Takeaway
I cared for a patient who had been rejected from a rehab facility because of her weight. I was reminded of the importance of acknowledging the patient’s emotions as part of the care plan.
Connecting with Patients | September 12, 2024 | 2 min read
By Haris Pasha, MBBS, Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad, Pakistan & Amy Yu MD, MS, Johns Hopkins Medicine
A visiting physician from Islamabad, Pakistan, I was observing a Johns Hopkins hospitalist service. One afternoon, Dr. K and I met with Mrs. S, a 32-year-old woman with stage 3 endometrial cancer. She’d just been rejected from a physical rehabilitation facility because she was overweight. As she lay on her bed, I saw her eyes tear up and her lips quiver. She seemed to be carrying the pain of not just her illness, but the emotional burden of feeling rejected and ashamed.
“I just don’t understand,” she said, her voice trembling. “They said they couldn’t take me because of my weight. I’ve never felt so humiliated in my life.”
She wiped away her tears. I felt a knot in my stomach, knowing how difficult it must have been for her to be this vulnerable. Dr. K walked to her bedside.
“Mrs. S,” he said gently, pulling his chair closer to her, “I’m so sorry that you had to go through that. But I want you to know something very important: there’s no need to worry. We’ll find a facility that will take care of you. Your worth is not determined by your weight, and your value as a person isn’t tied to it either.”
The patient’s eyes filled with a mix of relief and disbelief. “Thank you,” she whispered, her voice breaking.
“You deserve the same care and respect as anyone else. We’re going to do everything we can to help you through this and make sure you are treated with dignity,” he said.
As the conversation continued, I watched as Dr. K listened intently, validated the patient’s feelings, and made sure she knew that she wasn’t alone. His words were a reminder that we’re here to support the person behind the diagnosis, to understand their fears, and to help them find strength when they feel most vulnerable.
Mrs. S thanked us, a small smile breaking through her tears. As we left the room, I reflected on what I’d witnessed. Dr. K had turned a moment of deep pain and shame into one of empowerment and hope.
Here’s what a learned:
1. Empathy and compassion are crucial.
The way Dr. K addressed the patient’s emotional pain highlights the importance of showing all patients empathy and compassion. Beyond the physical ailment, understanding and acknowledging a patient’s emotional struggles can significantly improve their well-being and recovery.
2. Go beyond medical treatment.
The encounter underscores that being a clinician is more than just diagnosing and treating diseases. It also includes supporting the whole person, offering reassurance, and ensuring that patients feel valued and respected, regardless of their condition or circumstances.
3. Empower and validate.
When Dr. K validated the patient’s feelings, it seemed to have an almost transformative effect. Words and genuine concern can empower patients, helping them regain a sense of dignity and hope during their most vulnerable moments.
This piece expresses the views solely of the author. It does not necessarily represent the views of any organization, including Johns Hopkins Medicine.