Question

1. A physician who specializes in family practice often sees patients who bring thier young children to the office. Explain when, how and why the office staff might be expected to assist with children in the office.

2. An 18-year old's mother is upset about her son's treatment in the medical office. Her son came in with a reaction to an antibiotic and is having difficulty breathing. The mother is upset because she knew her son was allergic to an antibiotic, but because her son is an adult, she was not asked about any allergies. the mother is talking very loudly, is becoming nearly hysterical, and is insisting on being taken back immediately to the treatment room to speak with the doctor. The treatment room is quite full of medical staff members who are working with the patient. What should you do?

Answer 1

1. The office staff might be expected to assist with children in the office only when there is a need to assist them. They can assist them if there is an emergency situation where the children are involved and need assistance. When the patient is consulting the physician and has small infants crying with them, the office staff should assist them. There are other similar situations also when the office staff needs to assist the children by taking care of them for a short while. Providing assistance in this manner in the hour of need will help in taking care of the patients. The patients can concentrate more on their health issues and listen to the solution provided by the physician. The physician can provide a solution without being disturbed by the children.

2. The mother should be comforted about her son's condition. She should be given reassurance regarding the treatment given and should be advised that unnecessary panic would only cause further issues. She should also be told that the medical staff is discussing the issue and everything will be alright shortly. She should be told that she will be taken to her son after finalizing and administering the appropriate remedy.