By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
  • Health
    • Mental Health
  • Policy and Law
    • Global Healthcare
    • Medical Ethics
  • Medical Innovations
  • News
  • Wellness
  • Tech
Search
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Reading: Are Doctors the Ultimate Engaged Patients?
Share
Notification Show More
Font ResizerAa
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
Font ResizerAa
Search
Follow US
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Health Works Collective > eHealth > Are Doctors the Ultimate Engaged Patients?
eHealth

Are Doctors the Ultimate Engaged Patients?

docnieder
docnieder
Share
3 Min Read
Image
SHARE

Image

Image

My nose and sinuses feel like they are about to explode. I am moving into the third week of this and it’s getting old. At first I thought that my cold had morphed into allergies but now it is apparent that two viral loads in a row have slammed me, both affecting my upper respiratory tract. If a patient walked into my office as miserable as I am right now my advice would include a steroid dose pack to shrink the swelling, some decongestants, lots of fluid and rest. Since it has been going on for so long if the patient insisted I would probably toss an antibiotic in there as well though it is clear (to me) this is not a bacterial infection. I am using a multi-symptom nighttime OTC cocktail along with a topical antihistamine at night and a decongestant with a expectorant during the day. I have no fever and there is nothing to suggest a bacterial component.

Reflecting on my illness, it occurs to me that one of the reasons doctors are uncomfortable taking care of doctors is that we are the ultimate e-patient. We are participatory, we understand the underlying disease processes and we often waver between allowing the treating doctor to be in charge and taking charge. We want to be partners in our healthcare because we have the training for it and yet hesitate because that’s not the way it’s done. It brings to mind a moment in my first pregnancy (in eastern KY) when my nurse midwife told me to skip the hospital prenatal courses because I needed to be a patient, not a doctor, and the classes would thrust me into a difficult role in such a small community. I remember feeling relief and feeling good about “only” being a patient. 

Those times when I have needed to be a patient my choices in physicians have assured me that I would be a partner in my healthcare decisions. Most doctors find taking care of other doctors, or their family members, challenging. This can be both self-inflicted and patient-generated. As patients become more engaged in their healthcare perhaps taking care of our own kind will become less anxiety-producing. We will feel confident that no one is “only a patient” because all patients will be partners if they so choose. 

image: patientengagement/shutterstock

More Read

Making Health Addictive: Use Unpredictable Rewards
New Study Mimics the Effects of Alzheimer’s Disease to Increase Public Awareness
The Benefit of Being a Vocal Cancer Patient
Healthcare Market Consolidation is Shaped By Consumerism
A Guide to a Healthy Online Reputation for Physicians
TAGGED:ePatientpatient engagement
Share This Article
Facebook Copy Link Print
Share

Stay Connected

1.5kFollowersLike
4.5kFollowersFollow
2.8kFollowersPin
136kSubscribersSubscribe

Latest News

Traumatic Brain Injuries
Understanding Traumatic Brain Injuries: What Families Need to Know
Policy & Law
October 10, 2025
Remote Monitoring touchpoints
Remote Monitoring Touchpoints Patients Will Actually Follow
Technology
October 9, 2025
dental care
Importance of Good Dental Care for Health and Confidence
Dental health Specialties
October 2, 2025
AI in Healthcare
AI in Healthcare: Technology is Transforming the Global Landscape
Global Healthcare Policy & Law Technology
October 1, 2025

You Might also Like

PCI Compliance Status Breaches
Medical Records

PCI Compliance Status & Data Breaches

March 9, 2012
Image
Medical DevicesMobile HealthNewsPublic Health

Can Digital Health Prevent You from a Premature Death?

June 29, 2013
healthcare blogging tips
BusinessSocial Media

Beyond the Buzz: 25 Content Ideas for Your Healthcare Blog

November 14, 2014
Embedded image permalink
Social Media

Top 10 Healthcare IT blogs to follow

September 8, 2015
Subscribe
Subscribe to our newsletter to get our newest articles instantly!
Follow US
© 2008-2025 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?