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I’m so grateful to
patients who inspire and teach me, this year more than ever. In honour of #HeartMonth 
& #CHDAwarenessWeek, here are 5 lessons from my psychology clinics that I thought I’d pass along to my cardiology colleagues:
patients who inspire and teach me, this year more than ever. In honour of #HeartMonth & #CHDAwarenessWeek, here are 5 lessons from my psychology clinics that I thought I’d pass along to my cardiology colleagues:
1) Health stressors can be chronic or acute and are often cumulative and interactive. Thus it’s completely understandable to have a psychological reaction. Please don’t underestimate the power of expressing empathy with patients.
2) The pandemic has been challenging for most folks and has been terrible for millions of people. However, it’s a mistake to assume this has been everyone’s worst year. Many people have faced greater trauma, both related and unrelated to health, in previous years.
3) Just as it has for so many health professionals, for lots of patients the pandemic has amplified pre-existing stressors associated with broader social issues, including politics, the media, racism, sex/gender discrimination, health care inequity, etc.
4) When speaking with patients, follow up questions are key. For example, when a patient reveals they are anxious about a medical diagnosis or procedure, ask for specifics. Best not to assume you know what aspect of a situation they are most worried about.
5) I get that I have a biased sample…but people with disease appreciate mental health care that is integrated within cardiology teams. It improves access and decreases stigma. As many of us have been shouting from the rooftops, it is time for this to become standard of care.
disease appreciate mental health care that is integrated within cardiology teams. It improves access and decreases stigma. As many of us have been shouting from the rooftops, it is time for this to become standard of care.
