December 10, 2010

Dr. House Video Clip Illustrating Doctor-Patient Communication Problems

In this classic video clip, Dr. House interviews a patient with asthma. Their interaction illustrates the problem of communication between doctor and patient that unfortunately too often occurs.

Errors in doctor-patient communication as shown by this video clip:
  • Doctors assume that patients know how to use medications (or understand treatments) when they don't.
  • Patients assume that they know how to use medications (or understand treatments) even if they don't.
  • Doctors can be intimidated by patients who appear to know/understand their medical treatments when they truly don't.
  • Patients can feel insulted when a doctor assumes they don't know how to use medications (or understand treatments) when they shouldn't because they really don't.

I feel Dr. House perfectly handled this particular situation... though it is unclear what he said AFTER the patient demonstrated how she uses inhalers.




Fauquier blog
Fauquier ENT

Dr. Christopher Chang is a private practice otolaryngology, head & neck surgeon specializing in the treatment of problems related to the ear, nose, and throat. Located in Warrenton, VA about 45 minutes west of Washington DC, he also provides inhalant allergy testing/treatment, hearing tests, and dispenses hearing aids.

2 comments:

Unknown said...

I can't see the video!

Fauquier ENT said...

Try it now... Broken link corrected.


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