Holistic approach to treatment
Treating an IBD patient means treating the patient as a whole, not only their symptoms. IBD can lead to many challenges for patients and that is why treatment plans must consider not only physical, but also emotional and mental health, needs. One underserved area is pain management. While the dangers of opiates have been well documented, it seems the pendulum has swung too far in the opposite direction: some doctors are ignoring the topic of pain management altogether or establishing policies against prescribing any narcotic pain medications. This trend is troubling. Pain management is not an issue that goes away by ignoring it and remains a very important part of overall care needs. Doctors should be encouraged to take the time to learn about the many different approaches to pain management, including nonnarcotic and nonmedication therapies.
Jennifer Dorand
Conclusion
The mark of a high-functioning patient/physician relationship is that the patient feels empowered to be engaged with the management of their disease. An empowered patient is one who feels comfortable asking about new therapeutic options, explores new approaches to managing their disease without fear of being judged, and sticks with a treatment plan. By treating patients as partners in the fight against IBD, you can help patients accomplish their goals through a relationship based on mutual trust.
Nicholas Uzl
Patient Accounts
Since my diagnosis 15 years ago, the gastroenterologists who have cared for me were all effective clinicians who improved my quality of life. However, the best physicians asked me directly what aspects of my life I found most important.
My answer to this “life priority” question has changed over time. As a teenager, I wanted to fit in with my peer group as much as I could. In my early 20s, I wanted to take part in physical activity and reduce my pain as much as possible. Today, I prioritize being mentally sharp and reliable for those who depend on me professionally and maintaining empathy for those who depend on me emotionally.
I can imagine that my priorities are more easily relatable to an adult physician now than when I was in my teens, but the best gastroenterologists have empathetically listened and respected my wishes, within reason, throughout my entire experience of illness.
To me, what makes an excellent gastroenterologist is the ability to understand a patient’s greatest priorities, the activities or feelings or connections that make that person feel most whole, and, whenever possible, to direct treatment strategy according to these priorities.
– Jessica Burris
As young physicians, you may feel the need to know the answers to all our questions or a thorny diagnostic problem we present. The truth is we don’t expect you to know all the answers in the moment, it’s OK to stay you don’t know, but stay curious in finding a solution.
Also, at times there is a third presence in the room with you and your patient: the electronic medical record. It can be easy to become distracted and not make eye contact with us, which can seem as if you aren’t paying attention. Remember to always be fully present with your patient. Your patient will truly appreciate it.
– David Walter
