A Study on Health Concepts and Communicative Practices of Doctors at Makati Medical Center (MMC)

Abstract

With the growing recognition of the shortcomings of biomedical science as a way to promote good health, a new method of treating patients has evolved. This method takes into consideration such factors as emotions, feelings, attentive listening, active participation, communication, and building relationships embodied in its healing repertoire. As such, il differs from traditional clinical methods of medicine, which is allegedly objective. At present, breakthroughs in medical science demand balance of these two a views on health. Simultaneously, criticisms are being made about the traditional clinical methods of medicine. It is further claimed for instance that the old practice, whereby doctors and patients seem to live in entirely different worlds of their own are outmoded. This emerging method of health maintenance proposes that being healthy requires not only physical well-being, but also a balance among six dimensions of health, namely: physical, emotional, mental, social, vocational and spiritual. Although there is a growing number of believers in this approach, this has not been ascertained in Philippine context. This study, therefore, seeks to determine the concepts on health as a way to discover whether doctors subscribe to it. Given the significant role of communication in healing, this study will also identify communicative practices of doctors. Communication is considered necessary for man for it serves as the human connection. Although many aspects of doctor-patient relationships are given importance, the aspect of communication has not been given much significance. And yet, studies in communication have shown that the mere expression of one's condition may already bring relief to the patient. Doctor-patient relationships In general, are categorized under Two major headings, namely : task-oriented, and socio-emotional aspects. In line with this, communication Is also grouped together into six mutually exclusive classifications such as: information-giving. Information-seeking, social conversation, positive talk, negative talk, and partnership-building. Information-giving and information-seeking are task-oriented, while socio-emotional heading would include social conversation, positive talk, negative talk, and partnership-building. As a context for studying the health concepts and communicative practices, Makati Medical Center was picked out. This is because of its reputation as one of the modern hospitals in the country. The approach chosen is descriptive and qualitative. Respondents were thirty three doctors, and the tools used were survey questionnaires. Convenience and quota sampling was used. The total number who participated In the study reflected eighty percent of the total population. Percentages were used to analyze data statistically. Findings indicate that MMC doctors subscribe to the new method of treatment, which requires the integration of mind and body. Furthermore, it was gathered that they recognize the importance of addressing their patients’ feelings, aside from paying attention to their illnesses. Respondents are geared towards the socioemotional, rather than towards the task-oriented type of doctor patient relationship. In summary, MMC doctors are now practicing and applying new developments on treating their patients; they are casting away the old belief that the physiological treatment is the only ticket to good health.