On this episode, Dr. Blair Bigham and Dr. Mojola Omole explore two articles in CMAJ focused on the critical importance of trust in the health care system. They speak with Louis Lochhead, who shares his experiences navigating the health care landscape as a caregiver after his wife's serious accident, which resulted in a coma lasting nearly two months. Lochhead highlights the difficulties in building trust with the medical team, pointing to challenges in communication and empathy. He recounts moments where the lack of clear, compassionate communication from health care providers compounded the stress and uncertainty of the situation, leaving him feeling isolated and disconnected from the decision-making process regarding his wife's care.
Next, Dr. Omole and Dr. Bigham speak with Dr. François Lamontagne, an intensive care specialist, who offers insights into how health care professionals can better connect with families and build trust, especially when faced with uncertain diagnoses or prognoses. He emphasizes the importance of acknowledging the inherent unpredictability of medicine and the value of being transparent about known facts and areas of ambiguity. Dr. Lamontagne suggests that by engaging in open, honest dialogues that respect the family's perspective and concerns, health care providers can create a more supportive environment that encourages shared decision-making. This approach not only helps in building trust but also empowers families during challenging times, making them feel valued and part of their loved one's care journey.
This podcast has been sponsored by MD Financial Management. Click here for more information.
Join us as we explore medical solutions that address the urgent need to change healthcare. Reach out to us about this or any episode you hear. Or tell us about something you'd like to hear on the leading Canadian medical podcast.
You can find Blair and Mojola on X @BlairBigham and @Drmojolaomole
X (in English): @CMAJ
X (en français): @JAMC
Facebook
Instagram: @CMAJ.ca
The CMAJ Podcast is produced by PodCraft Productions
Constructive conversations on CanMEDS revisions
Navigating the complex relationship between palliative care and MAiD
Confronting the high stakes of incivility in health care
Diagnosis and treatment of anorexia nervosa in adolescent males
Diagnosing rare and common infections in returning travellers
Opioid poisonings: shortfalls in treatment and new threats
Exclusion of people with disabilities in medicine
More than just novel obesity treatments
ASA: a simple, effective and underused treatment for preeclampsia
ENCORE: Smartphones, social media and poor mental health
Pharmacogenomic testing: billion-dollar savings in depression treatment
The rapid evolution and enhanced capabilities of virtual urgent care
Recommendations on SARS-CoV-2, influenza and RSV vaccinations
New guidelines for alcohol use disorder
Promoting health equity in primary care
Tick-borne illnesses: an evolving health concern
EDs in crisis: causes and solutions
Smartphones, social media and poor mental health
Encore: Diagnosing, treating and living with migraine
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
Good Mood Revolution
The Relaxback UK Show
On Call With Dr. Anselm Anyoha
Precision Medicine Forum Podcast
The Doctor’s Farmacy with Mark Hyman, M.D.
The Peter Attia Drive