Medicine 2.0
Medicine 2.0 refers to the current dominant paradigm of healthcare, characterized by a reactive, disease-focused approach.
Key Characteristics
- Goal: Extend lifespan by treating diseases when they develop
- Approach: “Reactive medicine”
- Primary Tactics: Procedures and drugs, with limited counseling on “lifestyle factors”
- Time Horizon: Measured in months or years
- Effectiveness Measures: Evidence-based medicine and randomized controlled clinical trials
- Patient Involvement: Patient is a passive participant
Limitations
While Medicine 2.0 has achieved many significant advances, particularly in treating acute conditions and early-stage diseases, it has limitations in:
- Preventing chronic diseases before they develop
- Addressing root causes rather than symptoms
- Providing comprehensive lifestyle guidance
- Engaging patients as active participants in their health