Bedside Manner

Bedside Manner is a term that describes how well a physician can communicate with their patients. A doctor with a good bedside manner is known for their good communication skills with empathy, compassion and an understanding of the patient’s pain. A doctor with poor bedside manner is typically known to be abrupt, dismissive to the patient’s fears, and can easily offend their patients with a sometimes borderline abusive behavior. Fortunately many medical schools are now offering courses to practice a more empathetic approach to their patients. Studies have shown that poor bedside manner can affect the quality of care that a patient receives which may actually cause patients to perceive more pain if the patient is stressed with anxiety and fear. A good bedside manner may help patients recover more quickly through positive attitude.

I think there's a lot to be said for this term, universally through every profession. Embracing the opportunity to see through the eyes of another and be compassionate and empathetic to those whose  burdens differ from our own. Perhaps we can't relate, but do we have the ability to rise above the differences and step into another person’s world for just a moment? Especially during the rushed holidays and challenging economic times. Are we capable of understanding their pain enough to be positive and supportive?  I've been in the professional world for several years, working with all walks of life and professionals at varying levels. I've found that those who practice a loving and good bedside manner also maintain healthier, stronger and more geniune professional and personal relationships. At the end of the day, we all have areas that we uniquely experience as weakness and pain. It's in the kindness, love and compassion that is brilliant and wise, ...and is the true and natural healer of the human spirit.