Module 2 - Unit 1: Exploring the Topic
A Healthy Relationship Between Patients and Health Professionals
Think About It: What type of relationship do doctors and other health professionals in your country establish with patients? How would you describe this relationship? Do you think this relationship is different in the U.S.?
Dr. Shin is a health expert who specializes in training health care professionals to communicate better with their patients. He received the following letters in his advice column on the Internet. Read the letters and write a short response to one of the letters.
A.
Dear Dr. Shin, I am an RN, but I haven't worked for many years. I have a new job in a new city, and I am a little worried. I know my duties well, but I'm afraid I won't remember how to handle different patients. What kind of relationship should a nurse have with patients? Thank you, |
B.
Dear Dr. Shin, My job is to hire and train medical and nursing assistants for a community health center. I find that very often they need special training on how to communicate better with patients. How can I help people in health care have better communication skills? Sincerely, |
C.
Dear Dr. Shin, I have been a surgeon for many years. I always ask my patients what they think and how they feel before planning an operation. Some of my colleagues don't agree with this. They think this is a waste of time. Should patients be involved in the decisions we make about their health care? Best regards, |
D.
Dear Dr. Shin, I go to a great doctor of internal medicine that I trust very much. The only problem is that she often uses medical words that I don't understand. I feel foolish asking her too many questions because I know she's very busy. Why don't doctors talk to patients in a way that we can understand? Sincerely yours, |
Now read Dr. Shin's responses to the four letters. Match each response with one of the letters he received. Write the correct name on the line. Then compare your advice in the response you wrote with his advice. Do you agree with his advice? What response would you change?
1.
Dear _______________________, I think this is very important. Patients need to be educated about their health problems and possible treatments. They can then take part in the decisions made. They need to feel confident and involved in their own health. Dr. Shin |
2.
Dear _______________________, This is one of the biggest problems that doctors have. We are trained as scientists who use many technical terms. Sometimes we forget that a patient needs to understand everything and may be afraid to ask questions. We need to put ourselves in the patient's shoes more often. Dr. Shin |
3.
Dear ______________________, First of all, they need to learn how to listen to patients. They need to practice ways to communicate with patients with different problems and from different cultures. One very important skill to teach them is how to ask the right questions to get to know the patients. Dr. Shin |
4.
Dear _____________________, I like to think of my patients as friends when I communicate with them. I try not to speak to them as if I am the only expert who knows about their health. Try to make your patients trust you and feel comfortable with you. You need to show them that you are interested in their problems. Dr. Shin |