We need to start somewhere and, at the least, push for health literacy in our patients and communities when we have patients who do not grasp the differences between seeing an NP, a PA, or an MD. Having all pre-conceived ideas that only MDs are the ones capable of rendering credible medical care. It can be exhausting to earn that trust one patient at a time. Don't get me wrong; I strive for it every visit. But sometimes, in this new age of health care, it feels more like we are babysitting and having to present the same information so that the patient won't be offended; otherwise, while doing our job, we get negative reviews. Why? Because we told our patients the ugly truth? When we choose to address the elephant in the room, we may as well be the enemy. In reality, as human beings, our worst enemy is ourselves when we deny and deprive ourselves of the truth, or worse yet when denial kicks in. Patients who straightforwardly state: "I know what to do I just choose not to do it."... do I think my job as a practitioner ends there? Anyone could argue and say, " I've done my part. To them, I will keep reminding you the choice is yours!!!
No comments:
Post a Comment