Independent Medical Writer
The medical record mistakes jumped out at me through the patient portal. One painted me as an antibiotic seeker, despite my caution about taking drugs. That stung, because my mother suffered from infections that defied treatment, the result of overzealous antibiotic prescribing. As for me, one antibiotic left me bedridden for days; another sparked an allergic rash. Now, my doctor’s words threatened to bias my future treatment and risk my health…. Read More→
What its organizers deem the oldest international conference on patient-centered care seemed an unlikely mix: part pep rally, classroom, scientific forum, and group hug. In its 23rd year, Planetree’s International Conference on Patient-Centered Care drew about 800 people from 21 countries. Attending as a reporter, I met health-care professionals, executives, and others eager to learn… Read More→
Atul Gawande’s newest book, Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End, says a lot that matters. As a surgeon, writer, and son, he has seen older people and terminally ill patients suffer from health care designed to keep them safe and alive longer. Even if aggressive treatment prolongs life, it may spoil their… Read More→
In this age of electronic medical records, health-care professionals in an emergency department clicked 6 times, on average, to order one aspirin. Viewing an old test result took 11 clicks; documenting a physical exam for back pain, 47. Tired of having to work long hours to finish digital charting, some health-care providers have turned to… Read More→
You see them on hospital walls and hospital websites. Perhaps you even saw one in a patient admission packet if you or someone close to you had a hospital stay. I’m referring to the statements of patients’ rights and responsibilities issued by hospitals throughout the United States and beyond. The very notion of patients’ rights… Read More→
This might surprise some patients, but a recent study found that most surgeons prefer to team up with patients to make treatment choices. Yet, surgeons tend to decide themselves instead. The study unearthed some clues as to why they do so and where to intervene to foster shared decision-making. Almost 300 surgeons from 60 countries… Read More→
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… Read More→
Patients can’t get a break. They may be hurting, nauseous, groggy, short of breath, exhausted, or fearful about their future, but they still have work to do. As part of the long-overdue push to make health care more patient-centered and safe, various health-care leaders have been telling patients to do this and that. “Take charge… Read More→
