In the February 2015, 2015 issue of JAMA Oncology an editorial addresses the demanding patient. A study by Gogineni and colleagues reports that the idea of the demanding patient, one who presents with unreasonable requests for scans and tests, is indeed a myth. Such demands are uncommon and, when issued, are generally warranted.
The problem for the physician in the modern world is that patients are so well educated today. Between newspaper medical columns, uninhibited conversation about medical issues, and especially the Internet, the average patient is no longer dependent on their doctor for information. They usually come for their first appointment aware of their diagnosis, treatment options and prognosis. So when the patient asks for the latest scan, MRI or PET or ultrasound, it is usually part of the normal diagnostic work up. But, to the physician who is accustomed to being the one to initiate orders, the request often seems assertive.
The author suggests ways the doctor can have better control of the situation and deal with the patient who is likely coming from a position of fear and insecurity.
Perhaps we patients can help too by being open to our doctors' advice and counsel. I often hear from my doctors to not believe everything I read on the web. That has not kept me from doing my own research but I try not to pretend I am as knowledgable as my doctor. :) They are right in a way, much of what is available on the web is not current, may even be information that is several years old.
Certainly, many of the articles on the web about reverse total shoulder replacement arthroplasty surgery date back ten years to when the surgery was first introduced in the U.S. The procedure was considered radical and unproven in that era. If you based your decision to have the surgery or not on those articles you'd probably opt out.
Now, our doctors just need to take the time to practice their communication skills and reassure us that they do know best. And maybe we can refrain from asking for the latest drug advertised on TV.
The problem for the physician in the modern world is that patients are so well educated today. Between newspaper medical columns, uninhibited conversation about medical issues, and especially the Internet, the average patient is no longer dependent on their doctor for information. They usually come for their first appointment aware of their diagnosis, treatment options and prognosis. So when the patient asks for the latest scan, MRI or PET or ultrasound, it is usually part of the normal diagnostic work up. But, to the physician who is accustomed to being the one to initiate orders, the request often seems assertive.
The author suggests ways the doctor can have better control of the situation and deal with the patient who is likely coming from a position of fear and insecurity.
Perhaps we patients can help too by being open to our doctors' advice and counsel. I often hear from my doctors to not believe everything I read on the web. That has not kept me from doing my own research but I try not to pretend I am as knowledgable as my doctor. :) They are right in a way, much of what is available on the web is not current, may even be information that is several years old.
Certainly, many of the articles on the web about reverse total shoulder replacement arthroplasty surgery date back ten years to when the surgery was first introduced in the U.S. The procedure was considered radical and unproven in that era. If you based your decision to have the surgery or not on those articles you'd probably opt out.
Now, our doctors just need to take the time to practice their communication skills and reassure us that they do know best. And maybe we can refrain from asking for the latest drug advertised on TV.
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