Lack Of Communication In Health Care Essay

Communicating with someone who has a life-altering illness is not an easy task. A person needs to have compassion, patience, and listening skills. I have seen firsthand how a caring healthcare provider and having an attitude of optimism can prolong a person’s life. Illness can be characterized as acute, chronic, and life-altering (Tamparo). Acute is when a patient experiences severe symptoms for a short amount of time. Acute illnesses are not life-altering unless they are not treated. If left untreated, it may then lead into a chronic illness. A chronic illness is when the symptoms go on for a long period of time. Some examples are: arthritis, multiple sclerosis, emphysema, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Chronic illnesses

They are scared. Dealing with health insurance is very frustrating when someone is ill. Show compassion, and if needed, help the patient with their questions regarding insurance This group does not need extra stress of physicians telling them that their health insurance does not cover certain treatments and or medications. Physicians should try to connect with the patient and be sensitive to the hardships faced by those with long-term illnesses (Kowalczyk).

The lack of communication between patient and physician is a difficulty that this group experiences. The patient may be in denial, angry, and or frustrated and may not be able to communicate their feelings to the physician. It is important that the physician and team be aware of the body language. The physician needs to take the time to listen, and ask open-ended questions so the patient can reveal what is going on with them. Being supportive, sensitive, and nice will go a long way with this

When my mother was diagnosed with Rheumatoid arthritis, our family life was never the same. My mother was in horrific pain all of the time. Being in that much pain caused her to lash out at the family which placed an enormous amount of stress on everyone. No one wanted to be around her. Looking back on that time, I can see why she was so angry and depressed. She was not able to cope with how much her life had been altered and the resources were not available to help her with everyday tasks. At that time, physicians prescribed cortisone for the pain and suggested Ben Gay for the relief of joint pain. Anti-depressants or anti-anxiety medications would have helped her cope with all of the changes happening to her and the family. Physicians not only need to treat the patient with the life-altering illness but the patient’s emotional health as well. Over the years, my mother has learned how to cope with her illness and now accepts the fact that she will not be able to walk again. In her culture, religion plays a big part in her life and because of it; she has lots of faith and hope. With all of the trials and tribulations that she has endured, she is not bitter and is one of the most positive people I