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
1.
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.
2.
Introduce each step slowly to be sure patient
knows what is being done
3.
Do not make the patient feel rushed. Listen attentively;
socializing is one of the best ways to establish rapport
4.
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
