Yes, We should talk politics and religion with patients. Op-ed by Cleveland Francis, Jr., MD.
From our first days as medical students, we are told that politics and religion are topics to be avoided with patients, but I disagree. Knowing more about our patients allows us to deliver better care. I propose that we consider adding politics and religion to our list of risk factors.The importance of politics and religion in the health of patients was clearly demonstrated during the COVID pandemic.
Over my years of practice, I have found that while these are difficult topics to address, they should not be avoided. Studies have shown that open acknowledgement of religious beliefs can affect both. Religion and spirituality are as much a part of our patient's lives as the physical parameters that we measure. To neglect these significant aspects is to miss the very essence of the individual.
I made it a practice to ask patients about their religious beliefs, the extent to which religion shaped their life, and whether they were part of a church community. Knowing this allowed me to separate deep personal belief from stances based on personal freedom, misinformation, conspiracies, and politics.
I found that information about political leanings flowed naturally in discussions with patients as we trusted and respected each other over time. If I approached politics objectively and nonjudgmentally, it generally led to meaningful conversation. This helped me to understand the patient as an individual and informed my diagnosis and treatment plan.presented with persistent elevated blood pressure and pulse rate despite adherence to the medical regimen that I had prescribed.
It is disappointing to see how one of the great scientific advances of our lifetime, vaccination science, has been tarnished
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
The Linda Lindas prove teen girls are so punk rockPunk-rock band the Linda Lindas take their debut album 'Growing Up' on tour. Composed of four members aged 12 to 18, the album details the process of learning about themselves and the world.
Read more »
Domhnall Gleeson Talks 'The Patient,' Society’s Fascination with Serial Killers, and Chaining up Steve CarellWe spoke w/ Domhnall Gleeson about society's obsession with serial killers and keeping Steve Carell chained up in 'The Patient.'
Read more »
Yeah Yeah Yeahs' 'Cool It Down' is an exhilarating yet unhurried returnThe Yeah Yeah Yeahs' first new record in nine years confronts environmental ruin and pandemic-era isolation but ends at a vantage of hope — one that sounds like it took all the intervening time to reach.
Read more »
Democrats have edge in Minnesota campaign cash warsMost Democrats running for statewide office in Minnesota entered the final seven-week stretch with a big cash advantage.
Read more »