The horrible hand
YouTube:
We enter the consultation as it is nearing its end, and the doctor mentions that the patient’s bronchitis is fine. The doctor asks the patient, “All else is well?” We suddenly see the patient unveil a severely diseased and infected hand and express that the ointment prescribed by the doctor didn’t appear to be helping. Unfortunately, the hand has worsened under the doctor’s care, and they are now searching for a solution to address the issue.
Secondly, the patient mentioned that he had a spot of dermatitis on the back of his hand and said it wasn’t improving. He showed the doctor his hand and said, “In fact, it got a bit worse.” The doctor examined the patient’s hand and pointed out where the tiny patch originally was, indicating that it had spread to the webbing between his baby finger and ring finger. The doctor then remembered that he had given the patient ointment and mentioned, “It has spread a tiny bit, hasn’t it,” even though it had gotten quite severe. The doctor asked the patient if it was painful for him.
4 times a day
Therefore, the patient talks about how his skin has rubbed off in one or two places and that he’s kept it dry and oil-free. The doctor believes it was the right stuff for his hand and asks the patient how regularly they were putting on the ointment. Straightaway, the patient mentions putting it on four times daily, “As you said.” Subsequently, the doctor believes that his solution, the ointment, is also the new problem.
"Did I sort of spread it a bit by spreading it too much?"
The doctor attempted to explain to the patient that they had likely recommended applying the ointment three times a day by saying, “I probably did say. Well, I think probably said three times a day, and that makes all the difference.” The issue was the amount of ointment used rather than the ointment itself. The doctor believed the patient had generously applied the ointment and said, “It’s your fault, just that little bit too over-enthusiastic.” The doctor thought it was the correct ointment but blamed the patient’s use instead. However, the doctor then contradicts himself when the patient asks, “Did I sort of spread it a bit by spreading it too much?” the doctor reassured them that it was not their fault and that they should be fine as long as they stuck to applying the ointment three times a day.
After a thorough investigation, the doctor discovered that the patient had been using the ointment four times a day instead of the recommended three times, worsening the condition. Understanding the situation, the patient takes responsibility for this without any resistance. This understanding of the situation should instil confidence in the audience about the patient’s comprehension and commitment to the treatment plan. They part ways, both confident in the patient’s ability to adhere to the new advice.
The purpose of this trigger tape was to highlight how doctors often shift the blame onto patients for ineffective treatment, absolving themselves of any responsibility. Ultimately, the patient decides to follow his doctor’s new advice and, if it gets any worse, to come back to him for help.