BMJ  2008;336:1408 (21 June), doi:10.1136/bmj.a340

Observations

Border Crossing

Manners in medicine

We should not underestimate the power of caring

The first 150 words of the full text of this article appear below.

Is Britain the rudest nation on earth? The results of a recent poll reported in The Week suggest as much, and as night follows day the idea that schools should teach "good manners" has been floated. Nothing new here then. In 1898 George Bernard Shaw observed, "We don’t bother much about dress and manners in England, because as a nation we don’t dress well, and we’ve no manners." Centuries before him William of Wykeham enshrined the motto "Manners makyth man" to steer the schoolboys of Winchester College.

When our daily exchange with others is courteous and pleasant, life is enhanced. On days when we are worried, vulnerable, or sick our interaction with others assumes added importance. Shaw was no lover of doctors, but in his day the value of good "bedside" manners (and professional attire) was acknowledged. Sitting by the bed, listening and observing, reassuring where possible, showing empathy where . . . [Full text of this article]

CiteULike    Complore    Connotea    Del.icio.us    Digg    Reddit    Technorati    What's this?

Relevant Articles

What’s in a name?

Anke Medrington
BMJ 2008 337: a687. [Extract] [Full Text]

What is the placebo worth?

David Spiegel and Anne Harrington
BMJ 2008 336: 967-968. [Extract] [Full Text] [PDF]

This article has been cited by other articles:

• Medrington, A. (2008). What's in a name?. BMJ 337: a687-a687 [Full text]  

Rapid Responses:

Read all Rapid Responses

Are we too business focussed?

Dil Sen
bmj.com, 21 Jun 2008 [Full text]

What's in a name?

Anke Medrington (Ms)
bmj.com, 25 Jun 2008 [Full text]

Re: What's in a name?

Dr. Herbert H. Nehrlich
bmj.com, 26 Jun 2008 [Full text]

mutual respect can be enhanced by restoring the balance of power

oscar,m jolobe
bmj.com, 10 Jul 2008 [Full text]