b. Be sympathetic and understanding. Listen to the patient; show you care
about his or her concerns. Accept the patient as an individual rather than as an object.
It is easy to fall into the trap of treating the patient like an object, especially if the patient
is remote or withdrawn.
c. Keep the patient informed. This will lessen apprehensions and increase the
d. Be courteous. That may seem too obvious, but treating the patient with
respect drives home the message that the patient is an individual worthy of respect,
even if he or she is somewhat dependent and is experiencing feelings of strangeness,
fear, etc.
e. Look efficient. Your personal appearance is important in helping the patient
feel positive about the health care environment.
f. Sound efficient. Take care not to say anything compromising or negative in
the patient's presence. Avoid saying things that are not reassuring because the patient
needs all the reassurance he or she can get.
MD0066
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