The life of an intern

The Wall Street Journal Health blog posted an interview with an intern in emergency medicine about the frantic first days of internship. It is extremely hard work, and even at that the intern didn't get a lot of sympathy from some of the commenters. It's hard to comprehend the frantic pace of the work environment, combined with the bombardment of new knowledge coming at you, and the pressure of living up to others' and your own expectations. In some sense, this interview doesn't even scratch the surface. But trying to understand and empathize with the other person's perspective can open the door, just crack, to better communication.

You can find the article here: http://blogs.wsj.com/health/2008/08/22/as-america-hits-the-beach-medical-residents-hit-the-wards/

Jargon use

Our study team at the Medical College recently had two journal articles published about our study of jargon usage among physicians. Jargon can significantly inhibit effective communication between physicians and patients. Our studies are finding that jargon use is frequent and explanations of jargon words are rare. This study in quantifying jargon is a first step in identifying where and how physicians can improve their communication skills.

You can find the abstract of the Pediatrics article here: http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/cgi/content/abstract/122/2/243

And the abstract for the Journal of General Internal Medicine article here: http://www.springerlink.com/content/q2420jr825320181/?p=f33f83aa889b4003aca940ee5bde457a&pi=9

Communicating at the end-of-life

The topic of communication between physicians and patients at the end-of-life is near to my heart, as it relates to my own Master's thesis. But the topic is near to us all because it reaches a primal complex fear: the fear of death.

The New York Times Cases section offers a perspective from a doctor reflecting on a missed opportunity to talk with a patient about her impending death. The physician perspective delves into the complexities of whether discussing impending death is hurtful or helpful and how it can be helpful instead of hurtful.

You can find the article here: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/19/health/views/19case.html?ex=1376884800&en=a5e4e3c907bdc83c&ei=5124&partner=permalink&exprod=permalink.

Cancer and Identity

The New York Times published a patient perspective back on Monday, but I wanted to be sure and point it out here. It's about a cancer patient who found herself using humor to create a new identity for herself as she went through cancer treatments. She goes on to tell a little bit about the uncertainty of her identity after the cancer treatments were over.

It's compelling reading. You can find the article here: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/12/health/12case.html?ex=1376280000&en=9116e05460b514ff&ei=5124&partner=permalink&exprod=permalink.

Six ways to be a better patient

Last week The New York Times health blog posted an article about six rules for doctors. This week, they posted an article about six ways to be a better patient.

You can find the article here: http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/08/12/six-ways-to-be-a-better-patient/.

So what do you think? What guidelines would you add to be a better patient?

Communicating and healing through nature

My hometown newspaper, The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel published an article today about healing gardens, green spaces at hospitals around the region and around the country, designed to give patients a place to reflect, meditate and heal. It paints a picture of how healing comes in many forms. Having a place to physically engage in the act of healing, by walking and taking in the sights, sounds and smells of the garden, can do wonders.

You can find the article here: http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=781180

rules for doctors

The New York Times Well blog published a post today about the rules doctors should follow to get along with their patients. You can see the article here: http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/08/07/six-rules-doctors-need-to-know/.

What do you think? What rules do you think doctors should follow to build better relationships with their patients?

ethics of research in developing countries

An article in the New York Times today reports on an article from the Bulletin of the World Health Organization about the ethical questions that arise when conducting research in developing countries. Even with survey research special consideration of the customs, culture and ability to access health care must be considered. Especially relevant is the potential for coercion to participate as some community members may pressure others to participate to access free health care that would not otherwise be available.

You can find the NYT article here: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/05/health/research/05glob.html?ex=1375588800&en=f8c5f4265ff56c35&ei=5124&partner=permalink&exprod=permalink

And the WHO article here: http://www.who.int/bulletin/volumes/86/8/08-051037/en/index.html

Empathy and communication

The New York Times printed an interesting article about a new program to teach health care workers and others what its like to be elderly. Participants engage in a series of simple activities, but while wearing equipment that limits the range of movement, sight and touch, simulating the day-to-day life of an elderly person. It is hoped that the tangible experience of feeling what it is like to be elderly will foster sensitivity toward elderly patients, clients and customers. This improved empathy also has the potential to foster better communication between generations, as the younger generation can catch just a glimpse of the physical limitations that may inhibit their elders.

You can find the article here: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/03/us/03aging.html?ex=1375588800&en=d3b42e922a1c4746&ei=5124&partner=permalink&exprod=permalink