On a calm Sunday morning in May, I embarked on the task of planting kale seedlings in my garden, ensuring a bountiful supply of winter greens. Little did I know, this seemingly innocuous activity would take a turn for the worse. With a sudden, sickening Snap!, I felt a sharp pain shoot through my hands as I attempted to break up clumps of soil. As I withdrew my left hand, I was horrified to discover the fourth finger’s tip hanging limply and loosely. The swelling knuckle throbbed with dull ache.
Seeking answers, I turned to reputable websites such as the NHS and major UK and American medical institutions. I searched for terms like ‘drooping fingertip’, ‘bruised’, and ‘painful’. Unfortunately, the consensus among these sources was grim – I had ruptured the tendon that runs from the hand to the tip of the finger, a condition known as mallet finger. If left untreated, I would be stuck with a useless, floppy digit for life.
As both a journalist who heavily relies on fast typing and a guitarist of over four decades, this injury carried significant implications for my livelihood. Faced with the choice of battling for scarce GP appointments or subjecting myself to the misery of an overcrowded A&E, I contemplated taking matters into my own hands.
Recent surveys indicate that many individuals, like myself, feel compelled to explore self-treatment methods rather than navigating the complexities of accessing NHS assistance. Disturbingly, data from the Office for National Statistics revealed that one in five people who struggled to see a GP during the pandemic resorted to DIY treatments. Similarly, a survey commissioned by the Liberal Democrats found that a quarter of participants had unsuccessfully attempted to secure a GP appointment in the previous year. Among those individuals, one in six either self-treated or sought help from non-medically qualified individuals.
Given the circumstances, pursuing self-help seemed like a sensible option. Reputable sources provided consistent advice on the issue and various treatment options. University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire NHS Trust’s website, with its concise guide on ‘Mallet finger’, proved particularly helpful. Armed with this knowledge, I fashioned my own finger splint by cutting a strip of plastic from an old washing-up bottle, molding it to fit my injured finger snugly, and affixing it with sticky tape.
Admittedly, my homemade splint may have lacked the sophistication of medical-grade equipment, but facing the alternative of spending a week battling for a GP appointment, only to be referred to A&E, seemed futile. Hours wasted in an A&E waiting room, only to present a week-old injury to a fatigued junior doctor, hardly offered a promising solution. The likely response from such a worn-down professional would undoubtedly be to “put it in a splint.”
Several weeks passed with my finger securely encased in my makeshift contraption of plastic and duct tape. Upon periodic inspections and cleanings, I noticed a gradual improvement – the finger appeared less displeased, less swollen, and mercifully pain-free. Had I observed no progress, I would have resigned myself to the challenges of NHS bureaucracy and sought professional assistance.
Critics may claim that DIY care is a cause for concern, and their fears are not entirely unfounded. The Liberal Democrats’ survey findings prompted party leader Sir Ed Davey to express concern over people resorting to self-treatment and self-prescribing medications. Yet, a consortium of UK medical professionals and pharmacists known as the Self-Care Strategy Group advocates for a shift away from overburdening GPs with basic medical problems. In December, this group published a strategy paper urging schools to educate children about conditions that can be managed at home rather than burdening the NHS unnecessarily. They point out that prior to the pandemic, £1.5 billion was spent on inappropriate use of NHS services.
Dr. Graham Jackson, the group’s chair and a GP from Buckinghamshire, emphasizes the overwhelming pressure faced by GPs and A&E departments. He urges individuals to consider if their condition truly necessitates professional care. However, he acknowledges that not everyone feels confident making that determination and urges the government to provide accessible information on self-treatable conditions. Common examples cited by the group include lower back pain, diarrhea, and the common cold, all of which can typically be managed at home.
Professor Kamila Hawthorne, chair of the Royal College of GPs, supports this proposal, highlighting the significance of early education in these matters. She predicts that instilling self-care principles in children will create a positive cycle, leading to a healthier society and a more sustainable healthcare system.
Increasingly, individuals are seeking advice and support from sources beyond GPs and A&E departments, particularly in High-Street pharmacies. Community Pharmacy England reports that a quarter of a million people visit community pharmacies each week for self-care support due to limited access to other parts of the NHS. According to NHS guidelines, pharmacists are authorized to offer treatment advice for common conditions and minor injuries such as colds, flu, earaches, cystitis, skin rashes, and eye infections. However, pharmacists also witness dangerous attempts at self-care for life-threatening or fatal problems.
Ian Strachan, a pharmacist and owner of Strachan’s Chemists in Bury, Greater Manchester, recounts a distressing incident involving a man in his mid-60s. Unable to secure primary care services, the man resorted to home remedies and self-medication. When his health rapidly declined, Mr. Strachan urged him to go to A&E. Tragically, the man was diagnosed with lung fibrosis and passed away a few weeks later. While it is uncertain whether earlier intervention could have saved his life, it could have undoubtedly improved his outlook and alleviated his suffering.
Reena Barai, a pharmacist and owner of SG Barai Pharmacy in Sutton, Surrey, echoes Mr. Strachan’s observations. She has noticed a concerning trend of individuals failing to recognize the severity of their illnesses due to their reluctance to bother doctors. Even in cases of serious injuries like broken shoulders, patients tend to resort to self-care and self-diagnosis through the internet. This issue emerged during the pandemic and continues to persist.
In conclusion, while DIY care presents both benefits and risks, it is clear that the current healthcare system faces significant challenges. Balancing the burden on GPs and A&E departments with empowering individuals to take responsibility for their self-treatable conditions requires a concerted effort. Educating children on appropriate self-care, providing accessible information on self-treatable conditions, and leveraging the expertise of pharmacists are potential steps towards a healthier and more sustainable healthcare system. However, it is crucial to ensure that self-treatment does not veer into dangerous territory where life-threatening conditions are left untreated. Professional medical assistance should always be sought when necessary, prioritizing the well-being and safety of individuals.
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