Good Sam Hospital in San Jose wants people to prioritize preventative health care at least as highly as they prioritize going out to dinner or seeing a movie. And if soft lighting, background music and refreshments will entice you to do so, they're willing to try it.
Hence their "Make it a Date" night this coming Tuesday...where they hope you'll bring a loved one or a buddy to get a breast or prostate exam. [Reg. Req'd.]
Too bad you can't find info about it on Good Sam's web site.
Well, who am I to nay-say. I certainly hope it works, but somehow I'm not sure trying to dress unpleasant tasks up with lights and music is going to fool anyone.
What do you think: what would motivate people to get off their butts and get those basic preventative exams done: enticement of this sort? Instilling fear? What makes you get it done?
Uh... I am all about the preventative exam but that's sort of creepy. I'm not sure why, it just feels that way. Though, maybe they should take it a step further and have singles nights - pair up someone getting a breast exam with someone getting a prostate exam! Or, possibly not.
I suspect people avoid getting these exams, not because of the lack of fun atmosphere, but because going to the doctor when you don't have to is often a pain in the ass - you have to take time off work, wait around to spend 10 minutes with someone, etc. That's if you have health insurance and/or can find an available doctor. Music and mood lighting won't change those things.
(And I should say that I actually have a great doctor, get my exams and have never waited more than 5 minutes (at the PAMF) but I don't think that's the case for most people).
Posted by: marylynn | October 21, 2005 at 08:57 PM
I'm sure you are right. I have spent most doctor appointments fuming about either a) having to wait or b) some confusion over my insurance card or co-payment.
Posted by: Elisa Camahort | October 21, 2005 at 11:55 PM