Doctor, Can You Hear Me?

April 5, 2009, 1:48 pmkendra3 comments

Check out my post on Medscape to read my rant about listening to our patients.

Click Here To View the Entry

3 comments:

  1. Latha, April 5, 2009, 7:34 pm

    Good post!

    I agree. But there are just too many Patients and too few doctors.

    There should be a patient education center that reads the patients file and teaches them what they need to do and the lifestyle changes that need to be made.

    But even with that said, I know many well educated people that still choose to eat burgers and fries everyday and smoke 3 packs a week.

    Its a strange situation that is not the same throughout.

     
  2. chi, April 7, 2009, 2:55 pm

    I agree with your post, but the problem can only begin to resolve when future healthcare providers like you challenge the current system and take those extra few minutes to listen to their patients. After all, isn’t that the foundation of patient-centered care, To listen to patients and see them beyond their pathologies? But given the burden on physicians, there could at least be more access to dietians and social workers who can followup with said patients and go in greater depth than a physician quick on rounds.

    I love your spirit and ongoing dedication. Continue to speak up and give the patients you encounter the time (and really, respect) they deserve. Change begins with one person, no?

     
  3. Crystal Irwin, April 13, 2009, 5:48 pm

    Kudos Kendra! You are not only identifying but taking a stand against a major issue in US health care. I am a clinical pharmacist and can not tell you the number of times I’ve met patients who are completely uneducated on their disease state and their medications. Of course they’re going to be non compliant- they have no idea what they are taking or why!

    Just wanted to let you know that I enjoyed the article and to keep up the good work!

     

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