For some folks, their interactions with their doctors left such a bad taste in their mouths that they wanted to call out their less-than-exemplary behavior. Still, other doctors might not see the point in being kind or genuinely caring about their patients. They’re anxious. They’re scared. In these situations, many people need emotional support. So, how a doctor delivers a diagnosis or phrases things becomes just as important—if not more so—than the actual information they’re delivering. The news will come as a shock either way, but in the latter case, the patient might be left with more determination and a feeling that their doctor will have their back, come hell or high water. A touch of empathy can be the difference between hope and devastation. Meanwhile, someone who is completely detached from their patients won’t inspire much trust at all. In the former case, patients are more likely to follow through with their treatment plans and medical advice. They’ll be more likely to follow through with any medication regimens and attend follow-up appointments. They’ll actually listen when their physicians tell them to eat better and move more, which should prevent some health problems in the future. The doctors with good bedside manners will have a good reputation, which, by extension, will improve the standing of their workplace, bringing in more business and investments. And, on a wider scale, fewer sick people and more trust in the community are good for society as a whole. That means using fewer technical terms and medical jargon or at least explaining what everything means in a simple way. The goal is for both sides to be on the same page, not to flex one’s fancy medical degree and the plethora of knowledge they amassed. Do we have any Doctor Pandas here today? If so, what do you personally do to build a sense of trust with your patients? You can share your opinions and experiences in the comments section at the bottom of this post. Follow Bored Panda on Google News! Follow us on Flipboard.com/@boredpanda! Please use high-res photos without watermarks Ooops! Your image is too large, maximum file size is 8 MB.
