Managing Through Uncertainty
Introduction Dr. Espinoza is a forty year-old hospitalist at a well-known hospital on the West Coast. She has a two-year old daughter, Selena, and her husband works in the financial [...]
An Ounce of Lawsuit Prevention for Hospitalists
“The good physician treats the disease; the great physician treats the patient who has the disease.” ― Sir William Osler Introduction Dr. Roberta lights up a room when she walks in. [...]
Be Gentle, But Straightforward, when Dealing with Drug-Seeking Patients
Introduction This week’s Patient Satisfaction Tips come from Dr. Brown, Hospitalist. She addresses: Relieving the Anxiety of the Patient (AND the FAMILY) Connect with the Patient Emotionally first; clinically second. [...]
Pain Management
Introduction When you are rounding with the nurse and discussing the overall care plan with the patient and the nurse, make sure to include a discussion about pain management at [...]
How to Explain Well to the Patient
Introduction It begins with listening well. In the words of Sir William Osler (one of the founding fathers of Johns Hopkins) 1, “Listening is unspoken caring.” If one doesn’t truly [...]
Addressing Your Patients’ Fears
Introduction First, connect with patients emotionally. Instead of re-assuring patients first (“Don’t worry, we’ll take care of you”), acknowledge patients where they are emotionally by empathizing first. Say something like, [...]