The knock on the door
BMJ 1999; 318 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.318.7175.40 (Published 02 January 1999) Cite this as: BMJ 1999;318:40
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Sir,
I could have written Professor Ward's "Observing Patients" (BMJ, 2nd
Jan 1999) so I am sure that he will be relieved to find that he is
notalone.
He refers to the knock on the open door being used by patients on the
Eastside of Sheffield. To a southerner that means little, but my
ownexperience of the knock is that is administered by patients of what
might be termed, with political incorrectness, from a lower social class.
It is
not uncommon. I suspect its origins lie in some below stairs or
tradesmen's etiquette and I have always seen it as an expression of
deference rather than unease.
It is, in these parts, often accompanied by a frequent and
unnecessary repetition of one's name, usually prefaced by "Mister" rather
than "Doctor". I suppose that it is preferable to the usual "innit",
"y'know" or "Knowwha'imean" that appears as a "habit" interspersion,
although I find
it irritating. If they know who I am, why do I need to?
Yours faithfully,
Dr Andrew Bamji
Queen Mary's Hospital
Frognal Avenue
Sidcup
Kent DA14 6LT
Competing interests: No competing interests
Observing Patients - the low knock on the door
Editor
I have experienced John Ward's experience for many years, but from a
different angle. I invite my patients from the reception area and
generally accompany them to my room, stepping back slightly as I usher
them in. That is when the knock comes, but I am behind rather than in
front. The knock is often low, below waist height, and diffident. But
then, in they go and I follow. John Ward's upset has, for me, been
irritation, unreasonably, I think.
My clinical colleagues in the Practice,nurses and doctors, have not
noticed the phenomenon. Is that a reflection on me? or them? My
uncontrolled trial of discussing it with my first post-publication knocker
was interesting. She is an elderly Sheffielder, quiet and undemanding, a
little anxious. Yes, she said, I`ve always done that, wherever I am and
whoever I`m with, friends and strangers.It just seems right.
Perhaps it is a mark of respect accorded to all people, and nothing
to do with perceived status. Perhaps its absence will create anxiety. I
told my knocker that I would be happy for her to continue to knock. It
will be interesting to see if she does when she comes again. I shall be
watching.
Competing interests: No competing interests