"SECOND GOOD HABIT" GET A HOLD OF THE PATIENT´S PERSPECTIVE
To get a hold of the patient´s perspective might be the most important part in a consultation
and studies show that this is where doctors most often struggle.
This is important in relation to choice of treatment and how well the patient sticks to the treatment
as well as making the patient feel seen, respected and cared for.
To get a hold of the patient´s perspective consists of the use of three skills.
Skill 1: get a hold of how the patient views the issue
This requires direct and open questions, for example:
"Have you thought about what's wrong?"
"What do you think is the cause of this?"
"How does this bother you?"
and "Is there anything about the symptoms that worry you?"
Studies show that getting a hold of the patients ideas and respond to them have a positive effect
on how well the patient remembers the information and how well he or she will comply to the treatment.
Skill 2: get a hold of the patient´s expectations
This can include both the expectations on what will happen in the consultation and what the treatment will be like
and what the end result will be.
This gives us the opportunity to give the patient a reality check if it is needed
and make sure that the gap between the expectation and the actual result becomes as small as possible.
Examples on questions to ask can be:
"In which way do you wish for me to help you?"
"What do you think the result of the treatment will be?"
"How much time and resources are you willing to use on this?"
To make time for asking these things has an effect on the patients satisfaction, compliance and trust.
Skill 3: get a hold of the affect the patient´s troubles has on their daily life and well-being
The third skill is about the affect the problem has on the patient´s daily life
whether it be about pain, function or esthetics.
This can be important to achieve a satisfactory result of treatment, as well as building trust by showing interest in several aspects of the patient´s life.
Skill 1: get a hold of how the patient views the issue
Skill 2: get a hold of the patient´s expectations
Skill 3: get a hold of the affect the patient´s troubles has on their daily life and well-being