Abstract
Will it be different
I simply don't know
Assessing a patient
With little time to go
Entering the room
With eyes to the floor
What approach to take?
Do they know the score?
It wasn't in the lectures
Nor will you find it in a book
How to respond to a patient
Who gives a worried look
They know the diagnosis
But do they understand?
I feel so very helpless
And offer them my hand
I've taken a thorough history
I've done a full exam
But how should I proceed
When it comes to a plan?
Reflecting on this later
It all becomes clear
In this case what's needed
To lessen their fear
From my time on the wards
I have learnt a great deal
Be honest and open
Try to understand how they feel
An ear to listen
A friendly face to greet
This is what matters
To the patients I meet