Dear Doctor - You Could Be Better

The Patient's Doctor suggests that if you think a physician could really make some practice improvements, tell him/her by writing a respectful letter like the one below. 

He asks "How will doctors improve unless patients tell them what they are doing wrong?"

We've probably all interacted with physicians who we felt were capable but cold, disorganized, or just plain unpleasant.  It happened to me once and I confess, I was a chicken and just never went back.

Professionally I have no problem standing my ground with the most intimidating of physicians; however, when I'm the patient I am far more prone to feeling vulnerable and uncertain. (You guys can be pretty scary...)

As a patient, if I wrote a letter like the one below, I'd have to wonder how awkward I would feel at my next visit.  Makes me wonder whether a face to face conversation might be better. 

So docs - would you try to improve if you got this letter, or would it make you uncomfortable enough that you'd hope the patient wouldn't return? 

And, what about patients who are cold, disorganized and unpleasant to you?  Would you send them a letter, and what would it say?

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Dear Doctor:

This is a note to help you improve your healthcare practice.

I find you to be a talented, capable and intelligent clinician. You provide good healthcare. However, your bedside manner needs development. The quality of the technical care you provide is sometimes lost because you do not show that you care about me, and my life.

I respectfully request that you take time to look at your behaviors. When you do, you will see that your patients need your compassion, with respect and humility, as much as they need your expertise.

http://doctorandpatient.blogspot.com/2006/01/have-you-got-bad-doctor.html

Comments

[Moof]

That web site is a gem! Thank you for sharing it!

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