Realistic Medicine: Changing Culture and Practice in the Delivery of Health and Social Care

Abstract Objective Current models of health and social care services are stretched and do not always suit patients, their carers or the aspirations of the workforce. Realistic Medicine aims to improve patient care by ensuring that people receive appropriate, beneficial, evidence-based care aligned with their personal preferences. This paper builds on a keynote address delivered at ICCH 2018. Methods We explore the six core principles of Realistic Medicine: (i) building a personalised approach to patient care; (ii) changing style to shared decision-making; (iii) reducing harm and waste; (iv) tackling unwarranted variation in practice and outcomes; (v) managing risk better; (vi) becoming improvers and innovators in healthcare. Results Realistic Medicine is being embedded across Scotland, championed by local and national clinical leaders. There is particular focus on engaging patients around shared-decision making and improving value in healthcare. Conclusion Realistic Medicine is the first example of these principles being articulated clearly and collectively as the essential components of a health and care system’s national improvement strategy. It reflects the care that most professional staff wish to provide. Practice implications To deliver Realistic Medicine, all health and social care professionals must be empowered to work together in teams, networks and in partnership with people.