Suffering a vital experience.
Suffering is a universal experience. In everyday practice, physicians and patients confront and deal with this phenomenon. It is surprising that, despite its obvious and inexorable presence, there is no universal understanding of the real significance of suffering. In the same context, it seems that the measure of suffering could be an option, an instrument, for evaluating the efficacy of treatment. No doubt, it is easier to compare laboratory or x-ray results than to follow clinically the severity of the disease. However, patients do not understand this language, and, often, physicians do not explain to patients how they determine that treatment is efficacious. In fact, it is common to hear patients complain that they do not feel better despite the doctors' opinion that they should.Often, we must accept that our capabilities are limited and must offer some help to mitigate our patients' suffering. Empathy, and the responsibility of doctors to understand the different meanings of suffering, can help patients. Because of their skills, because they know the meaning of disease, and because of their commitment, doctors are obliged to comprehend the position of the patients who are suffering. In the middle of the storm of science, doctors need to look for disease in the voices and in the eyes of their patients. In fact, there should be no conflict between science and empathy. The magic link must rest in the intelligence and sensitivity of doctors.
Kraus
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Departamento de Inmunologia y Reumatologia, Instihuo National de la NutriciOn Salvador Zubirán, Mexico.