The simplest way to describe psychology is to describe it as the science of studying how our thoughts influence the way we behave. That is why it is one of the big three of the behavioural sciences (Psychology, Sociology & Anthropology). It is called a SCIENCE because nothing is left to chance. Psychologists do not depend on common sense. In fact, they actively set out to prove that the --so-called "common sense" is often wrong through countless hours of research on human behaviours to prove their theories are correct. 

Here is how the American Psychological Association (APA) describe this scientific process:

"Using empirical methods, psychologists apply that universal curiosity to collect and interpret research data to better understand and solve some of society’s most challenging problems."  (American Psychological Association, n.d.)    

Psychology has great potential in healthcare. We must understand how patients think in order to understand how we can get our patients to be active partners in managing their health or treating their illnesses. An understanding of how to motivate (generating positive thoughts) them to create greater cooperation (compliance with medical treatment) rather than giving up (non compliance) on the prescribed medical intervention. From the APA (n.d.) again:

"Many psychologists work as health care providers. They assess behavioural and mental function and well-being. [...] The application of psychological research can decrease the economic burden of disease on government and society as people learn how to make choices that improve their health and well-being. [...] The science of psychology is pervasive. Psychologists work in some of the nation’s most prominent companies and organizations. From Google, Boeing and NASA to the federal government, national health care organizations and research groups to Cirque du Soleil, Disney and NASCAR — psychologists are there, playing important roles."

In other words, here is the strength of psychology. If we can understand how we or others think, we may have a better chance of changing our (or another's) behaviour. Below is a brief description of the application of psychology seen from the eyes of university lecturers  in Warwick Business School training future business leaders.

If patients are our "customers" or "clients", how can we provide or communicate our healthcare services to them so that they can be as healthy as they can be?

One of the tools that we use throughout Term 1 is a psychological model called the Health Belief Model or HBM for short. The HBM is a powerful model to understand why our patients do the things they do. Remember the video from the very first page on the seemingly self-harming behaviours by newly diagnosed diabetics? We will use the HBM to try and understand why newly diagnosed patients do or do not do what is expected of them to keep their blood sugars at a healthy level.