Doctor communication is important

Doctor communication is important

Country:
US

Source:
Good communication leads to proper diagnoses, doctors say
CRAIG WIECZORKIEWICZ
June 16, 2006
Copyright © 2006 The Times, LLC,
http://mywebtimes.com/ottnews/archives/ottawa/
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Story:
Good communication with one’s doctor is key for proper diagnosis. This article identifies four issues that might discourage people from being open with their GP:
embarrassment, unfamiliarity with medical terms, assumptions about importance of symptoms and anxiety. (Please see articles for expanded information)

Facts:
- take notes during visits to GP and write down details before going to the GP.
- some patients think that over the counter medicines are not medicines.

Language Issues:
- emotional feeling and reactions can seriously affect how we communicate and what we communicate.
- as the article points out, patients might not know the medical terms and using common use terms might be considered unacceptable. A good option to solve this information problem is to have leaflets or posters giving the formal terms for certain sensitive terms.
- information is always key for effective communication.

Comments:
- showing the patient how to communicate with their GP can lead to important dividends, is this article shows..
- maybe some still have an antiquated view of doctor/patient relation; one where the doctor figure (medical professional) is considered a figure of absolute authority and our social training is never to question or communicate with authority.
- the GP should be aware that people might be embarrassed using certain terms or communicating certain symptoms; a GP ought to take an active role in identifying these awkward issues for patients.

Bottom-Line:
How much does lack of communication cost in lives, pain and money?