Watchin' the Gears Grind: Rules for Dealing With Patients

[ninevirtues]

I guess I am learning how to deal with people. Here are the six rules for dealing with patients I have found true so far:

1)       There are two kinds of people in the world: Those who enter a room and say, “Here I am!” and those who enter and say, “There you are!” The second ones are more popular. Do that. (From random email)

2)       Never miss an opportunity to praise or compliment the patient for doing something right. (from _Love Your Patients_)

3)       Preface your opinions and instructions with “I”. As in “I think your range of motion will improve quickly with these exercises.” It shows you are personally interested in the patient. (Again, _Love Your Patients_)

4)       Replace “No, that’s wrong,” with “Let me show you a way to do that that’s better for you.” (From former CI)

5)       Deal with the emotions first, THEN deal with the injury. (From experienced tech support engineer)

6)       Say “I’m sorry” when you can. As in “I’m sorry you had to go through that.” (Love Your Patients again)