This type of undertaking could use help from everyone in all areas: From the issues that the website addresses down to the reality of finding ideas to fund a site on a continual basis. How interactive will we be in our support, to what types of information we need to make available. Lets start with the basics:
A) We will support the idea of dignified care and offer information on how to approach your provider regarding that need and how to make it happen.
B) We will support the idea that dignified care means different things to different people. Not everyone seeks same-gendered care, but rather: mitigation of respectful care.
C) We will list facilities that do offer same-gender care options. We will also list facilities that do not in a non-reactive and responsible manner. Yes or no avoids liability and narrative as to our opinions about the property is inappropriate.
D) We will explain Patient Rights, HIPAA, and JCAHO, and the differences on where to go if you believe you have had an inappropriate medical encounter.
E) We will publish a handout that people can take with them to their provider in order to make these discussions easier and stay on focus.
F) We will not publish slanderous remarks or anonymous examples of poor care. We will not participate in bigotry due to race, gender, or sexual orientation.
So...where would we like to start?
Here is my suggestion. Can you include a place for why and when it is important to take off all of your cloths for any procedures? I cant figure out why I should take off everything and put on a gown when I went in for a sore throat!
ReplyDeleteYes Anon;;;we can do that in the general sense. Of course it would be impossible to cover every scenario, but that would not be necessary once patients become comfortable with the idea that this is THEIR body and will speak up for it.
DeleteThere is actually no reason for you to put on a gown when you just have a sore throat. As a kid, I had a lot of strep throat infections. I always got to keep on my clothes. Just refuse to put on the gown.
ReplyDeleteIn medical setting often not knowing our rights or scared to say no, for what ever reason, needs addressing imo.
ReplyDeleteMany people aren't aware of their rights to same gender doctor.
DeleteExplain in detail the Patients bill or Rights and what we can do about it. Also include a link for modesty wear.
ReplyDeleteSidney
Thanx to all above. Yes, people do not really know their rights and as pointed out above,have an almost "learned fear" or barrier as to speaking up to healthcare providers. We are adressing all of that with as much educational value as possible.
ReplyDeleteI think it would be helpful to include suggestions about bringing up this issue with one's doctor and any other medical personnel (nurses, specialists, techs, etc.). In other words, how do we as patients initiate the conversation and make our preferences known? What is the best language? How can it be approached without sounding contentious, ridiculous or otherwise "loony"? I think the intimidation factor is a big one in preventing people from voicing their modesty concerns.
ReplyDeleteAnother suggestion sort of echoes Dr. Bernstein's thoughts. It may be helpful to start an online petition and then, if enough signatures are obtained, use that to try a mass mailing of sorts to providers to get the word out. Maybe some people here would be willing to volunteer (and pay postage, etc.) to send copies to providers in their area. This website could also be referenced and perhaps we would see some response from medical providers on this forum. Just an idea.
Thanx ANON. I'm beginning to warm up to this petition idea. It may help answer the "how many of you are out there" question and perhaps lead us into a brand new direction. So... a petition "To offer same gender intimate care in all hospitals and facilities" ?
ReplyDeleteSuzy:
ReplyDeleteYes, I think a petition that would state those signing would prefer/expect same gender care in all hospitals and facilities would be a great start. And it would give us a better idea of how many are actually "out there". Not sure how to direct people to such a petition but I imagine those familiar with facebook would have some ideas for that. Also, the petition could be referenced on other patient modesty blogs, like both Dr. Bernstein's and Dr. Sherman's.
O.K. I'm checking out the petition sites now.
ReplyDeleteWhat do we think....
ReplyDeleteSupport Same-Gender Choices For Patients In All Intimate Medical Situations.
"When a patient is asked to submit to embarrassing or humiliating situations, the choice is difficult enough. Add to that the certainty of exposure to the opposite gender and many will put off or avoid care altogether. Given that avoiding care is becoming a National health crisis, we need to do all we can to ensure people are getting the care they deserve, in the dignified manner that is their right.
Help support a patient's right to dignified quality care. Support same-gender choices in all intimate medical situations. Our bodies; our choices; our concerns; our care. "
anyone?
Yes support the choice of same gender doctor, before it destroys more relationships.
DeleteSounds good to me. What is your vision as to how to utilize the petition? Can it perhaps be copied on this site (or referenced) once it is complete? If so, perhaps future patients who visit this site for guidance can print out a copy to use in support of their stance when facing an upcoming relevant medical situation. Providers would begin to see that this is not an isolated concern or request. Jean
ReplyDeleteThanx Jean. I know I can reference the site, but I have e-mailed them to see if I'm allowed to copy it here or on the website. (Although, I assume that's partly the point of these petitions.)
ReplyDeleteYou are right: it seems from the e-mails that I get that ANY flow of information or support helps people become stronger advocates for their own rights and bodies.
Some need castration not consruction lol.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/9564161/Sex-offender-doctors-cant-be-banned-in-case-it-breaches-human-rights.html
Copy and paste into browser, the links isn't highlighted
ReplyDeleteMay be of interest!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.topix.com/forum/city/elizabethtown-ky/T8JCO7GH0QGABUOUJ/p16#lastPost