What Kate Middleton’s Cancer Diagnosis Can Teach Us About Patient Care
For months the internet has been asking the question, “Where is Kate Middleton?” and if you spent just a few minutes on social media, you could find some WILD theories of what happened to her. I saw everything from her husband having an affair to her falling into a mysterious coma after abdominal surgery. (And those were the some of the more tame theories out there…) Even if you are like me and don’t follow the royal family, you couldn’t seem to get away from these theories showing up on your social media feeds.
It turns out, while the world was speculating and spreading conspiracy theories, she was dealing with a cancer diagnosis. As a mother and a public figure she had to balance sharing this sensitive situation with her children, but also the world. While most patients don’t have to cope with a difficult diagnosis in the eyes of media, there are lessons that can be learned about how we can improve patient care for those who receive a similar diagnosis.
Treat every patient with kindness. You don’t know what they are going through.
As a pharmacist, we frequently don’t know the reasons why a patient is coming to the counter. For those of us who work in a clinic or hospital setting, we may have a diagnosis, but we don’t know the whole story. During my first pharmacy job as a pharmacy technician at a community pharmacy I remember a patient coming in to pick up a prescription. She was someone I knew, so I chatted with her as I rang up her prescriptions and a few over-the-counter medications. Days later I found out that only moments before walking into the pharmacy that day, she had been told she had a mass that was determined to be cancerous. I had no idea.
Simply put, pharmacists and pharmacy technicians are on the front line of care, which means we are frequently on the front line of the worst moments of peoples lives. It can be hard at times to remember this as we walk into the pharmacy every day. It’s our job to care for patients with difficult diagnoses or bad prognoses on a regular basis. For those who work in the ICU or Emergency Room, we are surrounded by the worst of the worst medication situations every shift, but for our patients this is a pivotal moment as they fight for their life. We walk the halls with the family of those patients whose world was just drastically altered. As hard as it may be, we cannot forget the need for empathy and awareness of the patients and families that we care for.
Don’t speculate what you don’t know.
When it comes to healthcare, particularly concerning patients' conditions and circumstances, it is crucial for pharmacists and other healthcare providers to adhere to a strict code of ethics. Speculating on a patient's situation can lead to misinformation and potentially lead to unintended harm to the patient.
As human beings, it is natural to try to make sense of incomplete information by filling in the gaps with our assumptions. However, in the world of healthcare, these assumptions can be detrimental. Whether it's trying to decipher the reasons behind a patient's medication or the details surrounding their hospital admission, drawing conclusions without concrete facts can be damaging. In the case of the Princess of Wales, speculation spiraled out of control. By refraining from speculation and rumors, professionals can uphold the trust placed in them by those they serve and ensure that patients receive the respect and privacy they deserve.
Give patients space.
Pharmacists frequently develop relationships with their patients and can play a crucial role in providing empathy and support following a difficult diagnosis; however, it is essential for pharmacists to recognize that patients may need space to process the news and come to terms with their diagnosis. Giving patients the necessary time to process their diagnosis as well as privacy can empower patients to ask questions, express their emotions, and make informed decisions about their treatment plan. By allowing patients space after they receive difficult news, you can demonstrate respect for their autonomy and foster a trusting relationship that can positively impact the patient's overall well-being.
Pharmacists have the opportunity to make an impact on patient lives. Providing exceptional patient care lies in the simple acts of treating individuals with kindness, refraining from speculating about their health without proper information, and allowing patients the space they need to process a difficult diagnosis. Just like Princess Catherine, all patients deserve care that gives them privacy, autonomy, and empowerment.
