First, the science of rehabilitation and recovery is not as advanced as other fields in medical science. Professionals may not have scientific information on which to base their opinions and professionals in the same discipline may have different experience, training, and preferred techniques. Some are deliberately optimistic, hoping that patients will do better. Others are very pessimistic, believing that one must prepare for the worst. Some prefer not to be wrong and decline to offer information about recovery.
Finally, professionals may develop different opinions when they observe the patient’s behavior in different settings. A physical therapist in the inpatient setting may see the patient as a highly competent walker when navigating the hospital grounds. Another physical therapist may see the patient as far less competent after observing much stumbling and falling during a visit to a nearby shopping mall.
In summary, family members often hear different professionals expressing different opinions about the same patient. Contradictory information from professionals can lead family members to be upset and confused. Know that you can use several strategies to help you sort out different opinions.
First, let professionals know when you’ve been offered different opinions and how you feel about the inconsistencies. Most will make an effort to explain their point of view and the basis for their opinion.
The Dissertation on Dental Clinic Computerize Patient Information System
Introduction In today’s modern age where computer has become a way of life, it is evident that a majority of the country’s institution still do not adopt the high technology. Particularly in most medical clinic facilities, daily clinic transactions are still done on paper. We all know that modern clinics are now operating a great pace striving to serve as many patients as possible with the best of ...
Second, talk with the each person who offers an opinion. Get a sense of their training, philosophies, experience with the patient, and the information they are using to form their opinion. Understanding why professionals have different opinions will help you sort out their different recommendations
Third, be an effective communicator. You may be getting different information from different professionals because you’ve asked your questions differently or given people different background information. What can you do?
• Give professionals detailed information about your situation and the person with the injury.
• Keep a copy of medical records with you to ensure that health professionals are looking at the most up-to-date and consistent information.
• Let professionals know what’s special or unusual about your situation and the person with the injury.
• Explain yourself and make certain that your questions are properly understood.
• Paraphrase responses you get to make certain that you understand what you’re being told.
• Make sure that you give each professional a fair chance to explain themselves. Asking questions of people “on the run” can get you incorrect or incomplete responses.
Fourth, encourage information sharing and discussion between professionals who offer different opinions to correct misinformation and help resolve inconsistencies. Whenever practical, involve yourself and your injured family member in their discussions to better understand and appreciate the opinions offered.
Though you may feel frustrated, try your best not to react in anger when you hear different opinions. Keep in mind, most professionals offer opinions to try to be helpful. Directing anger toward them probably won’t help you or the patient. Some families have found it helpful to consider all opinions as potential outcomes or best and worse care scenarios.
