Patient Stigmatization in Health Care, Essay Example

Two ways in which pharmacy clerks and receptionists can help

Technically, pharmacy clerks and receptionists do not have direct contact with patients regarding interactions concerning their diagnosis or general demeanor, which may create a stigmatization. However, they serve as the frontline persons clients/patients meet even before they see the health care provider. Consequently, they are in a strategic position to interact with them regarding their concerns before reaching and after leaving the healthcare provider.

Pharmacy clerks meet clients/patients when booking their medications or delivering them. These clerks cannot explain effects or side effects of drugs to clients/patients, but he/she could direct the patient or client to a pharmacy technician who is capable of explaining the usage of the drug ordered along with the possible reactions. This referral by the pharmacy clerk ought to be conducted in strict confidence maintaining the persons’ right to privacy in discussing the concern. Patients may feel humiliated in the way health care providers react to them with respect to their health condition. In many situations the patient’s expectations conflict with those of the provider.

Providers may communicate above the level of their patients who leave their offices very frustrated, especially, when they are uninsured or their insurance cannot cover certain services. Receptionists can play a significant role in explaining details regarding how clients could pay for their care when uninsured, without bearing that stigmatization. When a mean healthcare provider humiliates a patient who does not have the insurance coverage for his/her care and is being discharged or threatened to be discharged the receptionist is the middle-man in providing information. There are many options available to clients, which can be accessed while speaking with receptionists.