Working with others

Caring for patients with chronic diseases requires a interdisciplinary team, but caring in general for patients requires a step back approach. We all have heard stories of patients that demand things, we know them, we can identify them and we serve them as they request, but we do not look deeper into their situation. While listening to Dave Moen, I realized that we jump to conclusions all the time; and later my new physician proved it. I made an appointment to get a physical examination, I arrived at the clinic, and right away I am greeted in Spanish, and instructed to fill out the forms also in Spanish. I am not complaining, I just do not like the assumptions. Next, I was asked about my medications and how I was controlling my glucose (I am overweight, Latina, short stature) I have not intention of giving explanations, I was upset, and wanted to leave, but I needed to see the doctor. At this point I am thinking, how with this treatment we expect patients to listen? we do not listen to them, we do not treat them with respect and we made assumptions based on physical appearance. That is why a said we need to step back and ask a few questions before we attempt to give advice to the patient.