A junior doctor once rushed through a busy OPD, trying to stay on schedule. An elderly woman came in with mild complaints - aches, fatigue, nothing urgent. The doctor did the quick exam, wrote a prescription, and was ready to move on.
But she didn’t leave.
She simply said, Doctor Saab, can I just talk for 2 minutes? No one at home listens.
He paused.
The 2 minutes conversation turned into twenty. She spoke about losing her husband, her lonely days, a nd how she missed being seen as a person, not as a patient.
The doctor realized something that day, sometimes, healing begins before the medicine starts.
**In healthcare, it’s not always about doing more. Something about its being present **
Have you ever experienced a moment like this, where simply listening made a difference?
That’s true. Sometimes, just listening can make a big difference. It really helps the patient’s mental health, and they feel light, like a burden is lifted from their heart. Not every healing needs a tablet sometimes, it just needs a little time and presence.
True. I have experienced several moments like this, where listening played an important role in healing someone or making someone more calmer than when they approached. Stress hormone majorly decreases when a patient feels truly listened to. Gradually the internal pain goes away as well sometimes or the patient’s perception towards the pain changes. Silence when held with attention is extremely therapeutic over quick answers. A careful pause carry enough potential to do a small diagnosis with more efficacy than a rushed scan. Listening helps in building trust, and when a patient feels this trust, it prompts the healing process in him/her before even any medicine is given.
In healthcare, listening is as important as medicine. When doctors truly hear their patients, they understand more than just symptoms—they learn about fears, struggles, and daily challenges. This builds trust and helps in accurate diagnosis. Sometimes, a patient needs empathy more than pills. Listening can reveal hidden causes, improve mental well-being, and make patients feel valued. Beyond prescriptions, it’s a reminder that healing begins with compassion, and that a caring ear can be as powerful as any treatment.
Yes everyone wants someone who they can listen to them without judging them whom they can share their feelings what they are going through in life. It reduces stress and improve mental health
In healthcare patient counselling have enormous important. By giving proper time and listening to patients problem can decrease their pain and it leads to betterment of the patient.
Absolutely true, I feel that listening to someone carefully and understanding their feelings can heal them upto 50 percent. In this busy world, no one has time to speak or listen for two minutes. And in healthcare profession we need to listen to our patients carefully and understanding their problems is very essential.
Yes in health care system listening to the patients and understanding their situation it heals half of the problem solved but in this busy schedule listening properly and providing better solution . It helps to feel better to the patients
Yes, of course! I remember an old-aged patient who had multiple dental issues. After diagnosing and treating her, she began opening up about her worries. That is when I learned she was completely alone, with no one to share her feelings with. I sat there and listened to her entire story. She was so happy that someone was willing to hear her. And then, suddenly she got up and gently touched my knee as a gesture of gratitude. I was shocked and overwhelmed at the same time, it is a moment I will never forget.
Exactly, listening to patient’s problems without judgement would put them at ease and bring a sense of peace and serenity. It also helps in managing their stress, enhancing their mental peace and well-being. And just like that, listening can be the first step towards healing.
Everyone seems rushed now-a-days, the beautiful story is reminder that we all should slow down a bit, take a breath and again do our work but with more precision and less stress.
When you listen to someone 's problem though you are not interested but for that person you are helping him by listening quietly. Help him to release that someone is there to listen. That makes a person calm and better.
Yes, I’ve seen how those “extra” minutes can mean more than the prescription itself. Sometimes, being present and truly listening is the medicine people need the most. It heals in ways no drug can.