Have you ever been to a hospital or doctor's office and felt uncomfortable or unheard?
If so, you understand the importance of good bedside manners. In the world of emergency medical services, time is of the essence. When every second could mean the difference between life and death, it's easy to focus solely on the technical aspects of providing care and forget about the human element. However, good bedside manners are just as important as clinical competency when it comes to our patients.
Having good bedside manners is essential in building trust and rapport between you and your patients. Patients who find their healthcare professional empathetic, compassionate, and caring often report higher levels of satisfaction and better clinical outcomes. As first responders, you will be in close proximity to the patient, and it is important to offer comfort and reassurance in this time of need. Addressing their fears, concerns, and anxieties in a respectful manner can go a long way in your treatment of that patient.
Patients often feel vulnerable and scared when they are away from the comforts of home. In these situations, it is essential to advocate for the patient's needs, ensuring their safety, comfort, and well-being.
As an EMS professional, we play an important role in advocating for our patients. Advocating means speaking up for our patients when they are unable to do so themselves. This could mean explaining a patient's medical history to hospital staff, advocating for appropriate medical treatment, or helping your patient understand their diagnosis and treatment plan.
It also means treating all patients with the same level of care and professionalism, regardless of their background or perceived prejudices.
Patients who feel heard and respected by their healthcare providers are more likely to trust their care, follow treatment plans, and achieve better outcomes.
Being an emergency medical technician can be a tense and stressful job. However, managing your own stress level and maintaining a positive attitude is crucial in creating a calm and reassuring environment for your patients. Patients who are in an emergency medical situation are often experiencing high levels of fear and anxiety. A compassionate, caring, and approachable healthcare professional can help alleviate these symptoms and provide comfort to the patient.
Lastly, good bedside manners help to promote a culture of care and compassion within the healthcare community. When we treat our patients with empathy and understanding, we set a positive example for other healthcare professionals to follow. By prioritizing the well-being of our patients above all else, we can create a more patient-centered approach to healthcare that benefits everyone involved.
If you want to learn how to be a better patient advocate and increase your bedside manner skills, I highly recommend the book IMPROVING HEALTHCARE THROUGH ADVOCACY: A GUIDE FOR THE HEALTH AND HELPING PROFESSIONS. This innovative book will appeal to students in nursing, and public health as well as those working in the health field. The case examples are phenomenal. It is by far the best advocacy book I have seen.
Diving into the world of emergency response can be exhilarating, daunting, and everything in between. But remember, you're never alone in this journey. To ensure you're equipped with the latest tips, suggestions, and camaraderie, there's no better place to be than with your peers. That's why we invite you to join our Facebook group so wittingly called, After AVPU. It is dedicated to medical first responder knowledge. Here, the exchange of information is limitless, and you'll find discussions that directly address how to polish your skills and learn from others' experiences. Click the link to fly straight into our caring community. Connect with fellow first responders and elevate your skills today!
Have the best day!
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