Reflections
One of the key issues that is imperative to understand, most especially when we treat patients that are chronically ill, is that often
Too often, these patients have been given the mentality by other healthcare professionals that they simply need to take this pill or that, and not take personal responsibility for their own health issues.
Of course, this does not usually apply to patients that suffer from genetic diseases, trauma or terminal illness. In these patients guided compassion and support wins every time.
Many patients that suffer from chronic illness and pain have a lot of underlying issues which we can help them deal with.
The real key to patient satisfaction and clinical success is getting these patients to understand what they must do themselves.
And in some patients, this is a relatively short list. It is unfortunate, but sometimes patients take years to make healthy decisions. These include quitting cigarettes, reducing or eliminating alcohol and other substances and getting to and maintaining healthy body weight.
Since these can be some of the most common health problems presented in our practices, having the systems in place to deal with these conditions must be addressed.
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One final reminder we sooner or later all learn.
We can offer compassion, advice, encouragement, and solid treatment plans. DO NOT put yourself in the position as their Physician as being the patient’s savior.
Instead, compliment, reward, and encourage them when they accomplish targets you mutually have set. By the same token, compassionately put the responsibility back on them if they stumble. This is where setting goals, frequent follow-up and good mental health access we can work closely with is crucial.
Likewise telling all our patients right up front that the only promise we can make is that of providing the best care, but never outcomes is sage advice, which has served me well ‘til this day.
