How to manage expectations as a Chronically ill patient? (and how to support them as an HCP)

10 April 2023 How to manage expectations as a Chronically ill patient? (and how to support them as an HCP) Chronically The Patient Empowerment New

10 April 2023 How to manage expectations as a Chronically ill patient? (and how to support them as an HCP) Chronically The Patient Empowerment Newsletter

How to manage expectations as a Chronically ill patient?

In our last episode of season 3 of the "Revolution from your bed" podcast, I discussed managing our expectations from ourselves, our loved ones, care, and healthcare professionals.

Expectations can be good for motivation, but sometimes they can be disruptive. As patients, we have many exactions from you guys, the people who dedicated your life to making us feel better. This intimate relationship is vulnerable, sensitive and HCPs are not always trained or equipped to deal with our expectations of them

What can you do to better understand your Patient's expectations?

Set a "visit goal": ask your Patient what they want to achieve today. Setting this simple goal may be the difference between the disappointment of behaving of the Patient who often forgets to ask or say everything they intended to due to the stress of the meeting, lack of time, and the interaction with your authority as a medical professional.

2. ask your Patient, "How do you feel emotionally today?" We patients tend to reply how do you feel type questions with a physical description of discomfort and neglect to mention our emotional state; many times, we seek medical attention as the "tip of an iceberg" where the underlying cause, condition or emotional state is more acute as it seems. Addressing only our physical needs may lead to a gap in expectations.

3. Simply - ask the Patient what they expect from your relationship. You'll be surprised to know how many times the Patient expects and "confuses" a simple medical visit where the HCP is new at technical as an opportunity to "make progress" in the health journey and even to unravel other emotional, medical and social problems. Setting expectations from what both sides want and need will make things easier.

Tried it out? have any comment