Physicians are the emotional punching bags of society

The Washington Post featured an article by Dr. Michael Stein, “We all want doctors to be kind. But does kindness actually help us get better?” He presented intriguing but inconclusive data regarding the benefits of a “kind” doctor on control of diabetes or on perceived duration of colds for instances. In the end, Dr. Stein concludes, “At the moment, the best answer to the kindness contrarian is: Even if the evidence in favor of the therapeutic benefits of empathy is weak, there is no evidence that refutes the idea that empathy improves care. And too many patients have stories of how unkindness or the sheer obliviousness of doctors can be devastating and indelible.” If the value of empathy and kindness from a physician is debatable and difficult to assess, I challenge the opposing paradigm that asks, “We all want to help kind people. But does a kind patient get better care?” I was rounding for the first time on a man admitted for decompensated congestive heart failure. He had cycled through volume overload then acute renal failure then volume overload four times in three months. I called his caretaker to ask a few clarifying questions. I immediately encountered the wrath of frustration and distrust that predated my meeting this patient by three months. Continue reading ... Your patients are rating you online: How to respond. Manage your online reputation: A social media guide. Find out how.
Source: Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog - Category: Journals (General) Authors: Tags: Physician Primary care Source Type: blogs