I completed an entry about Manners earlier this year. Interestingly,
The New England Journal of Medicine, May 8,2008 issue, has an article
entitled "Etiquette-Based Medicine" written by Michael W. Kahn, M.D.,
a psychiatrist at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and an
assistant professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School.
He suggests that there needs to be more emphasis on "good manners"
rather than compassion in physician's interactions with their patients.
Primarily, his comments were targeted toward hospital based medicine.
So, rather than addressing attitudes among physicians, there would
be checklists that would address behavior. Examples:
1. Ask Permission to enter the room and wait for an answer.
2. Introduce yourself and show an ID badge.
3. Shake hands (wear glove if needed).
4. Sit down. Smile if appropriate.
5. Briefly explain your role on the team.
6. Ask the patient how he or she is feeling about being in the hospital.
I'm curious what a patient might think of this checklist. And, if a patient
were asked, how would they want a physician to behave? Would a
patient prefer good behavior or good manners over compassion?
What do you think?
I prefer trustworthiness over good manners, I think. A friendliness that fosters a feeling of compassion and trust. And, in the end, I think that good manners are really nothing more than not being offensive to those around you in either dress or conduct.
Reply to this
I think that good manner from a physician towards a patient, shows more compassion than compassion without manners. Good manners, show the patient that he/she is respected and therefore valuable, and that's what human beings need to feel better altogether.
Reply to this
I would prefer that a doctor be genuine and polite. In a hospital situation I would like to know who is addressing me and why. I once had a surgery and grew tired of having to ask each person who entered the room who they were and why they were there. It was if they just assumed I would know. I prefer to know what's going on more than have friendliness and compassion in fact. If a doctor is not especially friendly or polite that's okay. I can deal with different personalities. I cannot deal with not knowing everything I can about what's happening. I will watch the needle go into my skin because, man, if somebody's gonna be injecting something into me than I want to know what's going on.
Reply to this
i'd agree that good manners are better than compassion without manners. a doctor's role isn't to try to be your friend; it's to be the professional you entrust your life and system to, and it's a lot more reassuring when they actually sound like one. chatty nurses and consultants make me nervous as hell seeing as i come from Britain, where the overly friendly are generally considered brainless.
L
Reply to this
How is there any difference between good manners or good behavior and compassion? Why are we in the business of compassion and help if we insult people by exhibiting rude behavior or are ilmannered? Isn't courtesy and respect for our patients a part of compassion?
Reply to this
As a patient at one time myself, I really would have appreciated them asking to come in as well as intrductions. While I understand that this could get tedious for a doctor, it would mean a lot to a patient. I remember just having people walk in all the time, usually early, and they would come in5 min, intervals and each as k the same questions and it was strange telling these people things. I mean, I had no idea who they where or why they wanted my info ( as they were not my dr.). Looking back, I assume they were med students but it would have been nice to have an introduciton
Reply to this