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At the time of writing this article, I am in the final weeks of my posting in the Department of Paediatrics. I scheduled a meeting with my assigned specialist as I had to complete an end of posting assignment prior to leaving the department, just as with any other posting.
I walked into Paediatrics 3A on my off day and they were just done with their morning grand rounds.
“Bed 4”, he pointed at one of the acute bed situated at the corner.
I clerked and assessed the patient, came up with my own diagnosis and decided to head for lunch and read up a little bit about my case before returning to present my case.
It was a clerk cut acute exacerbation of poorly controlled asthma with persistent symptoms to me. Most of the questions he asked me were based on my decisions in the community clinic (Klinik Kesihatan) as well as how I would manage the patient as well as the time I would deem necessary to refer the patient to tertiary care.
Based on my observations, some cases that come in are indeed terrifying and does require referrals to tertiary centres but sometimes, there tends to be a few referrals which I would not consider drastic enough or just a “false alarm”.
Usually when this does occurs, it gets on everyone’s nerves and most of the time, the patient gets brushed off or humiliated for even coming.
I remembered asking my specialist, “What if it was just a false alarm? The signs does not necessarily point to such.”
And he told me,
“After going through the hassle of bringing the child, do not dismiss them when they come knocking at your door late at night.”
It is true. If it is not emergency enough for the person to want to come to the hospital or the clinic, why would they go through the hassle of leaving the house and even coming all the way?
The healthcare should serve as a form of protection for them as well. After all, that is our duty, to cater and heal the community.
Thus, although it may seem hard at times, considering that I am a bad example myself as I tend to easily get annoyed, it is something to keep in mind. Every time a patient steps in, no doubt it has been difficult for us, working around the clock and catering back to back during our shifts, it must be even harder for them and they themselves have gone through the thorough consideration of whether they should even go to the hospital.
It was as if a bell rang in my head when I heard that sentence, feeling slightly ashamed myself.
Something for us to remember although we tend to get caught up in the sea of our work, do not simply dismiss them and treat them with empathy and respect when the patients do show up.
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- Housemanship Diaries: Surviving the Tagging Period in Paediatrics
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The Theoretical Doctor 