Do No Harm Vs. Be a Person of Benefit
In the medical profession, doctors have learned the Hippocratic Oath " do no harm". Many have extrapolated from this that medical professionals must practice in a way in which no harm occurs during patient interviews, diagnostic evaluations, and treatment plans. Most of the time, it is understood that no physical damage is caused by the health care professional. Perhaps "do no harm" means different things to different people. In addition to genetic and physical reasons for diseases, there are many other causes, mental, emotional, and psychological. These could be simple things which we may ignore or take for granted. However, these things could be the source of stress and can affect the health of patients.
The following are some examples:
Not managing our schedule well and making patients wait for long times before their appointments
Being judgmental
Spending less time with the patients
Not listening to their complaints
Being overly absorbed with technology
Not making an eye contact
Not displaying genuine compassion
Research has displayed that patients' compliance and adherence to physicians' instructions improves when doctors show compassion for their patients. In some cases, it is a lack of compassion by physicians that causes patients to have little regard for their health.
Many physicians feel "stuck", saying they have no time to spend with their patients and they must see many patients in order to justify their earnings. Healthcare providers should not compromise and "cut corners". When patients are not satisfied and their needs have not been met, they are less likely to come back and do referrals. Therefore, this is bad for the business of hospitals and medical practices. It is imperative that we be honest with ourselves. We should examine how many times we are rushed and spend less time with our patients, and have not addressed all of their health needs.
However, inspiring leaders in healthcare are always cognizant and will never do any harm to their patients. On the contrary, they are always concerned and looking for ways as to how they can add value towards their patients' health. They will fight with the systems' bureaucracy of treating patients like a business commodity. I wish to inspire healthcare leaders to address these tendencies of modern healthcare. Our purpose is to uplift our patients' mental, physical and spiritual wellbeing.
Patients cannot understand the compartmental approach of medical specialties. They simply want to get better and do well. Regardless of the specialties we choose, there are uniform principals which all specialties should adhere to, in order to properly care for patients. Many of these principles are fundamental. We are aware of their benefits, yet we think this is not the job of the specialists, but rather the duty of primary care physicians. Some of these principles include asking patients about their nutrition, sleep, exercise and recreational habits on a regular basis. A positive attitude towards life is essential in order to maintain good health. Learning and keeping your mind busy with knowledge helps keep the mind active and diminishes the likelihood of dementia, or similar illnesses. Stress and chronic anxiety renders the immune system ineffective and increases chances of getting sick. Maintaining social ties and relationships is key for health and longevity.
Let me ask you this question. Are you there at the minimum, of causing no harm, or you are there to uplift and add value and benefit towards patient's physical, mental and emotional wellbeing? The choice is yours...
"A man's true wealth is the good he does in this world.”
—Muhammad (PBUH)
Zafar Ajmal, MD
Health Leadership Coach