Touching Patients
Lauren van Lancker
Of course, this image isn’t only about literally touching the patient, while this is comforting, it is also symbolic of what I see as a major art of medicine – this is connecting meaningfully with the patient, who in the states of heightened emotions usually inherent within the process of seeing a doctor, is especially likely to be remembered, and help them. The doctor stops, he has the insight to take a non-scientific, holistic response. The figures are in a hospital corridor, but I have made their outlines clearly defined and the background disappear, because the grieving partner and doctor are not noticing anything else around them.
The text on the image relates to both the patient being finally at rest, and the man is now ready to begin the process of acceptance and moving on.
This is a very moving depiction of grief, I’m deeply touched. The emotion portrayed in this picture is heart-wrenching. I can relate to this piece, as I too have experienced an elderly citizens grief after the death of a loved one. This occurred during a very busy period in a well known franchise restaurant, there were few tables left and so she came and shared my table – I feel we bonded through her story and from hearing it I feel better in myself that I could help a person by providing a friendly ear. I believe I have learnt and grown from this situation. The metaphorical themes portrayed are ones that should be considered everyday in hospitals, so that more patients can feel the comforting release of sharing their pain. I’m so glad you pointed out the overly scientific world we live in now, where everything is dependant on technology and the power of human communication and interaction is lost.”
I was also deeply touched by this illustration that portrays the importance of effective doctor-patient relationship. It is through the doctor’s holistic approach that has allowed the patient to open up and “begin the process of acceptance” of his wife’s tragic demise. This demonstrates the importance for doctors to not only provide clinical treatments for the patient, but to also provide whole person care. It is through these interactions that doctors understand the circumstances in which each of their patients are placed in, and this insight may lead to more effective diagnosis and treatment. As much as the text on the image relates to the patient’s catharsis, I also believe that it demonstrates the importance of effective doctor-patient interaction in the way that whole person care allows for doctors to become aware of the “rest” of the patient’s story.
I found this drawing deeply moving. It appears as if the doctor take time out of his life to listen to the feelings of the elderly man helped to make a connection between the two. This connection created a setting that allowed the elderly man to reveal his true emotions. The white-out around the two characters depicts an important characteristic of a good doctor – actively listening to what the patient has to say. It’s far too easy to be distracted by things around you (such as events in the hospital corridor), but concentrating on the patient (or your current task) is superior to these.
This picture strongly represents the significance of taking time simply to sit with a patient and offer support, whether it be following the death of a loved one, or after receiving a difficult diagnosis. This is a fundamental quality of being a good doctor: to know when to take time out of a hectic, non-stop hospital environment, to offer emotional support. I find this piece of art depicts this powerfully. It is an encouraging reminder that the quality of support is not always dependent on knowledge or clinical expertise, but often silence and company can be of most value to those suffering from bad news.
The age of the doctor comforting the patient was what I immediately noticed when I saw this picture. As medical students and / or junior doctors there will always be times where our lack of experience may preclude us from helping the patient clinically but this picture still reminds us that we can still be there for the patient in the most basic manner. i.e. someone who can just sit, comfort and give our time to the patient or relative.
I found this picture deeply moving. It portrays the doctor’s role as a healer, taking time off his busy schedule, using qualities of a human being and to put himself in the patient’s position to accompany the patient on a journey of healing.
This is an extremely touching drawing clearly emphasising the attributes of a doctor – the key on being to be there for the patient to offer care and support when needed. Even though we see the doctor’s daily schedule as very busy and hectic, it is possible to fit everything in if they put in he effort.
Yes – these moments of physical contact are rare and deeply felt by patients.
In some circumstances, a touch of a hand between two individuals can be more comforting and say a lot more that words.
This is a very touching piece that shows the importance of a strong relationship between doctor and patient. By taking time to sit down with the patient, and allowing them to open up about their feelings creates a safe environment. This allows the patient to begin the process of acceptance through a verbal catharsis. This drawing is an excellent reminder that medicine is a holistic practice, and that as a clinician we should always take into consideration more than just a biomedical approach. It is a touching snapshot of an overwhelming scenario. I am impressed how it has been interpreted in an almost cartoon-like style whilst still remaining to capture the raw emotions experienced by real people. The young appearance of the doctor struck me, and helped me to realize that age and background is insignificant when providing care; it is much more important that you show you are willing to help over the experience you may possess. The quality of support we can offer is not reliant on knowledge or clinical expertise. Even as medical students we can offer a set of ears to listen; giving the patient someone to talk to is a simple yet effective approach. The doctor’s hand on the shoulder of the elderly gentleman is a beautiful metaphor of the comforting support we should not shy away from as clinicians. The physical contact from the doctor also acts as reassurance, allowing the patient to feel safer and more comfortable to open up. This is a good example of how demonstrating these personal touches can help the doctor to gain a better understanding of a patient’s needs, and thus can assist the doctor in providing the best care he can. The absence of background detail in this piece highlights that the doctor’s focus is entirely upon the patient, which is a commendable trait of a good doctor. By actively listening to the patient’s story and their concerns, it makes the patient feel valued and cared for, which is your overall goal. The only additional detail in the drawing except from the doctor and patient is the caption, “… and Rest.” This is a fitting summary of the illustration. It shows how the patient has finally got time to process information and the doctor has provided an escape from the overwhelming thoughts that the patient is dealing with. The caption also acts as a written form of the patient’s catharsis. Overall, this is an excellent drawing which provokes many emotions, both of raw, devastating loss and the positive effects of a good doctor-patient relationship.