Takeaway
While caring for a patient who was agitated, I witnessed the power of communicating gently and compassionately. In helping a patient to feel safe and respected, healthcare professionals can gain a more complete understanding of patients’ needs.
Connecting with Patients | June 20, 2024 | 2 min read
By Drs. Shou Li, China, & Amy Lu, Johns Hopkins Medicine
This summer I shadowed doctors at Johns Hopkins as an international medical graduate student. I learned an important lesson following Dr. T. The patient, Mr. X, was a man in his late forties, huddled in a chair, tightly wrapped in a blanket that obscured his face and upper body. His agitation from the previous day lingered and his breathing was heavy. Palpable tension pervaded throughout the room.
“How are you doing, Mr. X?” Dr. T asked gently, stepping closer. “Do you mind if I uncover the blanket for you?”
“Do not touch me!” The patient’s voice trembled with anger. “Leave me alone!” He repeated, louder this time, “Do not touch me!”
Dr. T remained calm. He softened his voice ever more. “Mr. X, do you remember me?” he asked, trying to catch the patient’s eyes through the blanket. “Could you look at me again? I’m Dr. T, I was here yesterday.”
Mr. X’s breathing slowed just a little, and there was a slight pause before he responded. The name seemed to cut through his agitation.
“Do you remember me? It’s me, Dr. T,” he continued, “I’m here to see how you’re doing. Can you uncover the blanket to see me?”
The patient hesitated, but then the blanket shifted slightly, and Mr. X peeked out, his eyes wary but curious. Slowly, he pulled the blanket down, revealing his face. The tension in his body visibly decreased.
“I’m sorry,” Mr. X said quietly, his anger dissipating. “I just . . . I didn’t want anyone to touch me.”
“It’s ok, Mr. X, I understand,” he replied gently. “I just wanted to make sure you’re doing ok. How are you feeling today?”
“Better now,” he said. “I want to go home.”
Dr. T smiled warmly. “I’m glad to hear that. Let’s talk about how we can make sure you keep feeling better and a potential discharge.”
Don’t give up
When encountering a patient who seems agitated and refuses a medical interview or examination, it’s crucial not to give up. My observation of Dr. T highlighted the importance of perseverance and empathy in patient care. Often, it’s not medical reasons, but underlying feelings of discomfort, depression, or anxiety that cause a patient’s agitation.
Rather than walking away, we can engage with the patient empathetically. Effective compassionate communication is a crucial aspect in giving excellent patient care. Dr. T demonstrated that understanding the patient’s perspective is essential. By responding to patients who seem agitated gently, we can better address the underlying causes of a patient’s distress, fostering a more trusting relationship. This experience reinforced that perseverance and compassionate communication are key elements in providing effective and respectful patient care.
This piece expresses the views solely of the author. It does not represent the views of any organization, including Johns Hopkins Medicine.