By Barbara Ficarra, RN, BSN, MPA Some patients struggle to communicate effectively with their doctors and some doctors and nurses find it difficult to communicate and collaborate with each other. Historically, the dynamic symbiotic relationship between doctors and nurses has been a little shaky, evidenced by the lack of engagement and respect for one another. Hospitals are chaotic and stressful. Working in such an environment can lead to frustration and it can take a toll…
Read More...Doctor-Patient Relationship: How Patients Can Help Enhance Communication
By Barbara Ficarra, RN, BSN, MPA From Kevin Pho’s medical blog, KevinMD, a post archived from 2004, Pho talks about the struggles of communication between doctor and patient during the 15 minute office visit. Pho sites a NY Times article that explains that more than two decades ago, research shows that patients were interrupted 18 seconds into explaining their problem (on average) and less than 2 percent got to finish their explanations. Pho sites that…
Read More...Teamwork in Medicine is Critical for Quality Patient Care
By Barbara Ficarra, RN, BSN, MPA From KevinMD’s medical blog, guest post by Toni Brayer, MD shares a story where a team approach in medicine is critical for quality patient care. Dr. Bryer writes: “Medicine is a team sport and it is only when the team is humming and everyone is working together that patients can have good outcomes. Hospital errors, medication errors, poor communication between doctors and nurses are prevented by adherence to protocols…
Read More...Social Media and Online Health Sites Begins the Conversation with Doctors and Nurses
By Barbara Ficarra, RN, BSN, MPA My post on KevinMD, “Social media starts the patient dialogue with doctors and nurses” talks about the importance of gathering health information online to get the conversation started with doctors and nurses. A patient apologized to me for asking so many questions. There is no need to apologize, I said to the patient; it’s wonderful that you have so many questions concerning your health care. I mentioned to her…
Read More...Bruce Dan, MD Cancer Blog – 4 Tips to Help Whip Doctors and Nurses into Shape
By Barbara Ficarra, RN, BSN, MPA Part II In Part I of my blog, “Bruce Dan, MD Blogs About His Cancer Treatment”, and I highlighted areas where Dr. Dan shows humor, strength and resolve. Part II addresses issues that Dr. Dan observes firsthand that affect patient care. Dr. Dan offers his observations and I offer some simple tips to help improve patient care. Dr. Dan is now the “e-Patient” – an empowered and engaged patient…
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