Today I was greeted with one of the most distinct lacks of understanding that I have ever been met with in the pre operative area.
The lady that had been signed up for a cystectomy sincerely believed that she would get her bladder back within the year. That we would "shine it up" and it would be perfect and ready for her to have it again.
When it was explained that this in fact was not possible. She, understandably, was quite disappointed. I then had to take the time to explain that she would in fact have a bag for life, quite the revelation 30 minutes before being taking back to the operating room.
This in my mind brings to light the repeated phenomenon of what we say and what patients hear. I am constantly reminded that there is often no correlation with what is said and patient understanding. I have told people that they did not have any type of cancer and they have walked away thinking that they had 6 months to live because the only word they heard was cancer. I have told others that they had horrible disease and that we were unable to operate and they have interpreted that as they were cured.
Ineffective communication, be it in the communicator or communicatee is very frustrating and a daunting hurdle to overcome. So far I have only one possible answer. At the conclusion of each clinic visit, bedside round, or preoperative questioning, I have the people repeat back to me what I said in their own words. This is little more than a reality show without the cameras.
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