We are all familiar with the old adage “Don’t put the cart before the horse”. But have you ever thought about how often we put ourselves before the patient? To be fair, there are situations where this is appropriate. All of us were taught at some point that our safety is paramount, and we must consider that before beginning to consider the patient.
But what about us before the patient in the context of treatments or interventions. Have you ever had a patient who is experiencing significant nausea, and thought to yourself “I need to give this patient an anti-nauseant medication? Without even knowing it, you have made this intervention about your needs, and not the patient’s. Change that statement around to this: “This patient needs to be given an anti-nauseant.” Now the focus is squarely on the patient, and not the provider.
It may seem that this is arguing semantics, that how we word a thought or a statement does not change the end outcome, which in both cases is the patient receiving a medication to control the nausea. But the difference becomes more apparent when you look at how the wording suggests the reason for the intervention.
Consider this statement. “I need to intubate this patient. I need to protect their airway.” The wording makes the intervention about the provider’s needs. Now change it around a bit. “This patient cannot protect their airway, and needs to be intubated.” A subtle difference, but now the intervention is done based on the needs of the patient. Again, the outcome is the same, but we have made this a patient centered treatment.
The take home message from this musing is simple. Always consider your treatments and interventions based on the needs of the patient. Everything we do for the patient must reflect what that patient needs in order for their condition to be safely and effectively managed. A simple change in the order of a few words.
I don’t suppose there is a scientific basis for this, although I would welcome feedback if someone can unearth a study or article on how thought processes can affect our patient care in this regard.
In all your patient interactions, remember always the words of the late Dr. John Hinds. “Are my intentions honourable?” If you have not heard this, please take the time to listen to his presentation titled “Crack the Chest, Get Crucified”. You won’t be sorry.