Page 40 - NAMAH-Oct-2017

Namah Vol. 25, Issue 3, 15th October 2017

Likewise, satisfaction/dissatisfaction levels of delight.
of patients perhaps tend to be independent of
each other. If the treatment is effective in the The conscientious ones
long run, the satisfaction level improves. If
the time spent by the physician is inadequate, In this category fall the hapless and anxious
dissatisfaction sets in. souls who take their illnesses rather seriously.
They take medicines regularly, and follow
In that sense, Effectiveness of Treatment diet-related advice to the best of their ability.
would be akin to a Motivation Factor in the They tend to seek guidance at frequent
theory propounded by Herzberg. However, intervals. Those who suffer from lifestyle
the set of laws proposed above would be like diseases often end up forging a close bond
Hygiene Factors, the absence of which would with the physician, thereby replicating the
cause a patient dissatisfaction. age-old system of ‘family doctors’.

Patients of various hues The anxious ones

Patients obviously come in various body sizes, Then there are the well-heeled hyper-
pocket sizes, shapes and hues. Amongst those anxious ones who take a magnified view
who do not face a medical emergency, there of their afflictions, tend to be jumpy, worry
are wide variations in temperaments. Here excessively about prognosis, and keep
are some which might be of interest. troubling the physician concerned with inane
queries from time to time.
The reluctant ones
Of attitude and inner resilience
These are patients who believe that a doctor
should be visited only as a last resort and Much depends on the attitude of a patient.
that medicines need to be stopped as soon as One could come across persons with a cheerful
the immediate problem is addressed. They disposition headed for their second open heart
believe that there is no need for any follow- surgery, relishing a deep-fried item with much
up visit, till, of course, the next crisis strikes. glee. One could also run into those who worry
endlessly over such transient ailments as a
The casual ones bout of common cold or sinusitis.

These are the ones who are casual in their Physicians obviously deal with a baffling
approach. They may or may not follow variety of patients with much finesse and
either the doctor’s prescriptions or the food aplomb. Nerves of chilled steel get deployed.
restrictions placed on them. Nevertheless, a A sense of detachment pervades their handling
medical consultation is akin to a pleasurable of a patient. Their inner resilience deserves
outing for them, so they shall keep coming to be applauded.
back to see the physician. For a public service
doctor, they happen to be a nuisance. For With such fine qualities of head and heart, one
those in the private sector, they are a source can merely admire the quality of their work

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