- Annie Graham, BMJ Clegg Scholar
In this episode of Sharp Scratch, we talk all about doctor self-disclosure with an emphasis on one’s own experience of illness. We discuss the social intricacies that come with self-disclosure, such as deciding when (or even if) it is appropriate to tell patients your own stories of illness, the difficulties in navigating these conversations, and the importance of context and timing. In this episode the panel were joined by expert guest, John Launer, a medical educator and writer.
A bit of background
We’ve talked before about how one’s own experience of illness can affect practice, but does it also influence how much you share with your patients? As a medical student or healthcare professional there may be times when we meet patients with a history or presentation to which we can relate. Knowing when it is suitable to share this with a patient is not something that is specifically covered in most medical schools. In this episode we touch on the difficulties that can arise when considering crossing these boundaries, and the importance of professional judgment.
To find out more, we spoke to expert guest John Launer. John’s background is in general practice and family therapy, and he also has a degree in English literature. He now devotes his time to medical education and specialises in interactional skills, so he was the perfect guest for this episode.
It depends on the doctor, the patient, and the moment
John offered invaluable insights into this topic, drawing on both professional and personal experiences. He discussed how fine judgments made in conversations with patients can determine health professionals’ decision to self-disclose, and how these moments should form part of a collaborative exchange. John also acknowledged the challenges faced by doctors who have become “celebrities in their own conditions,” but recognised that this can sometimes foster a sense of shared experience with the patient.
Throughout the episode, the panel talked about times when an opportunity for self-disclosure has arisen during patient consultations and reflected on whether sharing felt like an appropriate way to show empathy. They discussed how this may differ from one illness to another, and they considered the way that stigma may steer decisions to disclose. From the atmosphere of the consultation to the generational and cultural differences of clinicians and patients, many factors can influence decisions. We discussed whether sharing is ever seen as downright self-indulgent or simply a way to connect.
Where can I find this episode?
If you want to learn more about this topic and hear about when and how we should use professional titles, check out this episode. You can listen wherever you get your podcasts, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
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Learn more about the Sharp Scratch team and listen to our archive of episodes here.
Sharp Scratch is produced by Dom Byrne and Duncan Jarvies, and sponsored by Medical Protection.
And don’t forget, students in years 1-3 currently have free access to OnExamination, the BMJ’s exam revision tool.