Thread by @akhadilkarMD

Often times in healthcare, we focus on providing medical advice and guidance to patients.

I have realized that patients also enjoy talking about their life OUTSIDE the clinical setting.

Here are few of my reflections: -🧵-

#MedTwitter #MedEd #Cardiotwitter #IMG #Match2023

Make time to learn about your patients outside their diagnosis. It will create a sense of a rapport!

Here are some questions that can stimulate interesting conversations:

1) What kind of work do you do (or did you do)?

2) Have you lived in this city for a while?

3) Do you have a good family / friend support system in the area? Do you have anyone I can call while I am here?

4) Do you enjoy playing any sports? What kind of hobbies do you enjoy? (Can be good in Cardiology to determine METS and baseline functional status)

5) I like to ask questions based on their TV channel they may be watching in the hospital (particularly if a sports fan).

6) If patients are wearing a shirt from their recent travel/vacation, can ask how their trip was.

7) How are your kids/ parents doing?

In the outpatient setting, it can be helpful to create a separate section for 'patient notes' w/ personal details (work, kids and names, sports hobbies).

These can remind you of previous conversations and personal information. Patients appreciate the attention to detail!

This idea was influenced by my wife @salonijairdn. In medicine, sometimes we see patients as a diagnosis (patient w/ HF, COPD, etc)

The better we know and connect with our patients outside of their medical diagnosis, I believe the better care we can provide! Comment 👇