We live in a world of information asymmetry that is perpetuating inequity. Yet even those who can access ‘information’ find themselves bombarded with ‘facts’, the accuracy of which may vary widely. The line between ‘truth’ and ‘falsehood’ has become increasingly blurred, resulting in confusion and division. We seem to be rapidly losing the ability to find common ground; the practice of wholesale rejection of any opinion that does not agree with our own seems to be increasingly commonplace. We are literally ‘ghosting’ each other to oblivion.
There is a desperate need to revive the time-honoured tradition of discussion. We must re-learn that it is acceptable to agree to disagree, for the benefit of the wider community. The diversity of perspectives must be celebrated for the robustness they provide and the unseen dangers they may reveal. Indeed, we must actively seek different points of view, not automatically reject them.
SWAT?chats (So What About This?) is a forum designed to re-energise public discussion to harness diverse opinions. It seeks to analyse the local relevance of global concepts. We hope to bring acknowledged experts to explain the fundamentals of concepts that have a universal reach and create the space for local residents to discuss their impact on the local ecosystem. The exact format of SWAT?chats may vary between time and place, yet the founding principle – the active pursuit of robustness through diversity – shall always remain.
Global Plymouth is pleased to welcome one of the most respected professionals driving value-based healthcare (VBHC), a new approach to planning healthcare, at this inaugural SWATchat? in Plymouth. Hailed as an innovation to move the focus from treatment to prevention and keeping the patient at the very centre, VBHC has the potential to impact on every single one of us. What is it? What do others, and more importantly, you think about it? This is your opportunity to have your voice heard!
Simon Mansfield, the Head of VBHC at Hywel Dda University Health Board, will explain the fundamentals of this innovative approach, its impact and how it has contributed to Wales being hailed as one of the top four Global Innovators by the World Economic Forum. His 30-minute introduction will be followed by instant feedback from a panel of experts, representing key domains of community health and wellbeing over the next 30 minutes. After a short break, the discussion will move to the audience where you will be invited to have your say.
Please join us for this free event – your voice matters and this is our opportunity to shape our own future. The event is open to all and everyone is welcome to attend. We would also love to hear your suggestions for topics to discuss at future SWAT?chats.
Register your attendance
Email poorna.gunasekera@plymouth.ac.uk for further information.