LETTER RE: Patient engagement and shared decision-making: What do they look like in neurology practice?
Khichar PurnaramShubhakaran, MBBS, MD, Dr. S. N. Medical College, Jodhpur, Indiadrkhicharsk@gmail.com
Submitted May 30, 2016
The views expressed by Armstrong et al. have implications the world over.1 While patient engagement and shared decision-making (SDM) are more easily practiced in developed countries, they are also evident in low-and middle-income countries (LMIC). Many patients in LMIC are managed by primary care physicians who consult a neurologist as needed. As clinical uncertainty is common, neurology is inherently patient-centered.1 In many parts of India there are free diagnostic investigations and treatment facilities. Those with permanent disability are provided for by government and private sector services. At times when there is gap in these services SDM is especially important to avoid litigation. A good doctor-patient relationship is at the heart of medicine.2 "The patient will never care how much you know, until they know how much you care." 2,3 Patients want doctors who can skillfully diagnose and treat their sicknesses as well as communicate with them effectively.4 Much patient dissatisfaction and many complaints are due to a breakdown in the doctor-patient relationship.
Disclosures: The author reports no disclosures.
References
1. Armstrong M J, Shulman L M, Vandigo J, and Mullins D C. Patient engagement and shared decision-making: What do they look like in neurology practice? Neurol Clin Pract 10.1212/CPJ.0000000000000240.
2. Fong Ha J and Longnecker N. Doctor-Patient Communication: A Review. Ochsner J. 2010 Spring; 10: 38-43.
3. Tongue J. R., Epps H. R., Forese L. L. Communication skills for patient-centered care: research-based, easily learned techniques for medical interviews that benefit orthopaedic surgeons and their patients. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2005;87:652-658.
4. DiMatteo M. R. The role of the physician in the emerging health care environment. West J Med. 1998;168:328-333.
The views expressed by Armstrong et al. have implications the world over.1 While patient engagement and shared decision-making (SDM) are more easily practiced in developed countries, they are also evident in low-and middle-income countries (LMIC). Many patients in LMIC are managed by primary care physicians who consult a neurologist as needed. As clinical uncertainty is common, neurology is inherently patient-centered.1 In many parts of India there are free diagnostic investigations and treatment facilities. Those with permanent disability are provided for by government and private sector services. At times when there is gap in these services SDM is especially important to avoid litigation. A good doctor-patient relationship is at the heart of medicine.2 "The patient will never care how much you know, until they know how much you care." 2,3 Patients want doctors who can skillfully diagnose and treat their sicknesses as well as communicate with them effectively.4 Much patient dissatisfaction and many complaints are due to a breakdown in the doctor-patient relationship.
Disclosures: The author reports no disclosures.
References
1. Armstrong M J, Shulman L M, Vandigo J, and Mullins D C. Patient engagement and shared decision-making: What do they look like in neurology practice? Neurol Clin Pract 10.1212/CPJ.0000000000000240.
2. Fong Ha J and Longnecker N. Doctor-Patient Communication: A Review. Ochsner J. 2010 Spring; 10: 38-43.
3. Tongue J. R., Epps H. R., Forese L. L. Communication skills for patient-centered care: research-based, easily learned techniques for medical interviews that benefit orthopaedic surgeons and their patients. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2005;87:652-658.
4. DiMatteo M. R. The role of the physician in the emerging health care environment. West J Med. 1998;168:328-333.