Doctors need to listen to their patients

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-01-2004
Doctors need to listen to their patients
Fri, 10-13-2006 - 2:44pm
This summer, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE), a division of the UK’s National Health Service, published its 76-page Clinical Guideline: Bipolar Disorder....Loud and clear in the introduction, under the heading "Patient-Centered Care," NICE states:

"Treatment and care should take into account people’s individual needs and preferences. People with bipolar disorder should have the opportunity to make informed decisions about their care and management. … Good communication between healthcare professionals and patients is essential."


The Guideline goes on to advise clinicians to provide clear explanations of the illness and its treatment, and to provide written information tailored to the needs of each patient.


As if to demonstrate it means business, the Guideline further states that "healthcare professionals should maintain collaborative relationships with patients and their families … and be respectful of the patient’s knowledge and experience of the illness …"


Now wouldn't that be nice for a change--LOL!


With thanks to McMan's Depression and BIpolar Weekly 8#10 where I got this tidbit.