Patients have needs and wants, frequently the same thing. In any
consultation, these should be established early.Then,the consultation is
properly focussed. Perhaps it would be reasonable to include a heading such
as "patient's needs,wants and expectations" along with our traditional
history sections such as "presenting complaint" and "social history". This
should begin in our medical schools,to reflect the need for partnership
with patients. Perhaps,the "loop" could be closed at the end of the
consultation by recording whether the expectations etc. have been met.
After all, many of them, like ourselves are only human!
Rapid Response:
First things first
Patients have needs and wants, frequently the same thing. In any
consultation, these should be established early.Then,the consultation is
properly focussed. Perhaps it would be reasonable to include a heading such
as "patient's needs,wants and expectations" along with our traditional
history sections such as "presenting complaint" and "social history". This
should begin in our medical schools,to reflect the need for partnership
with patients. Perhaps,the "loop" could be closed at the end of the
consultation by recording whether the expectations etc. have been met.
After all, many of them, like ourselves are only human!
Competing interests: No competing interests