Reassurance
Helen Collyer-Merritt
This piece depicts the touch of patient by doctor. Sometimes a touch can say more than words. It says, I’m here for you, whatever happens, and I will do everything I can to make things right again.
Drawing this image had a calming effect on me. The soft tones of the pencil seemed to reflect the sensitive touch of the doctor. In our society, touch is often inappropriate and unwelcomed, but in the right situation, it can mean the world.
Whole Person Care – Year One
I really love the softness and simplicity in this drawing. There is such a lot of implicit care in this, even without seeing the expression on their faces – and you don’t need to see their expressions to know how they feel. This is really beautiful – thank you.
This is an amazing drawing. It displays how human contact can be so important in patient care, and how reassured it can make patients feel.
I chose this art because it appeals to me the most. It is a picture of a doctor touching a patient’s hand. I am amazed at how such simple strokes could produce such a wonderful and powerful art. Through this drawing, the artist wants to send a message of the importance of touch. Touch can say more than words. People may not realize it but our daily communication is mostly made up of body language. A touch can reach out and make a difference in someone’s life. For example, to console a patient who is in bereavement, a doctor would simply place a comforting hand on a patient shoulder. Not a single word need to be uttered and the patient would automatically feel reassured and definitely less lonely. The picture shows the doctor’s hand firmly grasping the patient’s hand telling the patient that he will be here no matter what.
This drawing immediately stuck out for me because of its simplicity, yet also because of its extremely powerful message. The image shows a doctor taking the hand of his patient, and immediately one senses the support and reassurance it offers. One does not need to see the expression on their faces, because it is clear that the power of touch alone is enough to elicit a sense of comfort and of ‘being there’ for the patient. I love how no colour was used, because this again emphasises how meaningful and expressive the use of touch is. In my opinion the simplicity of the drawing undermines the need to establish strong, caring and effective doctor-patient relationships. The use of our hands is a basic tool of communication; we tend to use them to emphasise our point, or where words fail to describe what we are trying to say, and so in this picture, we know that the patient appreciates this symbol of care.
Without wanting to repeat what many of the other comments have been saying, when scrolling through a whole host of artwork, this particular piece drew my attention for its lack of action. It appears to convey a fairly simple message through an equally simple concept. Yet this message is so powerful and deep that it can be conveyed through this stripped back drawing. I think also conveys a much more personal side of the role of a doctor, it is not just about diagnosis and treatment but in fact involves emotional support through some of the darkest times of people’s lives.
Love the simplicity of this drawing. Emphasises that sometimes what patients need the most is basic human contact and for doctors to just listen to them. Highlights the importance of whole patient care and not just treatment of physical symptoms.
An Amazing example of how a picture can speak a thousand words. This drawing expresses just how important a connection with a patient can be from a doctor and the profound effect that comes from a relationship where a patient knows that a doctor truly cares.
I really felt connected with this piece. It really depicts the role doctors have as care providers responsible for supporting a patient’s well-being and how we have a range of tools at our disposal to aid this including non-verbal ones such as touch. It reminds us that we are present to support patients no matter their background in whatever way is most appropriate and this can be something as simple, profound and ancient as a human touch.
Something about the sure and firm grip of the doctor offering support and strength holding the relaxed hand of the patient receiving comfort speaks volumes about the doctor-patient relationship and being a support to our patients is something all doctors should strive to embody.
I really enjoy this piece as it highlights the idea of non verbal communication being so important for the doctor-patient relationship. This shows the more human side of doctors and what they are – simply another human capable of experiencing the same emotions and altruism as their patient.