Vol.3 No.2 (Jul-Dec 2007)

The first meeting is always important whether it be your friend or patient. The value of conversation and the body language of the doctor during maiden meeting with the patient is gaining significance. The 'look-see' examination of the patient with the help of a mirror is no longer advisable. The history taking or the art of gathering information from the patient is of utmost importance for the successful diagnosis and planning of the treatment.

Many patients, especially the older ones, the number of medications, some so routinely that they fail to remember them as drugs. Is our history taking and subsequent questioning sufficient to bring out these details ? HIV infections and other deadly diseases need to be taken care of. The choice of premedication, timing of the treatment and the postoperative care of the patient depends upon thorough knowledge of the psyche of the patient.

The patient is to be involved in the discussion during treatment planning; however, the final authority definitely remains with the doctor. By the time, patient leaves after the first meeting, he/she should be confident of the concern of the doctor for him/her.

Dr. Vimal Sikri