Best Practices for Interacting with Doctors in the Emergency Room

When in the emergency room (ER), your interactions with medical professionals can significantly impact the course of your treatment. Whether you've just landed in the ER or find yourself a seasoned patient, it's crucial to adhere to certain guidelines to ensure your care is effective and respectful.

Behaving Respectfully

One of the most important things you should never say to a doctor in an ER is related to their qualifications or income. Statements like, 'I always ask what place they finished in medical school. I say you must have been in the bottom group to get stuck working in the emergency room. How much do you get paid down here? 10.00 an hour,' can undermine the professionalism and dedication of your healthcare provider. Doctors, including those in ERs, work tirelessly to save lives, and such comments can be perceived as disrespectful and unnecessary.

Here's why it's best to avoid:

Commenting on the doctor's educational or professional background. Discussing their salary or working conditions.

Instead, focus on providing truthful, accurate information, which is crucial for effective treatment. Lying to your doctor can lead to a longer hospital stay, worse side effects, and a poorer outcome. The truth will always come out, so it's best to be honest from the start.

Avoiding Negative Behavior

It's essential to maintain a respectful and professional demeanor, especially in a high-stress environment like an ER. Refrain from the following behaviors:

Indicating that you do not trust the doctor, suggesting that you are willing to sue or that you are suspicious of their actions. Making derogatory comments or gestures, such as using profanity, screaming, or yelling. Joking around or suggesting that you need different or unrelated care. Flirting or attempting to use your appearance as a means to gain sympathy or attention.

Doctors are there to help you recover and improve your health, not to become entangled in personal or sexual scenarios. Keeping the patient-doctor relationship professional is crucial for mutual respect and effectiveness in treatment.

Respecting Confidentiality and Ethics

Questions like, “Do you smoke? Do you drink? Are you married? Do you have children?” might seem harmless on the surface but can be ethically sensitive. These questions can be used to determine your lifestyle habits and could be regarded as an invasion of privacy. Doctors have the right to conscientiously object to treating patients whose lifestyles they find ethically or morally problematic. As a patient, it's important to respect these boundaries and understand your doctor's cultural and ethical background.

It's also advisable to review the Medical Declaration of Geneva. This document outlines the ethical principles that guide medical professionals in their practice. Understanding these principles can help you better navigate your interactions with doctors and respect their boundaries.

Conclusion

Treating your doctor with respect and being truthful can significantly impact your recovery and outcome. Avoid negative behavior, respect their professionalism, and be mindful of your words and actions in the ER. By doing so, you can ensure that your experience in the ER is as positive and effective as possible.