Microlecture 41: How to Handle Requests for NonDisclosure
Microlecture 021: How Rituals Promote Healing
Biomedicine is in the business of doing ceremonial things unceremoniously. As clinicians, we bear witness to solemn life milestones of patients and families including birth and death. However, we often fail to bear witness to the joy and sorrow that manifests during these events. In keeping our safe, scientific distance, we may become inured to the human need for ritual to mark the passing of any solemn milestone.
In caring for thousands of seriously ill patients, I have yet to meet a family with no rituals. Every family– the deeply religious, the atheist, the agnostic, the non-religious spiritual– all have some type of ritual they practice to honor a life milestone.
Rituals take a wide array of shapes. In fact, most rituals are not really based on religion but can often be a repetitive act that is deeply personal and gives them a sense of control during times of heightened emotion.
I once took care of a wonderful lady named Judy who was often hospitalized due to complications related to breast cancer. Judy would bring a large box of Godiva chocolates to the hospital staff anytime she had a procedure or test and got bad news. That was her ritual. When I asked her about it, she said ” I feel sorry for the doctors because it must be very hard to constantly give bad news to patients like me. I see them squirming, avoiding eye contact, and looking sad when they give me bad news about a test result. I want to take care of you all so you feel appreciated”.
VJ Periyakoil, MD
Microlecture 020: Should Clinicians Engage in Small Talk with Patients?
Should we do small-talk with patients to set them at ease? This may be a standard expectation in some cultures. In fact, by making patients comfortable, we can expect them to engage more meaningfully and be willing to participate and take an active role in their care.
That said, is small talk the best use of the 10-20 min of face time we have in a typical clinical encounter? It is precious time and we want to use every drop of it to improve the health and well-being of patients. Given that time is limited, what are some simple strategies to connect with the patient, and set them at ease while still being mindful of limited time?
VJ Periyakoil, MD
Microlecture 019: What is the Difference Between Social Touch and Therapeutic Touch?
Culture governs how we interpret many things including acceptable norms for touch.
In many cultures, it is not acceptable to make prolonged social eye contact ( it is seen as a forward gesture). It is not appropriate to touch a person, especially a person from the opposite gender.
In medicine, touch (or “haptics“) is a vital part of the care we provide patients. In fact, doctors do comprehensive medical exams of all patients irrespective of the age, gender, or ethnicity of the patient.
What are the differences between social touch and therapeutic touch? Are they governed by the same rules?
How can you make therapeutic touch less intrusive and more respectful to patients?
VJ Periyakoil, MD
