Is my doctor any good?
How do you know if a doctor is a good doctor? What is a ‘good doctor’?
This is a surprisingly difficult question to answer, especially if it relates to a single doctor. But why?
- There are no league tables
- You don’t have alot of choice
- You only care when you are ill
- Anyway. What is ‘good’?
Let’s examine these four issues.
Lack of league tables
There are no league tables [“A single Google review would be nice”. MyHSN Ed]. Why are there no league tables? Just saying its complicated, and peoples view of a ‘good doctor’ are very different, is not enough. If we cared enough (and perhaps if illness was more common), there would be league tables.
Choice
You don’t have alot of choice – you tend to go to the nearest GP or hospital. Healthcare in the UK – the NHS for most people – is not really a market. Healthcare in the USA is almost all private (a market) and is well known to be poor for most people.
The Dutch health service is a (sort of) market, costs the same as ours, and is excellent. Perhaps a controlled market is the best option for the UK, like the Netherlands.
Back to Google. Why are there no Google reviews for doctors? There should be. It is easier to find out whether the restaurant, pub, hotel etc that you about to choose is any good, than judge a doctor.
How often do you care?
Most people only care when they are ill – which is (fortunately) not the case for most people most of the time.
MyHSN clearly doesn’t want you to be ill. But if you were more often, maybe you would choose your doctors more carefully.
What is good?
‘Good’ can mean very different for different people. Some people would rate a doctors ‘niceness/friendly-ness’ as a top quality. Others would not be that bothered whether they liked their doctor or not; they may be more bothered about performance.
OK OK. We accept the above, and it’s clearly a hard question. But we need to start somewhere. Here goes.
What is a good doctor? (7 ways to tell)
These are MyHSNs 7 top tips on how to judge whether your doctor is any good? Try ‘JUMPEEL’ (!):
J – judgement
U – understand local systems + determination
M – medical knowledge
P – professionalism
E – empathy
E – excellent communication skills
L – do you like them?
1. Good judgment (especially concerning your health)
Doctors should be able to make sound decisions based on the information available to them. They need to be able to know what they do not know; and be willing to seek additional input from colleagues and specialists when needed. It fine (good actually) to ‘ask a friend’.
And, as part of good judgement, they need to be a good judge of risk : benefit and be able to explain that to you. Arrogance is a very bad quality.
Good questions to ask – do they discuss you with colleagues? Do they refer you to someone else if necessary, and chase the referral if its too slow? Can they explain risk : benefit to you, in language you understand?
2. Understand local healthcare systems (especially IT) + determination
They need to know how their local healthcare systems work in detail; and use different (i.e. best and most appropriate) systems for different problems. They must be able to guide patients through systems that do not work well together – e.g. computers that do not talk to each other (this is not the patient’s fault).
Good questions – do they use their IT well? Blame the system when they struggle to use IT? It is their job to make it work for you, and not moan (too much! We all moan a bit)
Determination
It is not enough to understand the systems. You need the doctor to chase the system, especially when it doesn’t work. Are they determined? Finish the job (FTJ)? Chase blood or other tests? Chase you? They should.
3. Medical knowledge and clinical skills
A good doctor should have extensive knowledge and training in their field, as well as a commitment to staying up-to-date with the latest medical research and techniques. This can include technically good surgical skills if they are a surgeon. Some surgical data is there. You have to look hard. Ask them,
Good questions – do they know their stuff? Ask your doctor about the last conference they went to and what they learnt there? If a surgeon, what evidence do you have their operations work?
4. Professionalism
This includes being reliable, punctual, and ethical, as well as maintaining confidentiality and respecting patients’ rights. They should tell the truth at all times.
Good question – do you trust them? 100%?
5. Excellent communication skills
Doctors should be able to explain medical information in a way that patients can understand (no jargon); and be able to listen to and address patient concerns and questions.
Good questions – do understand what they say? Do they listen to your answers?
6. Empathy
Do they care? We mean, really care. A good doctor should be able to connect with patients on a human level, showing compassion and understanding for their needs and concerns.
Good questions – what evidence do you have they care? Have they gone the extra mile before?
7. Do you like them? Do other people like them?
Medicine, like life, is about trust. If you don’t like your doctor and don’t get on, you will not trust them, then they cannot provide good care (and you will not accept their advice, even if it is good care). Find another doctor. Other peoples’ view is important. Ask around.
Good question – do you like them? Simples
Summary
We have answered the question ‘is my doctor any good?’ Yes, it is quite hard to tell. But we have given you 7 top tips (with questions you may use to judge them) that may help you.
Other resources
What is a good doctor? (7 skills)
How can I check if my doctor is any good?
