My patients, Mr. and Mrs. Gupta, are sitting in the waiting lounge of my in vitro fertilization (IVF) clinic, waiting for their appointment. The usual array of consumer magazines is in front of them. But could the time they are spending reading about the most recent Bollywood movie or holiday recipes be put to better use?
“The beauty is that once you have produced information therapy materials, you can use them many times, for many patients, and over many years.”
-Aniruddha Malpani, MD, medical director of Malpani Infertility Clinic in Mumbai, India
My receptionist gives them a comic book about IVF to read instead, so they can learn more about their treatment options. This informative, engaging information puts them in a better frame of mind, and many of their questions are answered and doubts get resolved even before they meet with me. The beauty of information therapy is that it can be presented to patients in many innovative ways.
As an IVF doctor, I put my heart and soul into treating my patients. IVF is often the last resort for infertile couples, and understandably, they often have numerous questions. This is an expensive treatment, and they are investing significant time and energy in the hope of building their family. Since the outcome of IVF is always uncertain, patients can also have a number of doubts and concerns.
I proactively use information therapy to help clear these doubts and answer questions. This approach helps ensure that everyone is on the same page. Patients are reassured that I am open and transparent. They learn that I am not only knowledgeable, but able...
Log in or register for free to continue reading
Register Now For Free
Already Registered? Log In
indicates a Peer-Reviewed Article
Why information therapy is a powerful prescription for patients
-Aniruddha Malpani, MD, medical director of Malpani Infertility Clinic in Mumbai, India
My receptionist gives them a comic book about IVF to read instead, so they can learn more about their treatment options. This informative, engaging information puts them in a better frame of mind, and many of their questions are answered and doubts get resolved even before they meet with me. The beauty of information therapy is that it can be presented to patients in many innovative ways.
As an IVF doctor, I put my heart and soul into treating my patients. IVF is often the last resort for infertile couples, and understandably, they often have numerous questions. This is an expensive treatment, and they are investing significant time and energy in the hope of building their family. Since the outcome of IVF is always uncertain, patients can also have a number of doubts and concerns.
I proactively use information therapy to help clear these doubts and answer questions. This approach helps ensure that everyone is on the same page. Patients are reassured that I am open and transparent. They learn that I am not only knowledgeable, but able...