In health care, what is important?!

In health care, what is important?

As a patient and consumer of health care - what is important? What's important about the doctor, the staff, the clinic, etc. What do you hate about seeking health care? What do you like about seeking health care? What things are important? :)

4 months ago
cute knight:

WHAT?!?!?!

btw, I am a dr. Trying out how to better my patients.

I could really care less about the clinical setting - I mean some magazines other than popular mechanics are nice, but really - doesnt matter. I'm not at the doctors to be entertained.
About the Doctor - px do not liked being dx'd before they are heard out. So going through a new patients records and confirming the former doctors diagnosis without listening to the patient will get you zero points. [Also, you just might catch a longstanding misdiagnosis as a perk (happened to me just last week)]


People who have illnesses that are difficult to diagnose spend on avergae 10 years going to doctors and feeling belittled for wasting everyones time - They feel like crap and they are told they have depression, anxiety or someother secondary comorbidity. Shoot, after all that trauma getting told you have something like a neurological or autoimmune disorder is almost a relief.
Treat everyone as if you would a spouse or close relative (that you like) and I promise you, you will percieve your patients differently.

Doctors take an oath to do no harm - the bedside manner of a doctor can do just that - A few weeks ago I was told I had a genetic disease I could suddenly die from, there was nothing that could be done, have a nice day. That sort of thing is cruel - doctors need to educate thier patients about so many things. An educated patient is one that is going to fare better regardless of prognosis.

And never forget that a patient is the sum total of what is between his ears and what he does from the time he gets out of bed until he sleeps - as well as what he does in bed ....Forget that, and you are only treating part of the patient.

Ask questions. Compliance is a huge issue - what problems do you have taking this medication? is a huge dialogue opener that has a lot of power to increase compliance - maybe its the time of day? because they are at work at that time, maybe putting the med by the alarm clock will help. Maybe they get an upset stomach, or they are afraid to have it in the house because of a relatives substance abuse problems. - You would be amazed what pts have to say if you ask them.

Also - patients should never feel judged, or embarassed, or ashamed of what they have to tell you - patients lie all the time because they are trying to avoid these feelings. Give them some safe space to tell you about thier health behaviours. Otherwise you are treating a lie and no one benefits. Be mindful of peoples fears of discussing sexual side-effects. Find a tactful way of bringing this up and you will relieve the anxieties of many clients.

I really love this question - and in having to study health psych for way too long doctor/patient relationships have certainly come into play....but I had surgury yesterday, and I still cant think too straight.
If you would like to write, please do.
Be well - Good Luck in being a partner in good health with those you serve.