Shame in healthcare

My patient looks sheepish when asked about

His exercise, or lack thereof, this is a question he’d like to skip without doubt

He tells me he has been inactive and that he already knew

He would be shamed for it, because that’s what all his health care professionals do…

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Sure enough, I would have proceeded

To lecture him on exercise, admonish him for not having heeded

My advice regarding regular exercise, but the word shame

Stops me in my tracks, my intent was to assign blame

To lack of physical activity in worsening his ailment

To make him feel ashamed was never my intent..

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That made me think, how often do we

Make our patients feel they are being shamed, unknowingly

If patients feel humiliated, they are likely to hide

Their health issues such that we would be unable to provide

The best possible care to improve their health conditions

And our sincere efforts would not achieve fruition..

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My words can make a difference and I should be aware

Of how they make my patients feel, I must choose them with care

Ultimately I want to set my patients up for success

Encourage them to do more but not make them feel less..