Say ‘No to Fear and Yes to Timely Treatment’
A healed individual creates a healthy and happy society.
‘This needs to be operated,’ an opinion from the medical professional brings life-altering decisions in one’s life. The patient, caregivers, and their family must have seen this coming, but the setback is natural and inherent. The surgical intervention would help relieve the patient from the pain and discomfort associated with the specific health condition.
But, there is something beyond surgical care that needs attention and acknowledgment to make a recovery and healing stress-free and smooth for the patients, something that proves more therapeutic!
There are no two opinions about the significance and need for surgical intervention and care of an ailing patient. No words describe the importance and value of the contribution of our medical professionals in addressing the pressing healthcare problems of patients and society at large. However, poor health and related issues result in dependence, an inevitable condition forced upon a patient. The resultant stress, anxiety, irritability, fear of insecurity, helplessness, and the associated sense of low self-worth overwhelm the patient. The person often suffers from low self-esteem, lack of confidence, lack of interest in life, a sense of insecurity and/or other issues due to the inability to lead an independent everyday life.
Equally true is that the to-date ‘what -what not’ uncertainty clouding one’s specific health issues suddenly renders itself crystal clear with a ray of hope of relieving oneself with the associated pain, trauma, and discomfort through surgical intervention. Providing the cure for associated pain and discomfort, mobility, stability, security, and normalcy, improving the physical health of the patient, restoring natural functionality of the organs and appearance, restoring sensory loss, enabling enhanced patient’s quality of life through surgical intervention, is the ultimate goal of every surgeon.
But, the journey toward the patient’s overall well-being does not end with the successful outcome of the surgical intervention. Surgical intervention is a major step toward improving the patient’s physical well-being. Its successful outcomes guarantee that the procedure’s technical parameters and deliverables are met. Still, the patient’s well-being demands catering to their emotional and psychological needs beyond surgical care by making it indispensable to the whole standard of care. Acknowledging and addressing the emotional and psychological needs of the patients make a recovery easy and smooth for them. Unmet psychological distress often is the cause of poor life quality, slower and poor recovery, poor patient response and involvement in the treatment, and higher post-operative consultations.
Concerted efforts from the doctor, associated medical professionals, patient, caregivers, and patient’s family are needed to make a recovery faster and smoother. In recent times, healthcare professionals have recognized this need for patient care and have started instilling a holistic approach to treating patients.
As a doctor, treating patients with humanity and compassion is essential while being professionally competent and committed. The patient is more than just human flesh, organs, and body is what every doctor must understand.
Taking care of the emotional and psychological needs of the patients, lending a compassionate ear, and providing space to communicate their stress boosters contribute positively to the treatment, recovery, and healing of the patients. As with every surgery, pre and post-operative care and rehabilitation are also paramount. This is so because the patients generally suffer, in addition to the pain and discomfort associated with the surgery, from anxiety and stress that threaten to overwhelm them, as already mentioned.
The uncertainty of the outcome, worries relating to post-operative care and recovery, financial insecurities, and the socioeconomic implications of their dependence on near and dear ones are some of the associated challenges faced by the patient. In such an event, the emotional well-being of the patient is challenging. However, the must! To this end-
- The first and foremost step is prioritizing one’s emotional well-being, starting with self-care. This goes alongside the recommended medications and therapies by incorporating meditation, mindfulness, and other healing modalities into the recovery regime.
- Owning ownership to be a part of the health regime by the patient is what makes all the difference. Family and societal support through immediate surroundings and environment conducive to a healthy recovery of the individual also play an essential role in achieving the desired results.
- The caregivers and immediate family’s unconditional acceptance, love, and care toward the patient with no room for contempt when dealing with the patient prove very therapeutic
- Patient engagement through sharing medical conditions and treatment plans with the patient, and boosting their self-esteem and confidence by assuring them that we all are together, go a long way in making the healing process smooth and easy.
To conclude, a holistic approach involving a surgical intervention when recommended for a timely treatment takes care of the patient’s physical well-being. Still, self-care and support from the caregivers and the family are the icings on the cake! Celebrations of life are awaiting!
A holistic approach is what makes the difference!
Comments are closed.