Bedside manner still matters

NewsBot · Mar 21, 2006

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Reuters are reporting:
Doctor's bedside manner still what counts

People appear to judge a good doctor based on old-fashioned bedside manner rather than technical knowledge and skills, according to a new study.

Researchers found that patients at two large U.S. medical centers agreed on a number of qualities that define an "ideal" doctor -- including honesty, compassion and respectfulness.

In describing their worst experiences with a doctor, patients often cited providers' arrogance, dismissive attitude and "callousness" in discussing their condition. Technical expertise, on the other hand, was rarely mentioned in patients' assessments.

The findings, according to the study authors, point to the importance of doctors learning and cultivating interpersonal skills, as well as technical ones.

Dr. Neeli M. Bendapudi of Ohio State University in Columbus led the study, which is published in the March issue of Mayo Clinic Proceedings.

"A physician who pays personal attention to the patient, who is respectful, compassionate and competent, that's what every patient wants," editorialist Dr. James T. C. Li of the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine in Rochester, Minnesota, said in a statement....
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John Spina · Mar 25, 2006

OF COURSE bedside manner is important.In fact,many patients sue doctors not because of a poor result but because the doctor was brusque or unapproachable.Just talking and LISTENING can be key.
An example:A 30 year old patient was seen by me.She had a contusion of her spinal cord and resultant severe foot pain all the time.She hurts when she walks and has a lot of other related stuff going on.She has tried lyrica and the like without success.Onher first visit I sensed she was apprehensive.I talked to her and explained that maybe an orthotic can help.She seemed pleased.When she left,I overheard her telling the office staff how good Iwas.That makes all the other issues we deal with on a daily basis(HMOs,Medicare's changing laws,professional jealousy,etc) worth it!

Bedside manner still matters

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John Spina Active Member

The Art of Bedside manner

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Bedside manner still matters

NewsBot The Admin that posts the news.

John Spina Active Member

The Art of Bedside manner

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