As a physician, you may encounter patients who have complex emotional needs that affect their health and well-being. How can you understand and address these needs in a compassionate and effective way? In this article, we will explore some techniques that can help you enhance your patient advocacy skills and build trust and rapport with your patients.
One of the most important techniques to understand patient emotional needs is to listen actively. This means paying attention to what the patient is saying, as well as their tone, body language, and facial expressions. It also means asking open-ended questions, clarifying points, and summarizing key messages. By listening actively, you can show the patient that you care about their concerns, validate their feelings, and identify their goals and preferences.
Hilfreich ist, sich auf die gleiche Ebene wie die des Patienten zu begeben. Das bedeutet beispielsweise nicht stehend neben dem im Bett liegenden Patienten. Aber auch die Anpassung der Sprache ist von Bedeutung: kein Fachjargon, sondern entsprechend der Redeweise des Patienten.
Reflect back on what the patient has said to make sure you understood correctly and the patient feels heard and seen. For example, "It sounds like your condition has worsen during the last few days/weeks. Have you done something differently?"
One and one interaction with patients help in better understanding of the patient emotional needs and healthcare professionals can extend their better services for the patients by getting connected with patients.
Another technique to understand patient emotional needs is to empathize sincerely. This means putting yourself in the patient's shoes and trying to understand their perspective and emotions. It also means expressing empathy in a genuine and respectful way, using words and gestures that convey warmth and support. By empathizing sincerely, you can acknowledge the patient's emotions, reduce their distress, and foster a positive relationship.
Nach 40 Jahren in der Klinik empfehle ich allen Kolleginnen und Kollegen, sich einmal anonym in die Patientenrolle zu begeben, sich in die Wartezone einer Aufnahmestation zu setzen oder sich im KH-Bett in den OP oder auf die ITS fahren zu lassen. Besonders authentisch sind die Eindrücke, wenn man tats?chlich selbst akut erkrankt ist…
Hier ist jedoch wichtig, nicht ins Mitleid zu fallen. Das Einfühlen ist für einen kurzen Moment hilfreich, dann ist ein Wechsel in ,Mitgefühl‘ notwendig. Es geht also nicht darum, das Leid mitzutragen, sondern zu versuchen, zu helfen.
A third technique to understand patient emotional needs is to educate appropriately. This means providing the patient with relevant and accurate information about their condition, treatment, and prognosis, in a clear and simple way. It also means adjusting the amount and type of information according to the patient's level of understanding, readiness, and interest. By educating appropriately, you can inform the patient about their options, empower them to make decisions, and address their fears and doubts.
Sharing links to printed articles about the patient's condition and medication, can help patients understand more about their condition and treatment. This will also increase the chance of treatment adherence as patients are much more likely to follow a treatment they believe is adequate for them.
My friend, education must be delivered with care, not haste. Meet each soul where they stand in comprehension's embrace. With simple words and empathy's grace, gently share knowledge at proper pace. Do not overwhelm fragile hearts in trying times. Offer truth with hope that ever shines. When we uplift with facts that heal, we help patients their power feel. Knowledge calms the fearful mind when imparted with wisdom kind. Let us teach in ways that ease, so care aligns with each need. For in loving patience is education's purpose fulfilled.
Sharing additional material and resources like websites can help patients further understand a new condition rather than just having the information given to them from a provider. This also helps the patient take a more active role in their health care and further the dialog with providers around treatment options and can increase treatment adherence.
A fourth technique to understand patient emotional needs is to collaborate effectively. This means involving the patient in the planning and implementation of their care, as well as in the evaluation of their outcomes. It also means respecting the patient's autonomy, values, and preferences, and negotiating solutions that are acceptable and feasible for both parties. By collaborating effectively, you can engage the patient in their own health, enhance their adherence and satisfaction, and improve their quality of life.
Effective collaboration uplifts patients as partners in their care. Advocates must listen openly and respect autonomy. By engaging patients in planning, implementing and evaluating their care, we build trust and empower self-advocacy. This enhances adherence, satisfaction and wellbeing. Though collaboration requires courage and commitment, the rewards of dignified partnerships make the efforts worthwhile. When patients are honored as equals, their needs and desires help shape quality care according to their aspirations. This is the essence of patient-centered care.
A fifth technique to understand patient emotional needs is to refer wisely. This means recognizing when the patient may need additional support or intervention from other professionals, such as mental health counselors, social workers, or peer advocates. It also means communicating the rationale and benefits of the referral to the patient, and facilitating the transition of care. By referring wisely, you can ensure that the patient receives comprehensive and holistic care, and that their emotional needs are met.
Advocates must recognize when patients need additional emotional support beyond our scope. Explain referrals empathetically, focusing on the benefits of expanded care. Facilitate smooth transitions while remaining engaged to ease uncertainty. Though letting go takes courage, comprehensive healing sometimes requires collaboration. By referring judiciously and continuing compassionate support, we can get patients specialized help while tending gently to emotions and building a web of care that meets their needs.
A sixth technique to understand patient emotional needs is to reflect regularly. This means reviewing your interactions with the patient, and assessing your strengths and weaknesses as a patient advocate. It also means seeking feedback from the patient, colleagues, or mentors, and identifying areas for improvement or learning. By reflecting regularly, you can enhance your self-awareness, skills, and confidence as a physician, and improve your patient advocacy practice.
Regular self-reflection is vital to improve advocacy skills. Review interactions honestly to leverage strengths and address weaknesses. Seeking input from others provides perspective despite requiring courage. Reflection builds self-awareness, re-centering our mission to serve with compassion. By examining blind spots and reconnecting to purpose, we gain wisdom to uplift patients, spreading light as part of a shared human community. If we wish to lift others, we too must look within. Reflection grounds us to walk alongside patients, upholding dignity and working to provide optimal care.
Offer holistic treatment: Become curious and interested in the patient's personal history and if there is something going on in their lives that may be contributing to the condition or their symptoms. There is scientific evidence (See research from Dr. Gabor Mate and psychotherapists Allan Gordon and Nicole Lepera) that proves that treating the mind and body holistically, instead of completely separate entities helps patients have a faster and more permanent recovery.