This weekend I had to forgo my Saturday clinic shift for a
weekend class. The class called "Business Ethics and Management" is
only one credit or 15 hours, so it was easily squeezed into a long
weekend. After completing the class, I must say I definitely
preferred to have the class over a weekend rather than throughout
the entire trimester. Some students might balk at the idea of
having class on a weekend especially if they work, but the
professor sets the weekend for the class at the beginning of the
trimester, leaving enough time to request time off.
Dr. Bruce Hodges taught the class, and since he is fun and
light-humored it made the time go faster. The class is what any
medical school needs but may not offer. When sitting in class, some
may think of the information as second nature but others may learn
a few great things. "Business Ethics and Management" covered topics
such as boundaries in the medical office, managing difficult
patients and how to spot them in advance, and doctor/patient
communication and roles.
Practice Boundaries
We began the class with a discussion of boundaries. Sexual
boundaries are probably the number one reason doctors have lawsuits
filed against them. Many doctors may not know this but you can't
date your patients or staff. If one does want a relationship, they
need to refer the patient to another doctor and the staff could no
longer work for the doctor. Doctors have gotten in legal trouble
even after three years of ending a relationship, so it's never safe
to date a patient or staff. The ethical boards always favor the
patient over the doctor. This just makes defending oneself even
more difficult.
Trouble Patients
We also discussed how to spot "trouble patients," who may be
looking for ways to render a lawsuit. A patient who always asks for
the last appointment of the day when other staff may have already
gone home may be a concern to watch out for. We touched on subjects
such as treating family and friends, minors, and those that might
have religious beliefs that affect patient care. Dr. Hodges stated
that any kind of litigation, whether the doctor is found guilty or
not guilty, has detrimental effects on the physician's practice, as
well as his mental health and reputation.
However, there is an easy way to avoid the stress of litigation;
all it takes is communication by the doctor with his patient. One
in five patients will switch doctors because of the doctor's lack
of communication with them, as well as a disregard for them
personally. Patients don't like to feel like another number or
sale, that's why many are seeking out "alternative care." If the
patient feels like the doctor genuinely cares about them as a
person and their health, they are more likely to refer the doctor
to friends. A prolific relationship between doctor and patient may
also curb any litigation in the event harm does occur. That's so
big! To me that's so basic, common courtesy, but to others that may
lack "people" skills, it may be challenging. Our clinic shifts are
just another way to practice your communication skills as well as
exposure to the many different flavors of
personality.
So all future health care providers, remember patient's needs
come before your own!