McDonalization of Healthcare

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What happened to modern day health care? It seems like throughout the years modern day healthcare has altered drastically into a Bureaucratic organization. In addition, our social institutions are becoming more and more Mcdonalized. According to the article What is McDonaldization? “McDonalization is the term invented by George Ritzer to describe a sociological phenomenon that is happening in our society.” In essence, McDonaldization is the process of rationalization, albeit taken to extreme levels” (Mcdonalization.com). Mcdonalization is considered a form of bureaucracy, which Ritzers refers to as dehumanizing. Many of the characteristics of Mcdonldization can easily be examine in the health care system, from a routine check-up or physical to a visit in the emergency room. In the past, healthcare was more simplistic in nature. For example, doctors knew their patients on a more personal level. In addition, checking on patients and making house calls wasn’t unheard of. Doctors would also make follow up appointments and keep in touch with their patients on a regular basis. The compassion for the patient was very prevalent during this time. However, now profit is becoming the most important component in the health care system. According to NP Oddessy, “Like a fancy restaurant, the more times they can turn over a table during a shift, the more money made. Hospitals use beds instead tables. Healthcare has been broken down into small parts, like an assembly line of care” (NP oddessy.com). We can see how healthcare is transitioning into a Beaucratic organization by looking at four components: Calculability, Efficiency, Predictability and Control.
In the hospital setting calculability is quite clear. According to the article What is McD...

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