over thousands of years. Clinical trials conducted over the past two decades have shown that some of these treatments might be effective.
A variety of studies have suggested that acupuncture might relieve pain. Preliminary data also show that acupuncture may help to reduce nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy. Studies have also shown that acupuncture may reduce symptoms of irritable-bowel syndrome, fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome.
Other CAM methods may have therapeutic effects on conditions like HIV/AIDS and diabetes, heart disease or hypertension, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and rheumatoidarthritis.
Even though there are still gaps in our knowledge about the effectiveness of CAM, most experts agree that it can play a role in treating various ailments.
As a result, CAM practitioners are becoming more popular as a way to treat common illnesses.
Despite its popularity, many are still confused about what “alternative” and “complementary medicine is.
What are the 5 domains of integrative medicine?
Integrative medicine encompasses five domains: mind-body; nutrition; social determinants; lifestyle and prevention. These five areas address all aspects of health care, including physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and environmental well-being.
Integrative medicine offers a comprehensive approach for addressing your overall health, well-being, and treatment of diseases. It includes both conventional medical treatment and complementary therapies such acupuncture.
What is Alternative Medicine?
This is a holistic approach to healing that emphasizes prevention over treatment. It encourages people become educated consumers who are actively involved in improving their overall health and well-being.
Alternative medicine refers generally to any form of diagnosis or treatment that does away with allopathic (conventional), medical approaches.
What does it mean to use complementary medicine?
Complementary Medicine encompasses any medical treatment that adds to the mainline. This covers treatments such as acupuncture (aromatherapy), chiropractic care, homeopathy and hypnosis.
Complementary medicine should not be considered in isolation of conventional medicine. They’re also sometimes called “alternative” or “integrative” medicine because they integrate Western scientific methods with other approaches that have been proven effective in healing people.
Who uses holistic medicine
Holistic medicine is health care that treats the whole person as opposed to treating specific symptoms. Holistic medicine focuses on both mental and physical well-being.
Holistic medicine includes acupuncture, massage therapy, chiropractic treatment, nutritional counseling, yoga, and other complementary therapies.
People who use holistic medicine include those who have been diagnosed with cancer, heart problems, diabetes, arthritis, depression, anxiety, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, post-traumatic stress disorder, eating disorders, migraines, infertility, menopause, asthma, autism, and many others.
How safe is holistic medicine.
Holistic remedies are safe, as they are not dangerous drugs, but natural remedies for people who have used them for centuries.
Many diseases have been treated with these herbs, including cancer, arthritis, chronic and severe pain, asthma, diabetes, high cholesterol, heart disease, obesity (obesity), depression, anxiety stress, insomnia as well sexual dysfunction and infertility.
Millions of people all over the globe are using holistic medicine to treat various types of illnesses. They include homeopathy. Chiropractic care, herbal therapies, massage therapy. yoga. meditation. Biofeedback. These therapies target the whole person and not just the symptoms.
Statistics
- According to the World Health Organization, 80% of people use herbal medicine worldwide. (webmd.com)
- category.[111]Edzard Ernst characterized the evidence for many alternative techniques as weak, nonexistent, or negative and in 2011, published his estimate that about 7.4% were based on “sound evidence.” However, he believes that may be an overestimate. (en.wikipedia.org)
- According to a 2005 book by a US [116]Institute of Medicine panel, the number of RCTs focused on CAM has risen dramatically. (en.wikipedia.org)
- A 15-year systematic review published in 2022 on the global acceptance and use of CAM among medical specialists found the overall acceptance of CAM at 52% and the overall use at 45%. (en.wikipedia.org)
- In the 17% in which they disagreed, a third reader agreed with one of the initial readers to set a rating. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
cam.cancer.gov
doi.org
nccih.nih.gov
liebertpub.com
- Games for Health Journal by Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers
- The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.
How To
What are the main 4 categories of complementary and/or alternative medicine?
The four major categories of CAM are natural products, energy healing, manipulation therapies, mind-body medicine and natural products. Mind-body medicine covers yoga, Tai Chi and Reiki, as well as chiropractic care, homeopathy (naturopathy), biofeedback, hypnosis and hypnosis. Natural products are herbs, vitamins, minerals and dietary supplements. Manipulative therapies include physical manipulation such as osteopathic and chiropractic care, acupuncture, therapeutic exercise, and bodywork. Techniques such as prayer or visualization can be used to bring about energy healing.
