As patients, we are sometimes so focused on the reason that brought us to our doctor's office that we forget that there is a human being behind the white coat. Although much has been written about patients' complaints of arrogant and uncaring doctors, little has been published about patient behaviors that are also considered "counterproductive."
To learn more about these behaviors, Dr. Randolph Evans, Clinical Professor of Neurology at Weill Medical College of Cornell University, and his associates, conducted a pilot survey of neurologists attending the Texas Neurological Society Winter Conference a few years ago.
Based on completed surveys by 80 neurologists, the top five bothersome behaviors are:
- No show for appointment
- Verbally abusive to staff
- Poor compliance with medications and treatment
- Late for appointment
- Do not know the medications they are taking
Obviously, not understanding and following treatment recommendations are potentially very harmful to your health. And being late for appointments has a ripple effect that results in long wait times for the rest of us. But beyond that, building a good relationship with your doctor may be as simple as adopting the Boy Scout Motto and Oath as guides: Be prepared. Tell the truth. Be helpful, courteous and kind. Keep your body fit and clean.
You can read the full article, which includes respondents’ comments, by clicking on the link below. One wise soul suggested that doing tandem surveys of doctors and patients might show "... certain physician behaviors create the problems they complain about, and certain patient behaviors foster the problems that they complain about." Something to ponder whichever side of the hyphen you're on.
Reference
A Survey of Neurologists on Bothersome Patient Behaviors by Randolph W. Evans, MD; Rochelle E. Evans; Richard I. Evans, PhD. Published 11/16/06. Accessed at http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/546878
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