• Question: Have you ever felt uncomfortable when dealing with a patients need?

    Asked by izzy to Simon, Shehla, Katharine, Jonathan, Emma, Chris on 12 Jun 2017.
    • Photo: Jonathan Harte

      Jonathan Harte answered on 12 Jun 2017:

      absolutely.
      It’s important to differentiate between a “need” and a “want”. As you know the NHS is very stretched and can’t do everything for everybody. Nor should it.
      there are times though when I want to get a patient a treatment but can’t as its not funded by the health authority – that is then frustrating,

      As an “experienced” (ie older) GP I have learned to manage these situations better and as patient’s know me the conversation is easier than it used to be.

    • Photo: Emma Rowe

      Emma Rowe answered on 12 Jun 2017:

      Of course! As I’ve got more experienced, this has lessened, but sometimes you just don’t gel with a patient and it can be a bit awkward (I can see 40 people a day and sometimes not everyone can like me!) Sometimes I have to give bad news to patients as well so that can be uncomfortable. It’s important to be open with the patient and honest.
      The main uncomfortable situation I seem to come across is that I am quite young and sometimes that can be thought of as inexperienced which can make things a little tense.

    • Photo: Katharine Bradbury

      Katharine Bradbury answered on 12 Jun 2017:

      Yes – often.

      GP can be asked about a whole range of medical problems and although we tend to know a little about a lot of things it’s hard to have an in deep knowledge of everything. I’ve found it easy to deal with as I’ve got more experienced and got to know the patients at my practice.

      Patients have often already done research about their condition on the internet and it’s important to recognise this. Sometimes I have to explain that I while I don’t have the answer I know how to find out – I think patients appreciate honesty and many, particularly those with chronic illness, want to work in partnership with me to find the best treatment/outcome.

    • Photo: Christopher Symonds

      Christopher Symonds answered on 13 Jun 2017:

      As a Practice Manager I do not deal with actual medical problems but when talking to them they often tell me about their medical and personal issues. So far this has never been a problem as I try to remember that if they are willing to tell me they just need my help or support no matter what the problem.

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