CAM refers to a variety of health practices that are not in line with Western medical models. These practices can be supported by scientific evidence, or they may involve surgery. They also vary in terms of the conditions they treat. Some CAM professionals also perform diagnostic testing, such as blood tests, and prescribe medication. Others may do neither.
These four categories are not the only ones. There are many subcategories within each one. There are many subcategories within mind-body medicines, such as relaxation techniques and mindfulness training. Natural products include nutritional supplements as well botanical medicines, homeopathic treatments, essential oils and herbal preparations. Manual, movement or traction can be used to manipulate the body. Spiritual healing can be done through prayer or faith healing.
Many CAM treatments help symptoms without addressing the cause of the disease. Some chronic diseases can be helped by CAM. If used correctly, CAM may be a complement to conventional treatments.
There are many reasons that people use CAM.
- To improve their overall wellbeing.
- To manage a special condition.
- To reduce pain or discomfort.
- To prevent illness.
- To promote wellness.
- To address a personal belief.
Some people use CAM to have more control over their own health than traditional medicine. It may have fewer side effects. Some choose CAM because they don’t have to take prescription medication. Others prefer to avoid taking pharmaceuticals whenever possible. Many people also seek out CAM because of bad experiences with traditional medicine.
Some people who use CAM claim they want to be confident about what they’re doing before trying out new techniques. Many CAM users are concerned about the safety and effectiveness. Others rely on word of mouth from friends and family members.
Although CAM is often viewed negatively by society, most users report positive feelings toward CAM. People who use CAM are healthier and happier than those that don’t. This holds true regardless your age, gender or race.
An overwhelming majority of Americans are familiar with some form of complementary or alternative medicine. Nearly all adults–95%–use one type of CAM at least once during their lifetime. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health – NCCIH, approximately 40,000,000 visits were made to CAM providers alone in 2010.
The NCCIH estimates that 10 percent of the U.S. population uses chiropractors, massage therapists, acupuncturists, naturopaths, and/or osteopaths.3 By comparison, only 2 percent of the population uses medical doctors.
The American Medical Association renewed its support for integrative medicines in 2013. It stated that doctors should incorporate scientifically validated complementary and alternative medicine into their clinical practice to meet patients’ expectations and needs.
The Institute of Medicine published a landmark study in 2007 titled “Releasing Constraints – Improving Access to Complementary and Alternative Healthcare” which concluded that “there is no credible evidence of any specific CAM intervention being effective in preventing, treating, and curing cancer.”
CAM continues to gain popularity despite this finding. The 2008 number of CAM practitioners increased 8 percent compared with 2007.
Recent research found that nearly half of respondents used CAM in their primary healthcare routine.
CAM therapies include natural products, mind-body practices, manipulative techniques, energy healing modalities, exercise, dietary supplements, and other approaches.
Many CAM therapies are used primarily as pain relief. But, many offer additional benefits such relaxation, improved moods, better sleep, decreased stress and enhanced immunity.
Acupuncture is a treatment that can reduce chronic back pain, anxiety, depression and improve the immune system, promote weightloss, and improve menstrual symptoms.
Many CAM treatments have roots in Ayurvedic, Chinese, and Traditional Chinese medicine.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), a form of Traditional Chinese Medicine, was first practiced in China over 5,000 year ago.
TCM is an important component of modern health care.
Today, it’s estimated that more than 70 percent of people in the United States rely on TCM for treatment.
Yoga is another popular CAM treatment. Yoga was first developed in India around 5000 B.C. Yoga is now widely accepted worldwide.
Yoga has become increasingly popular with the general public because it offers physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual benefits.
Yoga can relieve stress, improve flexibility, and increase strength.
Although there is limited scientific research, yoga seems to have positive effects on sleep33 and may be helpful for those suffering from insomnia.
Other CAM therapies are also gaining acceptance in mainstream medicine, including meditation, homeopathy, and aromatherapy.
One of the most used types of CAM is herbal medicine.
Herbal medicines are made up of herbs, spices flowers, seeds fruits, nuts, bark, leaves and roots.
They are often considered safer than prescription drugs and are used widely by consumers.
The U.S. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health estimates that about 90 million Americans use some form of complementary/alternative medicine.
According to the American Cancer Society 45% of adults with cancer used alternative medicine during their illness.
The National Institutes of Health estimates that 60% of patients with cancer use CAM, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that about 50% of all cancer survivors report using CAM.
In fact, according to a recent study, 51% of cancer survivors reported using at least one type of CAM.
However, only 8% discussed the topic with their physicians.
This communication gap between conventional medical providers, CAM users and traditional doctors is a major problem in healthcare delivery.
