Recommendations
Thursday, August 20, 2009 at 09:19AM I make my recommendations and my patients decide to either:
A) Follow my recommendations exactly
B) Ignore my recommendations completely
C) Modify my recommendations into something that "works" for them
I have found that many choose to do "C".
And I am fine with this. But there are times when...
I may tell my patient that they should start their chiropractic care with three adjustments a week. However, a patient may decide that they want to get adjusted only once a week instead. And then two months later, because the pain is still there, they begin to doubt that chiropractic really works.
Or I may recommend that my patient continues regular chiropractic adjustments even after the pain is eliminated, in order to continue with spinal correction and healing and maintenance. But often times, after attaining relief, the patient disappears... only to give me a call some time later down the road to schedule a quick-fix now that the pain has come back (often coming back with a vengeance).
If I know that the patient knows, I do my very best and try not to say, "I told you so. You should have listened to me." Sometimes, I may need to explain again the reasons behind my recommendations. In as nice a way, as respectful a way, as I can.
It does get frustrating at times. But I am ultimately fine with it, because:
A) I recognize and respect the free agency within us all to choose what we feel is best for our own health
B) I rather adjust a person once than never
C) For myself, I detest it when someone tries to manipulate me with guilt, money and fear to do what they might think is best for me. So why would I do this to another?
I know of some very well-respected chiropractors who will absolutely refuse to accept a patient who does not follow their recommendations with exactness. They will turn him away and shut the door.
I have been taught by the "experts" about the need for a doctor to "draw a line in the sand" and refuse to offer care to anyone who dares to step over the line in disobedience. If we hold people to a higher standard, they argue, it can only elevate our patients to a place of more excellent health and integrity.
On the other hand, "tough love" arguments aside, individuals are unique. Circumstances vary. What works here and now may not apply there and later. Our recommendations are not laws set in stone, commandments from on high. They are instead, simply the suggestions of one with a specialized education and applicable experience.
Who am I to resent a person, deny a person, who is not in alignment with the way I see things?
Where is the mercy, understanding, and compassion in denying another because he or she doesn't want to play by my rules?
Rather than kicking people out, my responsibility is to accept where the patient is at and respect their decisions even when they conflict with my recommendations. Then, I must educate. Enlighten a person with tact and gentleness to see the worth and benefits in doing things "my way." Use acceptance and love, and there is a chance they may come around.
Expel that person from the practice, and there is no chance whatsoever!
Reader Comments (1)
Having an option is good for the patients. they can still do what you've recommend and choose or opt something comfortable to them.