What does curiosity have to do with patient safety?

Why do we say “curiosity killed the cat?” Isn’t curiosity what drives people to ask insightful questions? To keep an open mind? And to continue learning at age 6 or 60, alike? Curiosity is what sets apart people who are fixed in their opinions and beliefs and those who adjust in light of new information. Recently, I read an article in The New Yorker that suggested that Donald Trump doesn’t read books unlike most of his predecessors. One aspect of my transition to academia from industry that continues to surprise me (every day!) is how much people read — they not only read peer-reviewed literature in their field, but they also read fiction and non-fiction. They are truly consumers of information! In their book, Listening to What Matters, the authors suggest that curiosity can drive physicians to ask patients questions — answers to which may turn out to be relevant to the correct diagnosis or the appropriate treatment plan. Curiosity also leads us to listen, rather than speak. So, what does curiosity have to do with patient safety? 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: Patient Primary Care Source Type: blogs