Understanding Older Patients
What was once called “bedside manner” and considered a matter of etiquette and personal style has now been the subject of a large number of empirical studies.
The results of these studies suggest that the interview is integral to the process and outcomes of medical care.
“Tell me more about how you spend your days.”
Although she complains of her loneliness and long days in front of the TV, Mrs. Klein refuses to participate in activities at the community senior center. “I’m not playing bingo with a bunch of old ladies,” she tells her doctor when he suggests she get out more. “You’ve mentioned how much you love to garden,” her doctor says. “The center has a garden club with a master gardener.
One of my other patients says she loves it.” “I don’t want to hang around old people who have nothing better to do than compare health problems,” she says. “Why not give it a try?” her doctor asks. “You might fi nd the members are pretty active gardeners.”
Six months later, when she sees the doctor again, Mrs. Klein thanks him. She has joined the garden club and reports that the members all have green thumbs as well as being quite lively conversationalists. Better still, Mrs. Klein’s depressive symptoms seem improved.