Caring for those without words: a perspective on aphasia.
A technical grasp of a medical condition does not always give a person a sense of the emotions behind the disease. Medical professionals, of course, cannot afford to be emotionally invested in every illness they see. Some amount of distance is needed for them to maintain their own emotional health and to give good care to patients. However, emotional or psychological struggles are a large component of a patient's suffering. If these realities are ignored, a medical professional will be much less effective on any level.
Liechty
John A
JA
Oaklawn Psychiatric Hospital, Goshen, IN, USA. jliechty@verizon.net
Heinzekehr
Justin B
JB
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D017542:Aneurysm, Ruptured / Q000150:complications; D001037:Aphasia / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology*; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003142:Communication; D004644:Emotions; D004645:Empathy; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006379:Helping Behavior; D006801:Humans; D002532:Intracranial Aneurysm / Q000150:complications; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations; D012929:Psychological Distance; D012657:Self-Help Groups; D012944:Social Support; D012947:Social Work