What I wish every doctor knew - the patient's perspective !

1. Vandana Gupta
Founder,
V Care Foundation
October 20, 2010

2. Doctor does not
want to be your
advocate
Doctor does not
understand
you?
Doctor does not
speak in simple
language
Doctor does not
allow you to
disagree or ask
a question
Doctor does not
make you feel
comfortable

4. Current Scenario
The Doctor patient ratio in India is
1:1588*
Ideal ratio should be 1:500
3X times!*Deccan Chronicle , July 10, 2009

5. How can we work together to
address this challenge

7. Patient’s Need
Confidence
Competence
Mutual respect
Knowledge
Trust
Shared Values

8. Patient’s view
The physician is generally viewed as superior to the
patient
The doctor-patient relationship is also complicated
by the patient’s suffering
Doctor’s busy schedule may prevent the patient
getting a patient hearing
A dilemma may arise in situations where what is the
most efficient treatment is not the same as what the
patient wants for various reasons.

9. What a patient wants…
To be seen and get test results in a timely manner
Doctor---not the staff---should call with bad results.
Doctor should tell what medicines one is getting and
their side-effects.
Doctor should explain everything in terms one can
understand.
A kind “hello” at the beside

10. What a patient wants…
Be patient and engage patients in medical decision-
making
Acknowledge the stress that patient undergoes and
respect each patient’s preferences, beliefs and values
Explain results and directions in simple terms
Offer encouragement and compassion, but don’t
sugarcoat problems and solutions

11. What a patient wants
Have a sense of humor, but not at the expense of a
patient’s dignity
Never brush off questions about alternative
medicines or other medical issues
State plans clearly for what the patient should do next

12. Patient’s responsibility
Be honest with your doctor on the issues concerning
your health
Compliance, Compliance, Compliance
Patience is a virtue!
Both of you have the same goal : Patient’s good health

13. Any Questions