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What the patient may really want

Authoring team

As well as the more obvious patient management options, the patient may attend wanting or needing:

  • reassurance
  • an explanation
  • permission to take time off work or other responsibilities
  • permission to follow a desired course of action
  • confidence concerning their management of a child
  • acknowledgement of their difficulties
  • emotional support
  • a sounding-board to explore feelings
  • a physical illness as a face-saver
  • a magic wand - ask what the patient would use it for
  • to adopt the sick role to manipulate circumstances
  • social security or other financial gain
  • to prove no-one can help
  • to get back at the medical profession
  • treatment for depression

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The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

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