RT Journal
A1 Moser RH
T1 INstructions for patients.
JF Archives of Internal Medicine
JO Archives of Internal Medicine
YR 1969
FD April 1
VO 123
IS 4
SP 471
OP 471
DO 10.1001/archinte.1969.00300140117027
UL http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/archinte.1969.00300140117027
AB H. Winter Griffith has created a unique document. Instructions for Patients is just that—a giant-sized, loose-leaf book that contains detailed, fill-in-the-blanks instructions that can be duplicated and distributed to patients.The scope of "instructions" is encyclopedic, ranging through internal medicine (from adrenal insufficiency to a page on laboratory values ["normal" and "your value"]) to all other medical and surgical subspecialties, to a "Miscellaneous Procedures" section (replete with a page with instructions for collecting a clean-catch urine specimen and another on how to take a sponge bath). A final section of anatomical illustrations done with bold, simple lines will facilitate explanations to patients. Syntax is simple and comprehensible; advice is practical, current, and complete.Communication between physician and patient can be a powerful therapeutic device. Manipulated with skill, such dialogue can exert a profound beneficial effect; handled clumsily it can cause great harm. The alert physician will be mindful that patients