[Moving from the medical model in the present towards human centered care in the future].

Abstract

Background: Mental health care is under great pressure; the current system is bursting at the seams with waiting times and cutbacks against the backdrop of major societal transformations.

Aim: From the chaos of the present, this essay attempts to sketch a perspective on the future of psychiatry.

Method: Using the theory of major transformations and systems change this essay zooms out to a complex systemic perspective to try to paint a picture of psychiatry in 10 years’ time.

Results: Several theories of major systemic change suggest that healthcare is moving from the current medical model to human-centered care from an ecosystem that is organized around the person. There are already new initiatives that seem to be making a start in this direction. Nevertheless, the future is difficult to predict and time will tell where we will be in 10 years’ time.

Conclusion: The major transformation in healthcare is moving in the direction of human-centered care in which hope and possibilities present themselves for a healthier society.