When people visit healthcare providers it would seem the most basic thing is to know what is wrong with them. Symptoms can be complex and vary tremendously, but it is a practitioners job to sift through the myriad of clues to ascertain the correct diagnosis.
I was taught in school early on to listen more than I speak, and the patient will tell you what is wrong with them!!! Sounds crazy, but research validates this truth. Specific, pointed questions during the history will oftentimes lead to a better diagnosis, but listening comes first.
It also follows logically that the history should guide examination and potential imaging. But it always comes back to what the patient is actually saying; some healthcare professionals are at times more concerned with asking their next question than listening to what is being said to them.
With Chiropractors unfortunately at times some practitioners are more in a hurry to crack/adjust a spine, then look for clues as to why that wouldn’t be prudent. This at times leads to complications from care, and the patient is left to search elsewhere for a solution with a bad taste in their mouth.
There is no substitute for experience—no matter what field you are in we all know, and it takes about 10,000 hours of working an occupation prior to mastering it.
Think about these scary thoughts: What if a practitioner stops listening, and just gets in a flow of a busy office with patients? Or what if said individual stops growing professionally and does the bare minimum of continuing education? Would you feel that this provider can accurately diagnosis said condition, does it erode some trust?
If these questions cause some uncomfortable feelings. They should!! We hold healthcare providers to higher standards than most professions, and hopefully it stays that way. Our job as practitioners is to care for the wellbeing of our patients, give sound advice, and recommend treatment/testing to help solve medical issues.
The next time you are waiting for a provider for 30-60 minutes in that little room, keep track of eye contact, body language, and the time spent with you. If you can’t leave the encounter feeling that this person spent time listening, or you weren’t their chief focus during the session, maybe it’s time find someone else.
I tell my patients all the time, if you ever feel like a number in my office, please let me know immediately, as we strive to never allow that to happen. Ask more of your healthcare providers, they work for you, not the other way around. To know more, call 317-577-9558.