Tuesday, December 22, 2015

Being an Artful Patient



Sooner or alter most people will end up in a hospital.  A position of passivity is probably the only one open to seriously ill people, but more fortunate patients have other options.

Having had a couple of hip replacements in recent years, I have thought about an adaptive model of behavior, when one becomes a patient. Here are some ideas:

1.    Become a team member in your own care. Ask questions, give feedback, and be interested in what is going on.
2.    Be respectful of your caretakers.  Give positive feedback and show appreciation. Yes, providers get paid, but the rewards of praise and acknowledgement can be very meaningful.
3.    Follow directions. Work with your team. You and your team want you to get better quickly.
4.    Introduce your friends and family to your providers. Create a community of supportive people.
5.    Have courage and a sense of humor. Tolerate your fears.
6.    Write letters to the ward and to the hospital, when you are released. Give feedback.

Being in a hospital isn’t fun, but it can be a meaningful and satisfying experience that enhances growth.


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