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Anger Between Parents and Doctors

by Dr. Henry Ukpeh on 05 Jan 2011
Anger Between Parents and Doctors

When you have a sick child, it’s very easy to direct anger at the medical staff including the Doctor.  In this episode, Dr. Ukpeh shares solutions for everyone in keeping frustration and anger in check.

Comments

This is a very difficult

by bellatake (not verified) on 02 Mar 2012 at about 00:29.

This is a very difficult situation, when the seemingly confident in the doctor but I still have doubts. Best to turn to another doctor for additional advice

 

 

Anger at the Doctors and or staff

by Wraith on 06 Mar 2011 at about 22:57.
I find your topic intresting Dr Ukpeh as my daughter was one of your patients for about 1 hr before I demanded you out of our room and your interns with you...your lack of any empathy to my wife and myself and my new born daughter sickened me...you were writing a book on her condition at the time when you insisted on bringing in 3 of your students into the room that was occupied by myself and my wife who was crying at the time....the hospital staff treated us poorly because noone at the time new anything about the condition... You have a self ajenda Dr Ukpeh you don't fool as many people as you would like to believe...and I know you know who I am because her condition is so rare ..but I will say Trudy made up for all your mistakes thank god she was there to pick us up and dust us off ! Trudy has been a gardian angel for our daughter..stood up for her many times !! thank you Trudy !!! without you we would lose what a Doctor is supposed to act like....

Thanks Dr. Ukpeh. Please

by D on 07 Jan 2011 at about 10:21.
Thanks Dr. Ukpeh. Please never underestimate the power of the parent in simply being a reassuring presence for their child. You correctly inferred that the parent feels powerless. Even though they can't fix the medical problem, I do hope you are telling them (and your medical students) that parents CAN do wonders by simply being there for their children and reminding the child that he/she is going to be okay (which of course would decrease adrenaline/stress hormones and help the body heal). In times of crisis, parents need to know that they ARE empowered, and that you do appreciate their contributions...for the parent plays a crucial role on the team in that they they have the greatest ability to comfort their child. They are your ally in facilitating the mind-body connection of healing. Doctors are not infallible either, and most parents appreciate a little humility and admission when you don't know the anwers (along with reassurance you're doing everything you can to find those answers). Also an apology now and then (e.g. for keeping a 6 week old baby waiting for 1.5-2 hours for a scheduled appointment in your office waiting room) can do wonders in decreasing anger/anxiety before you even look at the child.