Opinion: Sweden's 'existential health' push risks empty rhetoric

A recent opinion piece in Svenska Dagbladet sharply criticizes the growing emphasis on "existential health" within Sweden's healthcare system, arguing that it amounts to "creating meaning with empty words." The author, Hanne Kjöller, expresses skepticism towards a 13-person strong group advocating for the concept, primarily associated with the Public Health Agency of Sweden.

Kjöller questions the practical relevance and definition of "existential health," particularly when promoted by individuals with extensive titles but potentially limited direct patient care experience. She highlights the irony of focusing on abstract concepts while neglecting the immeasurable human elements of care, such as empathy and comfort for dying patients. The author suggests that this initiative might be an attempt to replace quantifiable metrics with vague terminology that appeals to bureaucratic language but fails to capture the essence of patient-provider interaction.

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What I see is an attempt to replace empty numbers with empty words.

The article points to philosopher Jonna Bornemark, known for her critique of measurement culture in the public sector, as a signatory. Kjöller speculates that Bornemark might be the driving force behind the article, finding the potential shift from measurable data to abstract language disheartening. The piece questions who these "many" are that feel something is lacking, something that requires a new, albeit imperfect, word like "existential health" to be discussed.

While acknowledging the potential need for a catalyst word, Kjöller remains unconvinced that "existential health" serves this purpose effectively. She contrasts the abstract discussion with the tangible, human-centered care depicted in the Viaplay series "S:t Görans sjukhus," where nurses engage directly and empathetically with cancer patients. The author concludes that the current push for "existential health" risks becoming a bureaucratic buzzword, detached from the genuine human connection that defines meaningful healthcare.

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Sometimes a word is needed as a catalyst, even if not perfect, for us to be able to talk about what many experience is missing.