Medical Practitioner Communication

On 8 November 2023, the wife and I consulted with Dr V Ramjee, a General Practitioner. Mrs Chetty's case will not be discussed though it is with misgivings and concerns. The common thread however relates to the form of communication from Dr Vickesh Ramjee. Unlike my long standing General Practitioners, Dr Ramjee passed on very important information via secretarial support to pass onto me. My ECG examination would have required me to urgently see my cardiologist but this was flippantly a one liner passed on by the secretary with no indication of urgency.

Effective doctor/patient communication is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, clear and comprehensive communication ensures that patients fully understand their health conditions, treatments, and any necessary actions. In my case, I did not pick up the need for urgency as communicated by the secretary only to be told by Dr Ramjee one week later (when discussing Mrs Chettys health concerns) that I should be urgently seeing my cardiologist).Yet,the ECG outcomes may have required the need for urgency.

Transparent communication builds trust between the patient and healthcare provider, fostering a collaborative approach to managing health. Timely and detailed information helps patients make informed decisions about their well-being, enhancing their overall healthcare experience.

In summary, improved doctor/patient communication not only aids in better health outcomes but also strengthens the patient's trust in the medical process.

I sincerely trust and hope that Dr Ramjee would review how he communicates with patients.