Tuesday, May 16, 2006
Why don't patients ask their doctors more questions ?
I am always surprised by how poorly informed so many of my patients are - and why they are reluctant to ask their doctor to explain their medical problems and treatment otpions to them. I used to think it's because most patients are passive, but today, I have revised my opinion. I think the reason most patients don't ask their doctors questions is because their doctors discourage questions - either by putting patients in their place by saying - " Whose the doctor ? You or me ? "; or by providing glib reassurances like - " Don't worry - I'll take care of everything !"; or by subtle body language which signals - " I am too busy to answer your stupid questions !"
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Get A Free IVF Second Opinion
Dr Malpani would be happy to provide a second opinion on your problem.
Consult Now!
I have to say I strongly agree with this statement. I have alot of respect for my GP, however I've been seeing her about concieving for 17 months now, and I'm starting to loose my cool with her.
ReplyDeleteBefore every appointment I tell myself that I just need to be strong, firm, demand extra treatment or a refferal to a specialist. However, when I'm in her office, I feel very intimated, she tells me something different everytime I see her about this issue and I loose my nerves, she tells me she's the boss and these are her rules and that i need to follow them. I feel inadequate when I leave and even more stressed then when I went in... I don't know what to do! I don't want to be rude or overpowering, I just want medical treatment and advise and she can't be bothered.