It is often best to use “I understand” phrases rather than “I know” statements. It only takes a few seconds to express your empathy. Imagine for a moment what their situation is like and that will help you to respond appropriately to their feelings. Also, when you take their patient history, you may find out that this is their first surgery. Maybe the hospital has been backed up and they have been waiting for a long time. Perhaps they have been feeling sick for a while now and they are tired of feeling this way. Understanding what may be going on in their life may explain why they are acting that way and help you to not take it personally or to respond in kind. Sometimes patients may seem rather irritated and a little less than friendly. You will likely want to describe the anesthesia process in everyday language instead. For example, unless the patient is a medical professional as well, they are not likely to understand certain medical terminology. Knowing about a person’s background can help to eliminate miscommunications. Take the time to think about what they have been through. ![]() Your patient will have an overall more positive experience if they feel like they are treated more like a friend and less like a number in a database. If they share a personal story, pay attention. Some patients will feel more at ease when you make a little small talk as it takes their mind off of the surgery for a moment.Īdditionally, be an interested listener. Does their necklace contain their birthstone? Are they reading a book that looks fascinating? Mentioning items like these can be a great conversation starter. You can sometimes notice little details about a person by their jewelry or other personal effects that they may have brought with them that day. Even so, there may be opportunities while taking patient history or when checking in after surgery to learn a little bit about their life. CAAs are usually with their patients while they are unconscious. Making light conversation about a patient’s life is another way to establish trust. Open communication and positive body language are fundamental to establishing trust. ![]() Also, every time you meet a new patient or a new member of the patient’s family, introduce yourself and briefly explain what you do. Even if the clock is ticking, avoid rushed body language such as foot tapping or rapid-fire pen clicking. Make eye contact when speaking with them. Anxiety can be contagious, so it is important to be calm in front of your patient. Of course health professionals always strive to be polite, but sometimes in an emergency or an otherwise rushed situation, this can be difficult. In this article, we will share some advice on how to show fellow feeling for your patients. CAAs need to be very aware of their patient’s situation and comfort level before, during, and after the operation. This is especially important, though, for certified anesthesiologist assistants (CAAs) as the entire field of anesthesiology is based around the compassionate act of alleviating the pain associated with surgery. But those working in healthcare give their time and compassion to their patients in every season! Delivering care with compassion and empathy is vital to all healthcare workers, regardless of their specific field. ![]() The season of giving has commenced and people everywhere are looking for ways to join in the self-sacrificing spirit.
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