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.