Last week, a family member had to see a General Practitioner that was linked to her Medical Aid. As it was her first consultation with this doctor, I sent a detailed referral letter. The letter included the disturbing changes in her vital signs and blood work, hoping that we could work in collaboration to ‘crack this case’.
There appeared to be clear signs and symptoms of diabetes. The GP spent 10 minutes with her, dismissing my documents with all their alarming readings, and said that he thought that her recent fainting spell was due to epilepsy. He took her blood pressure and wrote a referral letter for an EEG (brain scan). When her sister asked what the symptoms of epilepsy were, he commented (without looking up from his computer) …. google it!
In the realm of healthcare, the technical skills and medical knowledge of professionals often take center stage. In these instances, medics typically have poor bedside manner, failing to connect with their patients, they expect the patient to follow their instructions, do the required tests, and then take the prescribed pills.
Bedside Manner Matters For Longevity
A dismissive attitude prevents the doctor from obtaining crucial information for accurate diagnoses and health interventions. This then has a profound impact on patient outcomes.
Numerous studies have shown that patients who receive care from doctors with an excellent bedside manner experience reduced stress, improved pain management, and better treatment adherence and will visit their primary care physicians more frequently.
A study performed between 2010 and 2014 with 378,862 Medicare Beneficiaries assessed whether regular visits to one’s primary care physicians changed patients’ outcomes.
These claims were assessed for emergency department (ED) visits, hospitalizations, and total Medicare expenditures.
The outcome?
Beneficiaries with fewer regular visits to their primary care physicians had more ED visits and more hospitalizations, and their Medicare bill was higher within the 4-year period. It’s clear that high-quality proactive patient care contributes to longevity.
Finding the right doctor for you
Here is a checklist for finding the best practitioner for you and your loved ones:
- Does your healthcare provider have a positive demeanor, attitude, and communication style when interacting with you?
- Do they convey empathy and active listening, are they fully present when you relay your story? Also, do you feel heard and understood by them and feel that you can open up to them, no matter how embarrassing or silly your concerns may seem? Do they create a safe space for you to express your fears about the changes in your body?
- Perhaps they are distracted, sitting behind a computer, intent on finding quick solutions as they have other patients waiting. Or are they making eye contact, validating concerns, and providing reassurance and comfort?
- Are they spending your consultation fee speaking about themselves (oversharing)?
- Do you understand your doctors’ explanations, are they free from jargon or complex medical terminology? Do they take the time to explain medical conditions, treatment options, and procedures, ensuring that you are well-informed, perhaps even encouraging you to set realistic goals?
- Does your doctor give you the opportunity to ask questions and to be actively involved in your health care? Are you willing to have this person as a passenger on your healing journey? Or are they insistent on taking full control, being the domineering driver, emotionally distant, indifferent, dumping you in the back seat? Have they perfected the art of detachment?
- Do they scare you, saying that if you don’t do what they say that you’ll be in grave danger, that their way is the only option?
- When you leave your doctor’s office, do you feel like there is a plan in place? That you have made a meaningful connection with this person? That you can trust them with your health? Do you feel empowered and respected, or do you feel confused, invalidated, rushed, and anxious?
Takeaway
When my daughter was 4 years old, a 9-year-old asked her, what is more important, your brain or your heart? “My mom!” she replied. Imagine if your brilliantly clever, highly qualified, and astute doctor approached their patients with deep, heart-centered tenderness and humility.
Share this with a doctor if you’ve had a bad experience with them so that we can all cultivate a culture of compassionate care.
References
Primary Care Visit Regularity and Patient Outcomes: an Observational Study. Adam J Rose 1 2, Justin W Timbie 3, Claude Setodji 4, Mark W Friedberg 5 6, Rosalie Malsberger 5, Katherine L Kahn 7 8
Who is the author?
Dr Joanne Pautz
Dr. Joanne Pautz, MTech Hom; FAAMFM, has a Master’s Degree in Homeopathy and a Fellowship in Anti-Ageing; Metabolic & Functional Medicine. She currently practices in Johannesburg. Visit her website here.
