It ’s important to give patients an idea of what to expect

The familiarity that health care professionals develop with complex medical procedures and topics is the result of years upon years of hard work, and over time we become accustomed to the jargon. We use phrases like “lap chole” and “appy” without much thought when talking to each other and (if we have a momentary lapse) with patients. We take the fantastic array of medical specialties, procedures, and knowledge in our world for granted. The extraordinary becomes mundane. For patients, medicine is very different. The situations they encounter are, for the most part, totally novel. They don’t go through two gallbladder removals or appendectomies. They often walk into our offices without a clear picture of what will happen. The experiences that patients have can be overwhelming, bizarre, and frightening. That’s why, when we refer patients to others or put them through a new experience, it’s so important to help give patients an idea of what to expect. Not just the broad-level overview, but specific, concrete details. It’s critical to make sure a patient understands what test or treatment they need and why, and informed consent is the bedrock of modern medicine. But it’s also valuable to give patients a touchstone about what the experience will look and feel like for them. 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: General Medicine Authors: Tags: Education Hospital-Based Medicine Surgery Source Type: blogs