Welcome to this healthcare setting, I’d like to introduce myself, I’m your healthcare provider, I’m here to help. As my name tells, I care, I do care about your health and wellbeing. In fact, you are at the center of all my activities’ attention (if that’s valid) in this healthcare setting. When I communicate with you directly, when I speak with another colleague, when I sound like ignoring you; talking on the phone, staring at my computer screen, even when I rest or disappear from your sight. Believe it or not! It’s all about you, and for you. You are the dynamo that energizes me to want to come to work every day, you’re the reason why I chose a career in healthcare.
I’d like to have a professional relationship with you. Could we?
Unfortunately, I’m in this healthcare setting that doesn’t offer much time to spend with patients, but, I’ll do my best to accommodate the health needs of each one of you.
Leave it all to me. I would like to know you. I will just ask you one question now; one and only, then I’ll be listening, actively listening.
“How can I help you today?”
Because it’s a monologue here, I’ll also do one of the other roles that I regularly do for you, and it’s one of my favorites, that is to advocate on your behalf.
Let me speak for you, and give you a piece of advice so that you’re equipped with enough information to grant you the freedom of making a choice, then a decision.
If you are “the dependant” who comes in believing in everything I tell you because I’m the healthcare professional, then let me tell you something, “I love you”. You might be vulnerable, and you rely on my expertise, that’s great, and I’m here for this purpose, to help you, and to support you. Can I ask a favour of you? If you could, and if it’s possible, to do some research to challenge me with questions, that way, we both benefit, deal?
Or you are “the skeptical” who has prejudice about science, or those who deliver science, or whatever type of skepticism that you bring to this setting. Please, don’t hate on me, I don’t see why you have this attitude, but I’m willing to listen. Tell me about your story. Tell me about your experience. Tell me what you think is best. I’ll tailor your therapeutic plan accordingly. so, do we have a plan?
Now, if you are “the tester” who comes in to examine my knowledge, expertise, and credentials, that’s okay, I like this kind of challenge, and once again, it’s about you, having an informed decision in the end. I might not know everything at this moment, but if you could give me some time to research this good question that you asked me, and I’ll get back to you, I’m here to help you reach an optimal decision that best suits your needs. Here are the risks, and here are the benefits. Does that make sense to you?
“The very friendly” one who wants to know my story, and want me to know their story (of course), who wants us to be partners in decision, I don’t need to convince you of this fact, because you come equipped with it, and you want to share all the ins and outs of therapies including nontraditional ones. I really like you, and I wish we’ve had more time to discuss your health choices, let’s invest our time to target one issue at a time, holistically, shall we?
And last but not least, “the meh” patient, who doesn’t care who I am, as long as I hold the license to practice, and as long as you get your affordable treatment. Is there a way to make you more engaged in your therapeutic plan?
If you are a patient, a caregiver, or another healthcare provider, let me know what you think in the comments section below.
If you identified yourself as one of these types, I’d appreciate it if you share your comment below by answering the following question;
What is your view on how best to serve you in real life?
