Let the patients decide

doi:10.1136/bmj.330.7506.1515-a

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Colin Douglas, doctor and novelist

Edinburgh

“And this pain… How would you rate it on a scale of one to 10?” The patient flinches at the memory and rolls her eyes. “Eleven… And I've had two children…”

Her interrogator looks puzzled. Perhaps she is gathering her thoughts for her next question. Eventually it emerges. “And where did you say the pain started?”

“Here.” She clutches her right loin. “And where did you say it went to again?” “My groin. My right groin.” She even …