Comment: Putting patients first

Everyone encounters annoying behaviour every day. The bored look on the face of a member of staff at the checkout. The GP receptionist who asks personal questions about your condition in an open plan area. The bus driver who lurches to a stop, throwing you off balance.

In a clinical setting, where illness and medical conditions are routine, a culture can develop that loses sight of how the patient feels about being poked and prodded.

But it takes very little to think about putting the patient first.

A smiling face on the reception desk or friendly voice at the end of the phone costs nothing. Treating patients with respect – as advocated by the ‘Hello my name is’ campaign – is key.

Even when things are getting tough, as they are for many members at the moment, it’s important to hang on to what physios do best: bringing the human touch to caring.

Author

Lynn Eaton managing editor Frontline and head of CSP member communications