A funny thing happened when I wrote my last post for White Coats, Paper Gowns: I became inspired by some of the very advice that I was criticizing. After reading hundreds of tips designed to help patients become empowered, I took charge of my own health care.
I’d been seeing a doctor for tendinitis in my left foot. A month later, the pain and stiffness felt worse, and I’d started limping. On top of that, my podiatrist said he had nothing else to offer me after the drug that he’d prescribed made me ill.
I found another physician and sought a second opinion. The new doctor strapped a brace around my ankle and sent me to physical therapy. That quickly soothed my pain and eased my walking.
What Patients Want
Taking charge helped me heal, but I wince when health-care agencies tell patients to do so in order to receive better care (http://www.sharp.com/grossmont/take-charge-health-care.cfm http://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/Category/doctor-visits/talking-with-the-doctor/take-charge-of-your-health-care). They seem to be missing a key point of patient-centered care: the idea that patients should receive care that meets their needs and respects their preferences…. Read More→