More than money, Patients need Social support

From a doctor’s perspective, my perspective

Afew days ago while in theatre, a patient requested me to hold her hand throughout the case. She wasn’t in pain, she wasn’t in panic, but she needed me to be there. I had managed part of her condition on my night duty when she got complications. She trusted me. Even when she probably didn’t know my name, she held my hand tight through out the procedure. She felt at home.

I believe she would have felt even much comfortable with a family member or a friend.

I have watched a paraplegic start using his hands to play a radio, to play omweso game with his wife while in hospital. I picked interest in this couple and I watched them closely for a month during my surgery rotation. It was beautiful watching them smile together, she fed him all his meals, literally and not once did I see her complain.

I have watched patients bedridden for months and not get pressure sores, no DVT, not loosing weight, because their people care for them. I have also watched a patient with severe anaemia yet none of her 6 caretakers was willing to donate blood for her. This same patient had bedsores. This same patient died.

I believe social support from family and loved ones while in hospital makes all the difference. Not even the most qualified bedside nurse can give one this kind of care. This bed side nurse will protect them from physical stress but will never cover the emotional gap. And this is a necessity .