A Moment of Impact

Today, I was mostly impacted by two patients who were given a turn in his diagnosis. The way they handled it made me realize that we are all humans who might respond differently to unexpected turn in life and that patients need us (as providers) to be human and relate to them a little more. One patient was in his 40s and newly diagnosed with CHF (Congestive Heart Failure). He was quite emotional when we visited him. Although his primary healthcare team provided all the information on how to manage his new medical condition, he was unable to think beyond the shock of his new diagnosis. On the other hand, we had another patient that was told that he will need another surgery for his unresolved osteomyelitis. Even though the news was an unexpected turn of events for this patient, he tried to stay positive and deal with things one at a time as they come. Both patients are extremely concerned about their health conditions but handled their concern in a different manner. I believe that it is still our job as providers to acknowledge and understand that all patients are emotionally attached to their health news, whether or not they choose to express it, and that we should be compassionate and understanding while talking with them.