What Medical Practitioners should Know about Patients

Doctors should always be trying to improve, not only with up to date medical research and practices, but also with people skills.  I am sure most of this was taught in medical school, but most of us can agree the key to success is to remember the important things often.  Here are some concepts to remember about patient care.

1. Listen.  Listen to what your patients are saying.  Even if it does not make sense logically to your training.  Listen to and believe your patients unless you find reason not to believe them. Listen to all their complaints without jumping to a conclusion too soon.  Listen to how they are feeling physically and emotionally.  Listen to what they think is going on if they suggest anything. 

2. Teach.  I believe the most important role of a doctor is an educator.  The majority of patients don't have much knowledge about the body.  Some may not have any.  Your role is to teach, in a concise and easy to understand manner the issues.  Don't use medical jargon.  Use words someone outside of the medical field can understand.  If there are terms that will come up often, teach what they mean so the patient can use the terms correctly with other doctors or specialists.  Each person learns in different ways.  Take the time to make sure you use a variety of teaching styles and methods. Make sure the patient understands what is being explained. Never be too busy or obtuse to explain and teach the knowledge you have.

3. Consider.  Consider the consequences of your treatment plans to the everyday lives of your patients.  Especially pediatric patients.  A tracheostomy may seem like the easiest course of action medically, but you must think of how this will disrupt your patients life and their families lives.  It may be important to shadow a family with a tracheostomy or g-tube, for example, to appreciate the challenges these families face daily.  Consider family competencies, goals, and what is best medically for the patient.