Advice on ways to ask a sensitive question.

[ebemt]

If there are any type of "embarassing" information you need to know, try gaining it through a conversation with the patient. The other day we had a call that came in as an overdose. Pt. took a little more than 1/2 a bottle of tylenol. I figured more than likely she was attempting to kill herself, but I wanted to find out for sure. En route I was talking with her and through the conversation she told me she was indeed trying to end her life. Worst case scenario you can straight-up ask the patient, but I prefer trying to reveal private information through a casual conversation en route or on scene.

[akflightmedic]

If there are any type of "embarassing" information you need to know, try gaining it through a conversation with the patient. The other day we had a call that came in as an overdose. Pt. took a little more than 1/2 a bottle of tylenol. I figured more than likely she was attempting to kill herself, but I wanted to find out for sure. En route I was talking with her and through the conversation she told me she was indeed trying to end her life. Worst case scenario you can straight-up ask the patient, but I prefer trying to reveal private information through a casual conversation en route or on scene.

How is determining if she is trying to harm herself private or embarrassing information? Do yourself a favor, change your style. After a few years and some experience, you will realize the best way to find information is to ask directly. Do not beat around the bush. What if they croak or pass out before you get to the important stuff. Get your assessment done with all pertinent information then talk about the weather or whatever else you feel like. Do not attempt or rely on "casual conversation" to find out the critical information for your assessment. Sorry for the rant but right now I have visions of you asking about the weather and then saying by the way, did you take viagra in the last 48 hours. Ok, thats good, now how about the traffic around here, pretty crazy eh?

[hfdff422]

Trying to save a persons life will require straightforward and pertinent discussions. You are there because there is an emergency (usually :? ). We ask the SAMPLE questions as a matter of fact, not "as a matter of casual conversation". Do what is right for your patients and start your care for them immediately. OD call= what did you take, how much did you take, when did you take it, did you drink anything with it, when was the last time you ate, and after all the pertinent history is gained, then you ask them why. It really is that simple. This is all information we need and as soon as possible.

[Ridryder 911]

I have no problem asking them anything. From health care insurance to what they ate to how it came out. As a health care professional it is my job to inquire and to ask. Without asking you don't get answers.

So every female under 40 gets the same routine questions: Last menstrual period (LMP) ? On birth control ? What type ? Last time you had intercourse ANY chance of being pregnant ? etc... I don't know how many times after asking any chance of being pregnant they would say: " oh NO way I could be, I have not had sex! " only to get a + HcG pregnancy test ...hmmm another immaculate conception!

Every medical call gets asked last bowel movement ? and was it normal and urination okay (changes?)?

So I guess, asking what their insurance company name is pretty lame by then ...

R/R 911

[medik8]

Dude,

Hammer is a girl...and a hot one at that!

AND...she's smart! :study:

HOT...AND smart................LMFAO...

xoxoxo

8

[bandaidpatrol]

We would ask for an insurance or assistance card, both, so as to not make the patient feel that we are making an assumption.

Either way, they would sign a paper stating that our billing agency could bill what ever insurance program they have, or send them the bill. Whether or not they could pay, did make a difference, that was my pay check. Someone has to pay no matter what. Either their insurance, the state, medicare, or out of their pocket.

[hammerpcp]

How is determining if she is trying to harm herself private or embarrassing information? Do yourself a favor, change your style. After a few years and some experience, you will realize the best way to find information is to ask directly. Do not beat around the bush. What if they croak or pass out before you get to the important stuff. Get your assessment done with all pertinent information then talk about the weather or whatever else you feel like. Do not attempt or rely on "casual conversation" to find out the critical information for your assessment. Sorry for the rant but right now I have visions of you asking about the weather and then saying by the way, did you take viagra in the last 48 hours. Ok, thats good, now how about the traffic around here, pretty crazy eh?

Actually, I thought that under the circumstances ebemt described, that was a very appropriate way of broaching the subject with the pt. Granted, this is not necessarily the best strategy under all circumstances, but that's what this job is all about. Adaptability, and picking the most appropriate means to reach the same ends.

And Rid, if I had a broken leg and you were asking me about my last period and sexual history, I'd be like :shock: :roll: .

[Guest]

AND...she's smart! :study:

HOT...AND smart................LMFAO...

xoxoxo

8

I would concur!

:love6:

Hammer: But seriously, my sex (or lack thereof) is completely irrelevant to this topic.

Not now, and may I offer my services? the sex (or lack thereof) part?

OMG..was that my outside voice again? :twisted:

ps dust......go away your cramping my style....! :boxing:

[Dustdevil]

ps dust......go away your cramping my style....! :boxing:

AK STARTED IT!!! :evil:

[Scaramedic]

Quoting Hammer

"And Rid, if I had a broken leg and you were asking me about my last period and sexual history, I'd be like :shock: :roll:"

Yeah there is much easier ways to get the info we really want.

So do you want me to call your husband? No husband, Ok. Would you like me to call your boyfriend? No boyfriend, Ok.

What's your phone number? I need it for the run sheet.

Would you like me to check in on you later? OK, I'll see you in a little while.

Just joking of course I would NEVER hit on a patient, very unprofessional! :wink: