Surgeons are invested in Science. And Science is invested in data. For making decisions and advancing the field, that investment is essential. But, in a patient’s thinking, maybe not so much. (And I am not referring to the current phenomenon of social and political science doubters).
A common frustration for physicians and surgeons in offering a patient the best option in care is the patient’s indecision. The surgeon’s lament may sound like: “I explained the data to him several times and he doesn’t get it.”
It may not be that the patient doesn’t get it, but their decision is not solely informed by data. There is often this complicating factor of emotion. Very often what is happening is that the surgeon is trying to address emotion with data, leaving the patient and surgeon on two different planes.
What can be done about this? One often very effective technique when trying to educate and direct a patient to a course of treatment is to tell a story. Storying telling is a powerful action as witnessed by its presence in all of human history. Why is story telling so powerful?
First, stories heighten and capture attention. “What happens next,” is enticing; it keeps us hanging on. There is an irresistible eagerness to find out the denouement (how’s that’s for a literary term!). A sophisticated medical/surgical equivalent may be case conferences and M&M presentations, where the unfolding story attempts to explain the result.
Secondly, stories are a commonly shared, and hopefully, pleasant experience. It takes us back a bit, even to childhood, when we engaged with someone we trusted and perhaps looked up to. Many of us had the experience of a favorite uncle, teacher, or coach who entertained and delighted us with stories. Story telling can build rapport.
Finally, related to positive experiences of being told stories, the slight regression and increased immersion can reduce the adult critic which casts doubt and suspicion on what are “being sold.” If we didn’t temporarily suspend a critical reality, the ability to enjoy movies, books, tv, sports, almost everything would be severely hampered. We tend to be more open and receptive when listening to a story.
So, use data well to make decisions, disclose, and achieve informed consent, but remember a happy ending needs a good story.
Copyright pending 2024 Michael J. Asken, PhD.