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ADVISING HEALTH WORKERS ABOUT ‘CLINICAL ETHICS’
Before health workers begin clinical practice, it is a good idea to spend some
time discussing guidelines for relating to the sick. These guidelines should be
followed by the instructors, too, as they set the example for the health workers-
in-training. You may want to include these points:*
Treat sick persons and their families as your friends and equals, not as
‘patients’ or ‘cases’. For example:
• Make sure there are places for everyone to sit.
• Dress as they do, instead of wearing a uniform.
• Sit near them...................................................... not behind a desk or table.
• Use simple, clear language people understand (avoid big medical terms).
• Ask about family and friends, not just about the health problem. Take interest in
the life and ideas of the sick person and his family.
• Do not let record keeping interfere with communicating. Do not write while the
person is talking.
• Respect people’s traditions and beliefs.
• Learn how to listen. Be sympathetic to people’s hopes and fears.
First serve those whose needs are
greatest. When many persons
are waiting to be seen, try to
notice those who are especially sick or
need immediate attention. Very sick
persons need to be seen first. They
should not have to ‘wait their turn’.
If other workers at the training
center (and people in the villages)
can learn to recognize signs of
serious illness, they can help to
make sure that those who need
attention immediately are seen first.
*These guidelines are from a mimeographed sheet written by Project Piaxtla staff for village health worker
trainees in Ajoya. Mexico.