Top Ten Things An HS Patient Needs From A Health Care Provider
by Donna Atherton, Editor-in-Chief
Here are a few insights that doctors can do to help an HS patient in their treatment. Remember, you define your HS, and that includes treatment!
- Attention: The patient may have been the 28th patient you’ve seen today, and out of the 28 you have seen 4 other HS patients; but to the patient, their care is personal. Every HS patient’s care is different!
- Compassion: Be diligent in its application.
- Time: A few moments of your undivided time is some of the strongest medicine you'll ever administer—and it costs so very little.
- Respect: The patient is also a part-time bookkeeper, psychologist, dietitian, insurance and pain expert, and a full-time general in the war they are waging with this illness. They not only need your respect, but they also DESERVE it.
- Dedication: Be relentless in your devotion to your craft. The patient has entrusted you with their most valuable asset—themselves. You earn that trust with your skill, knowledge base, and ability.
- Honesty: The patient is your partner in this endeavor; they deserve (and can handle) the truth.
- Prudence: The graceful administration of the truth is a true test of a caring professional.
- Advocacy: Never accept less than the best your system has to offer the patient.
- Understanding: The patient plays a pivotal role in their well-being; understanding their needs, wishes, and fears of improving your patient's care.
- Your well-being: Know your emotional limit and learn when to ask for help. Your loved ones as well as the patient need you to remain well.
Stay well,
Dr. Donna
