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What is right for a hospital system financially is not necessarily right for doctors and the dignity of the patients we treat . In order to be most impactful , we need to give patients time ( we don ’ t have enough ), address each as a person ( not a condition ), focus on the patient / family and their needs ( not the money ) and provide a pleasant tone and clear communication .
OUTLINE :
The book has four simple chapters and is a total of only 150 pages . Chapter 1 , UNDERSTANDING PATIENTHOOD , asks us to consider the specifics of the health care ailment and the uncertainty of what is happening . Case examples are used . Chapter 2 , THE AB- CDs of DIGNITY-CONCERNING CARE stresses the appreciation that patienthood requires a whole-person approach . Patients want to be seen as well as heard . The items found in studies most highly affiliated with a sense of dignity were “ feeling a burden to others ” and “ not feeling treated with respect .” Core competencies around recognition , affirmation and a mindful attitude were reviewed . A = Attitude , B = Behavior , C = Compassion , and D = Dialogue . Chapter 3 , THE MODEL of OPTIMAL THERAPEUTIC COMMU- NICATION discusses surface dissection , creating a safe place and personal growth / self-care as core to improving our therapeutic presence . Humility , pacing and focus on effectiveness are key attributes to therapeutic communication . The last chapter , Chapter
4 , DIGNITY IN CARE highlighted a 25-item distress screening instrument coined the Patient Dignity Inventory ( PDI ). He speaks to social supports , burden to others and seeking spiritual comfort as important techniques we should emphasize in continuing our dignity-sustaining efforts .
This book has been written to highlight the human side of health care and the need to provide dignity in care , irrespective of our clinical roles . Changing health circumstances and disease can assault patients ’ sense of bodily integrity , disrupting function and comfort . When the human side of medicine is neglected , providers unwittingly inflict further harm , undermining patients ’ feelings of being understood as they navigate their way through the system . We must never forget that patients are people and people can be wounded and torn . In this regard , patients are no different than we are . This interesting book prompts us to look in the mirror and readdress our own attitudes and behaviors . As the author summarizes , “ And when all else fails and the overwhelming din of high-intensity , rapid pace health care has you struggling to get a foothold in dignity in care , remember … patients are people with feelings that matter .” And so are doctors .
Dr . Wernert is the Executive Medical Director of Norton Medical Group and practices with Norton Behavioral Medicine .
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