Posted by Jonathan Hollander on January 28, 1998 at 17:25:42:
The first prototype mentioned is Paternalism. This prototype patient is quite compliant and is willing to allow the health care provider dictate the type and method of care. I think many of the older generation falls into this catagory. They seem to be passive and unwilling to participate in their care. The idealizes the physician and what they are able to heal. I believe these type of patients exist because of the cultural upbringing that they experience. It was quite uncommon in early America to question the role of the physician and to expect participation in their care. Physicians also supported such roles and therefore, these patients learned this role.
The second prototype is Consumerism. This patient begins to question and makes demands on the type of care they expect. The believe they have more than a right to participate in their care; they have the right to determine the when and where. These patients are usually of the younger generation. They know what they expect and they expect it, now. Again, I believe this is a cultural issue. The "me" generation that has decided that anyone of authority must be wrong. This has been supported in our culture by the many examples of people who look out for number 1, themselves.
The third prototype is Mutuality. This is a balancing type of patient. They understand that some of the expertise lies with the health care provider, yet at the same time they know they have the responsibility to take care of themselves and determine the type of care they expect. This person is the one who has learned to balance the need to give some control away especially in regards to knowlege deficit, yet at the same time, realizes that there are some things that they can control such as decisions that may need to be made.
The fourth prototype is Default. This is the patient who will not do what the "Damn Doctor" saids. This patient is non-compliant and blames his/her poor health on those "quacks." This person usually doesn't care for self or others . They expect to live the "good" life and yet not suffer any consequences of such a life. Our society in many ways supports this though process.
2. This is a difficult question to answer. I believe that health information that is understandable and correct is the best type. I have read many good health information sheets but they fail to put it on the level of the consumer. Here in Lee County alone, it has been discovered that a 6th grade reading level is adequate for such information. Many health infmoration sheets, pamplets, etc. are at a much higher reading level.
There is also the assumption that the physician will follow up with the reading material. This is not always the case. Therefore, the information should be concised but detailed enough and an information hotline be available to the consumer.
I believe material that cause the most harm are those that contain opinions, mistakes in facts, and not researched thoroughly. The consumer will usually take things at face value and unless the material is verified., the consumer could recieve false and damaging information. The web is such an example where this can occur.
3. I believe an example of a good patient is one that allows me to do my job, yet at the same time does not take a passive role in his/her care. I believe strongly patients road to better health lies with them. The "good" patient will request and seek information about health choices. The "good" patient values the staff providing the care. The "good" patient will heed the advice from th medical resources, therefore changing life patterns if necessary. The "good" patient will take care of the needs that he/she can without the support of the staff. The "good" patient will also request assistance when unable to do themselves.
The "bad" patient is one who is non-compliant with the care offered or received. This individual doesn't seem to care and yet still demands the care he/she expects. This person seems to be on a vacation with no intention of changing life patterns or gaining knowledge of the disease process. This patient is usually demanding of the simpliest things and ignorant of the important issues. The "bad" patient request assistance no matter whether he or she can do it. The "bad" patient does not value the staff but seems them as their "personal slave."