Doctor-Patient: Lessons Learned From Both Sides of Healthcare | The Guardian

The experience of being a patient can feel…disorienting, even for those of us *in* medicine. It’s a perspective shift that forces a critical examination of the system, and sometimes, of individual practice. I’ve had a particularly unusual journey through that system – a spinal surgery gone wrong in 2017, followed by medical school, a neurological complication, and a brain tumour – and it’s given me a unique vantage point. One observation keeps surfacing: the increasing reliance on readily available information, even during a GP consultation. Seeing a doctor casually consult Google during an appointment can feel unsettling, but it’s a practice that’s more common, and more understandable, than many patients realize.

Good Bedside Manner Still Matters

There’s a prevailing, and I believe misguided, notion in some medical circles that clinical knowledge trumps all else, including bedside manner. As a patient, I consistently prioritize a clinician who is kind, inclusive, and transparent about needing to verify information over someone who’s abrupt and dismissive, even if the latter possesses a vast recall of medical facts. The impact of positive interpersonal interactions on health is difficult to quantify, but it’s likely profound. Does clear communication lower blood pressure? Does empathy alleviate pain? We may never have definitive answers, but the behavioural effects are undeniable.

Kindness and inclusivity foster patient engagement – encouraging questions, promoting understanding of treatment plans, improving medication adherence, and bolstering future health-seeking behaviours. These factors collectively contribute to better health outcomes. It’s not simply about feeling ‘cared for’; it’s about active participation in one’s own wellbeing.

The Ubiquitous Search: Why Doctors Look Things Up

Before I even considered a career in medicine, I recall observing my own GP occasionally turning to Google during appointments. It felt…odd. The implication was that, with a stable internet connection, we might bypass GPs altogether. Now, as a medical trainee, I understand the reality: clinicians in hospitals and specialist clinics are constantly looking things up. They’re just less likely to do so *in front* of the patient.

The truth is, medical professionals should be consulting a range of resources, because medical science is constantly evolving. What was considered best practice decades ago may now seem outdated or even incorrect. Guidelines are updated with new research, and treatment should reflect that. Doctors are human; they forget things. Often, these searches aren’t for broad diagnoses, but for specific details – an obscure anatomical landmark, the correct dosage of a medication. Frequently, these searches lead to specialized subscription websites used primarily by medical professionals. Double-checking information is a safer approach than guessing, and it’s a practice grounded in a commitment to providing the best possible care. The MSD Manual, for example, is a frequently consulted resource for detailed medical information.

Emergency Departments: Ruling Out Danger, Not Always Diagnosing

Several years ago, I presented to the emergency department with excruciating back pain, hoping for an MRI to determine the cause. The doctors declined. They acknowledged my discomfort but reassured me that I wasn’t exhibiting signs of permanent neurological damage, and discharged me with instructions to follow up with my GP. At the time, I was frustrated – I wanted answers! – but with my current understanding, I appreciate the rationale.

The primary function of an emergency department is to rule out or treat immediate medical dangers. While a definitive diagnosis is always the goal, sometimes the answer is, “We don’t know exactly what this is, but we’re confident it’s not life-threatening and won’t cause lasting harm.” If you’re stable, you’ll be directed to seek further evaluation and treatment in the community. This uncertainty can be incredibly frustrating, but it reflects the limitations of acute care settings.

Hospitals Aren’t Built for Comfort

Having spent considerable time in hospitals, I’ve approach to accept that they aren’t designed for comfort. When you’re unwell, you crave good food, a comfortable bed, and restful sleep. Hospitals, however, are typically cold, noisy, and lacking in culinary delights. Their priority is safety, not luxury. Constant monitoring, regular checks, scheduled medications, and the needs of other patients all contribute to this environment.

It’s worth remembering that hospitals can inadvertently introduce new risks. Patients admitted for one condition – a broken bone, for instance – may acquire secondary infections, UTIs, or experience delirium, particularly as they age. This underscores the vital role of cleaning staff, who are essential for maintaining a safe environment. Verywell Health provides a good overview of the hospital experience, including what to expect during and after procedures.

Health is an Active Pursuit

Occasionally, a patient will ask, “Can you just fix me, doc?” as if a single intervention will resolve all their ailments. While modern medicine offers remarkable treatments, it’s not a magic bullet. My initial assumption – that surgery would be a simple cure for my spinal issues – proved naive. For most of us, maintaining health requires ongoing effort.

Doctors can prescribe medications and perform procedures, but that’s only part of the equation. Staying active, adopting a balanced diet, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are crucial for long-term wellbeing. Engaging with allied health professionals (physiotherapists, dietitians) and mental health services, as recommended by a GP, is also essential. This requires time, resources, and commitment, which can be challenging when you’re already feeling unwell. But actively participating in your own health can significantly improve outcomes. I now manage my health with this approach, and while it hasn’t been perfect, it’s been far more effective than relying solely on medical interventions. Inici Medical offers a patient guide to spine surgery, highlighting the importance of post-operative care and rehabilitation.

Given the chance, I wouldn’t have had that first spinal surgery. I would have focused on physiotherapy, modifying my activities, and prioritizing mental health support. That’s the approach I take now, and it’s led to a significant improvement in my overall health.