Seeing people, not patients: a strength-based approach to health and healing through asset mapping

Abstract

A deficits model is the cornerstone for health professions education, practice and scholarship. Focusing on diseases, addictions, social risk factors, and other deficits leads us to see medicalized beings with problems, also known as “patients”. This approach does particular harm to those who come from marginalized communities, groups who have always been viewed through the deficits lens by their colonizers/oppressors. When we focus on understanding strengths—including culture, language, resilience, skills, and resources we can begin to see "people" as full human beings possessing the tools necessary for their own healing. This approach, also known as “asset mapping”, will allow us to provide more effective, decolonized care, and will open the door to deeper healing for all involved.