There's so much of this going around: Co-production of a diagnosis

Mrs. R: I'm here because I just feel rotten.

Provider: What kind of symptoms are you having?

Mrs. R: Really high fevers. Last night it was 102. I just ache all over. And I've got this cough...It started the day before yesterday, all of a sudden in the afternoon, something just hit me like a ton of bricks.

Provider: It sounds like you have influenza. There's already a lot of this going around.

Mrs. R: I don't see how this could just be the flu. I've never had anything like this, and I can't ever remember feeling so sick.

Provider: What you have is more than just the run of the mill flu....Have you been under a lot of stress lately?

Mrs. R: Things have been tougher at home lately....My husband and I aren't getting along so well...we fight about money and he parties too much.

Provider: Let's get back to the medical reasons for the visit, but if you ever want to talk about the personal issues, I'm available.

Mrs. R: I'm just worried that this virus or whatever will keep hanging on.

Provider: There's so much of this going around. Everybody's got it this week.



In Provider-Patient Partnerships, Helen Meldrum and her co-author, Dr. Mary Hardy, discuss the case study summarized here in a section entitled, "What is it you're not telling me?" in their chapter about sensitive issues. In this case, the provider didn't learn about Mrs. R's husband's IV drug use, and so couldn't detect her possible exposure to HIV from her husband. Mrs. R had spoken quite indirectly, as many patients do, and the provider didn't understand what she hadn't told him.

Using many rich scenarios like this one, Helen Meldrum's book discusses how providers can improve their communication with patients. The book respects the messy complexity of patients' medical issues, and the frequently indirect communication by patients about their problems. The book is a practical and insightful guide for providers. Its specific prescriptions for seeing the truth among patients' murky comments are much needed.

Ken's advice for patients with sensitive issues to discuss: Rehearse what you'll say to the doctor ahead of time to clarify your concerns.

For more ways to improve communication of providers and patients, read the chapter on "Interacting with Your Doctor" in my book, Getting Your Best Health Care: Real-World Stories for Patient Empowerment.