Indexing Title: NALUDINOs Medical Anecdotal Report [07-04]

MAR Title: “The Helping Hand”

Date of Medical Observation: May 2007

Narration:

Around 4 o’clock in the morning a 18-year-old man was brought to the emergency room. He had a stab wound at the right chest. The patient was stable and not in distress. After inserting an intravenous line and making sure that there were no other injuries, we decided to do a chest x-ray.

The chest x-ray revealed pneumohemothorax. After explaining to the patient his condition, he gave us his informed consent. We prepared the materials for the patient. When we were about to insert the chest tube, the patient became very anxious and started to cry. He had no companion. He was by himself at the emergency room. He had no one to share his fears with.

The patient admitted to us that he very afraid. He was afraid of the procedure. He was also afraid for his life. We tried to emphatize with him. He could not be consoled. It was then that the bedside companion of the patient next to him held his hand and offered comforting words. To my relief, he was consoled. We were able to proceed. We saved the patient’s life.

Insights (Physical, Psychosocial, Ethical) (Discovery, Stimulus, Reinforcements):

            In the fast pace of our lives as physicians, there are times when we overlook the obvious. There are times when we forget the most common and the cheapest treatment there is – the human touch.

            How many times have we seen patients improving with just the “human touch.” Patients with constant companion fare better than those left alone at the ward. The human touch is the most underrated yet it is the most effective form of treatment.