APPRIACH TO PATIENT
Because a majority of patients who com to the dental office are active
people with good general health, the adjustment to the relatively helpess, chro
nically ill person is sometimes difficult. One may tend to be oversolicitous,
an attitude that may not contribute to the development of a cooperative patient.
Usually a direct approach with gentle firmness is most successful.
Establishment of rapport with the
patient may depend in part on whether the patient has requested and
anticipated the appointment or whether those carring for the patient have
insisted on and arranged for the visit.
A. Personal factors
- The well-adjusted chronically ill person may show more appreciation for the care provided than does the healthy patient who comes to the dental office.
- An ill patient may be well aware of the diffidulties under whichthe clinician is working.
- Cooperation obtained may depend on the patient’s attitude to ward the illness or disability.
B. Effects of Inactivity
A prolonged illness that may have been accompanied by suffering is not
conducive to a healthy outlook on life. Monotonous confinement contributes to
the development of characteristics such as those that follow.
- Unable to maintain a cheerful attitude
- Bored or dissatisfied with sameness of daily routine
- Easily depressed
- Discouraged about recovery; leads to mental state that may retard recovery
- Sensitive and easity offended
- Demanding; enjoys being waited on if used to having prompt attention to each request
- Indifferent to personal appearance and general rules of personal hygiene
- Preoccupied with details of medical examinations, tests, treatment, medications, and symptoms.
C. Suggestions for General Procedure
- Request the caregiver to be present to assist as needed and to luarn method for care of the patient’s mouth on a daily basis. Other visitors should be asked to remain out of the room during the appointment to prevent distraction of patient
- Introduce each step slowly to be sure patient knows what is being done
- Do not make the patient feel rushed. Listen attentively; socializing is one of the best ways to establish rapport
- Regardless of inconvenience of arrangements plan tho or more appointments when extensive scaling is required.
- Need to avoid tiring the patient
- Need for observing tissue response
- Need to give encouragement in biofilm control procedures
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