P4PSI - Patients for Patient Safety

Communication Between Patient & Doctor

Female , age about 60 when diagnosed with breast cancer early stages.

Economically well Off, socially active and educated. Living in a metro city with medical facilities.

Patients rights- ignorant about these, afraid to discuss with the doctor .

Hospital Accreditation and it’s benefits- Ignorant

Choice of doctor and hospital- highly recommended doctor, high brand image, and hospital referred by doctor, proximity was also a reason

Mis communication within teams
Surgery took 5 hours instead of 1.5 hours as informed to the patient, this made the family worried
No time available with senior doctors after surgery
Senior doctors try to cover up errors of their team ,
No honest communication between doctor and patient-since no one listens, patient ended up downplaying symptoms, for fear of embarrassment and fears of upsetting senior doctor
no discussion when treatment was completed- after final chemo, there was no clear talk with patient explaining what to look out for or that it was now over.

Create Patients Support group with similar experiences who can share insights and help to guide other pateints
Communicate honestly with patient , inform regarding treatment options, and side effects that can occur.
Follow appointment timings more strictly .
Doctors behaviour and demeanour matter a lot
a one Point contact number or person is important , create a Patient Coordinator for connection between doctor and patient.