Posted 2/21/2014 12:53 AM (GMT 0)
This may or may not be relevant because it crosses different disciplines, but when I was in PT today, one of the therapists had a new patient come in, and he brought three XRays of his shoulder. The patient was wearing a sleeve and unusual sling.
I obviously was not privy to the assessment discussion, but to be fair, when he left and the PT's were discussing (although quietly) the situation,--(keep in mind this section of the therapy room is rather small), I could hear them both express shock and surprise, as well as disappointment.
All that I gleaned from their exchange was that from what they saw, they disagreed very much with what this person's physician told him was going on, and what their physician chose for treatment. The PT's seemed sincerely concerned.
The owner told the mother of this new patient, (who was not happy with the doctor either, but pleased with the PT's assessment/thoughts/suggestions)...that if she was not happy with her son's doctor, to let him know, and he would find a way to refer him to one of the physicians he's familiar with, that he trusts, and has worked with for years. I could hear how emphatic he was, how strongly he was trying to convey that her son needs another assessment from a different surgeon and that he was very willing to assist them...there was such urgency in his voice, it couldn't be missed. The mother said she'd "think about it."
When they left, I could hear the PT's frustration, and even a bit of fear, that this boy was at risk if he did not receive intervention. (At risk for what, I don't know,...not my business).
I know how this comes across, for the record, discussing someone else's situation. But I wanted to point out that, just from what I gathered, while the PT's chose their words carefully and did their best to explain the actual situation to both the patient and his mother,....there was no way they could, or would, verbally or in writing, put anything in his chart that would contradict this patient's physician.
In the PT therapy rooms, it's not uncommon for "us regulars" to get into all sorts of conversations as we get to know each other, --but that's us, as patients, choosing to share our own information. The PT's do not discuss their patients. This was something that was overheard, and for all I know, it may have happened in the past, and I never heard or noticed it. But because this patient was a young boy, because he brought in XRays that were unmistakable, because the discomfort was palpable in the room due to the PT's feeling frustrated and concerned, this situation stood out to me.
I suspect that what I experienced for a few simple moments today,--even though it's cross-disciplines,--it makes me wonder how often similar situations occur. Almost as if it's a professional courtesy to not contradict,...or it's a liability risk.
Either way, my heart felt a little heavier for that young boy....
M.