Care, (the) human being and health practices

Abstract

Contemporary health practices are facing an important crisis in their history. In contrast with their huge scientific and technological development, these practices are finding severe limitations for effectively responding to the complex needs for care of individuals and populations. Recent proposals on humanized and comprehensive approaches are powerful and disseminated strategies for creatively facing the crisis and building alternatives for the organization of health care in Brazil. This reflexive essay aims to examine from a hermeneutical point of view some of the philosophical and practical challenges to be faced in the way of the humanization of health practices. Heidegger's ontological concept of Care (Sorge), in its relations with (the) human being is the basis for a critical review of current characteristics of health care. The analysis is driven by a case study on primary health care, taken from the author's own professional experience. Life project, identity building, confidence and responsibility are pointed out as main features to be considered in the comprehension of interactions between health professionals and patients and as key issues in the ethical, political and technical renewal of health care.