Human Papilloma Virus, Essay Example

The concept of narrative medicine is significant in evaluating patients effectively and in determining the most feasible course of treatment. Narrative medicine encompasses a number of factors that include empathy, holistic, education, and research (Charon, 2001). For this narrative encounter, I recognize that the circumstances of the patient’s case are highly sensitive and her emotional response is significant; therefore, an empathetic interaction is essential in this case in order to show compassion for the patient and her level of emotion in being notified that she has been diagnosed with Human Papilloma Virus (HPV).

In a prior visit, the patient had an annual physical and a pap smear. In the interim, she developed a urinary tract infection. Since she is familiar with UTIs, she knew that a prescription antibiotic was required. However, she was also notified during the visit that her HPV test had come back positive and she was devastated. For this patient who was a married mother of two, an HPV diagnosis could only mean one thing in her mind, that her husband had been unfaithful. Therefore, this experience required me to tap into my emotional side and to recognize the importance of listening to the patient as a critical skill that requires continuous improvement. In this instance, I was able to acquire important knowledge regarding the needs of this patient and was also able to gain experience with her situation. Overall, this experience provided me with much insight regarding the response to a diagnosis, no matter the severity, and how it could lead to devastating consequences or other problems.

With the primary care experience, I was able to work this patient and to share in her diagnosis. Therefore, I learned how to communicate with her from a compassionate point of view. I listened attentively to the patient so that I could take away as much as possible from the experience. While seeing this patient, I was able to ask her questions and to provide information regarding her current state. I also learned how to address her response to the diagnosis and the realization that all was not well with her husband.. By asking questions and being inquisitive, I was able to learn much about her experience, but in a delicate way, so that I could take these lessons with me into my future practice.

This experience also enabled me to directly interact with the patient in a highly sensitive manner and to provide timely information to her. This process supported my growth and development as a compassionate person and to be successful in treating my patients using these emotional resources. I also recognized that quality of care cannot be compromised and time must be taken with all patients, regardless of the circumstances. Therefore, a delicate balance must be achieved between these different needs as a means of achieving quality care efficiently. I learned that patients have many emotional responses to medical news; therefore, patience is required to address these concerns effectively. By working with this patient directly, I was able to capture some of her emotion and perhaps anger; therefore, I learned that their concerns must be taken seriously and consistently during all visits.

Conclusion

My experience in the primary care clinic with the HPV patient was highly productive, and it demonstrated my ability to exercise compassion and empathy for this patient. I was also able to gain a well-rounded experience by communicating with her in an empathetic manner. This was enlightening on many levels and provided me with greater insight regarding a patient’s needs and expectations while visiting the clinic. This experience also shed some light on communication with physicians and nurses, which must be successful in order to achieve the desired results in treating patients. My experience with this patient was also effective in supporting my own growth by possessing the ability to tap into my social side.

References

Charon, R. (2001). Narrative medicine: A model for empathy, reflection, profession, and trust. JAMA: The Journal of the American Medical Association, 286 (15); 1897–1902.