Communication

Good communication between patients and their doctors is so important that both need to make sure that what is said is interpreted correctly. While doctors do their best in communicating medical information, misunderstandings still inevitably happen. One of my most poignant examples happened with a six-year-old boy I will call Petie.

I explained to Petie in front of his mom that we were going to take his tonsils out the next day, but not to worry because he would be asleep. I told him he would breathe into a mask to blow up the anesthesia balloon and we would then put him to sleep and when he woke up his tonsils would be out. I told Petie his throat would be sore afterwards but we would give him medicine to help and that he could eat lots of ice cream. When I asked Petie if he had any questions he just silently stared at the floor and shook his head no. I tried my best to reassure him, but to no avail. The surgery went fine and when he returned one week later he was a different kid. He was happy, playful and would not stop talking. His mom then told me something that made me laugh and also almost broke my heart. His mom told me the first thing Petie said when he got home was “Mom, when they put our dog to sleep he never came home!”

I have had other patients on occasions come in obviously worried and anxious with vague, non-specific complaints. After thoroughly checking everything, I could only tell them I found nothing to explain their problem and everything looked normal. Often an exuberant look of relief spreads over their face as they explain someone close was recently diagnosed or died of cancer in their area of complaint. What they really wanted was to be told they did not have cancer. Sometimes people are suffering from tremendous stress, grief or depression that is not obvious. Often they need psychological support in addition to medical care. Some people are old and have memory or hearing problems. I know of examples of people accidently taking suppositories by mouth and one lady had a sample pill stick in her throat because she failed to remove it from the plastic wrapper. Other people can’t afford the tests or drugs that are recommended and need special help but don’t say so.

A mutual understanding between doctors and patients is important to providing the good care and explanation every patient deserves. If you have a concern over your care or understanding of it, please ask. As physicians (or nurse practitioners) we really do want to do the best we can for you.

Dr. Chuck Guice