Medical Etiquette: History and Importance

Etiquette Definition

• Etiquette is the manners and behaviors observed in social life
• It's personal conduct or behavior evaluated by an accepted standard
• This is appropriate for a social or professional setting

Etiquette Importance

• Etiquette reflects how you work and whether you genuinely care
• It is important to recognise unacceptable manners, habits, and gestures in professional settings, even as a student
• Individuals possess their own unique manners, with both positive and negative aspects

History Of Medical Etiquette

• Medical etiquette's history stretches back to Hippocrates
• He advocated professional courtesy and veneration of medical teachers
• Thomas Percival published "Medical Ethics" in 1803, the first consideration of the subject
• Percival's book was considered the subject's gold standard for decades
• Percival used "ethics," but it aligns with what is now termed "etiquette"
• He considered patient emotions and recommended parsimony in prescribing expensive drugs

Importance of Manners and Etiquette

• The first 5-7 seconds are crucial to create a good first impression
• A good manner equals a good name and recognition
• Correct etiquette boosts confidence in social situations
• Politeness, respect and consideration are the basic aspects of etiquette
• It fosters civility, harmony, easier communication and promotes inclusion
• Etiquette helps people to be thoughtful of other's feelings and rights
• Etiquette is intertwined with cultural heritage to maintain a sense of connection with cultural roots
• Effective communication prevents potential misunderstanding
• It demonstrates professionalism and enhance career advancement

Communication Etiquette

• Encompasses word choice, tone, message timing, and setting
• Relevant aspects include email formatting, meeting conduct, and non-verbal cues
• Messages should be clear and concise, with active listening and respect
• In written communications, pay attention to grammar, punctuation, and spelling
• It is important to maintain privacy and confidentiality and be careful about sharing sensitive information
• Cultural sensitivity in communication can prevent misunderstandings

Medical Etiquette and Ethics

• The late 20th century has brought greater interest into medical ethics due to challenges
• A distinct area from medical ethics, is often confused and ignored
• Etiquette facilitates the integrity of the greatest professions
• It is under institutions and individuals who would change professionals to bottom line-oriented tradesmen.

Interacting With Medical Associates

• Medical etiquette includes doctors and personnel interactions
• Including nurses, technologists, and patients are patients
• It is not only clients, but modern nursing schools seem to want to teach their students
• Includes patient's friends, families, all practicing physicians and doctors in training from incoming students to chief residents

Discretion When Discussing Patients

• There is a need to avoid public discussion of medical situations
• Public elevators are not the places to discuss medical matters
• There's a risk of unrecognized friends/family overhearing or being frightened by jargon
• Most people do not share an interest in matters of infection, blood, surgery, and death

Appropriate Dressing & Demeanor

• Mode of dress probably does not matter a great deal so long as the age-old admonition when in Rome, do as the Romans do is followed
• When on overnight call as officers, suits are acceptable
• It is important to still discard scrubs in favor of coat, tie, or white laboratory coat over the scrubs
• Ask oneself how you would like the doctor to be dressed who is taking care of your dying mother or spouse.
• This is one test that carries with it a remarkably high level of sensitivity
• Rules for demeanor as physicians, must be adapted to the situation at hand. One must maintain a suitable behavior at all times
• Doctors shouldn't use informal terms like "hon," "darling," "buddy," or "partner"

Addressing and Receiving Patients

• Introduce yourself to new patients
• Conduct shaking hands with the patient
• Interaction needs to stay formal, unless grounds rules are changed
• Doctors should use "sir," "ma'am," "Mr.," or "Ms."
• Avoid early use of first names as it is highly inappropriate

Recommendations for Treating Patients

• Doctors should respect patient's autonomy
• The physician should list the alternatives and describe their pros and cons
• The physician should then recommend a specific course of action
• The patient may refuse the recommendation, which is appropriate

Professional Courtesy & Physician Consultation

• Professional courtesy involves waiving fees/accepting insurance payments in full
• Physicians should seek advice as patients, not in hospital corridors
• We don't (or shouldn't) write an order for "cardiology consult," or "consult Dr. X," leaving it to a ward clerk or nurse to call our colleague
• Call consultants yourself shows appropriate professional skills

Job Etiquette Skills

• They are essential for maintaining positive relationships
• Includes resolving disagreements professionally and listening to different view points calmly
• Arrive on time for work and meetings to respect deadlines and schedules
• Following the company policy on dress code
• Demonstrate courtesy and consideration in communications

Job Etiquette Skills - Comparison Chart

• Table comparing etiquette (good vs. bad) is provided
• Positive aspects include use of polite language, arriving on time, dressing appropriately and kind considerations
• Negative aspects include rudeness, missed deadlines, gossiping, conflict, and blaming or making excuses

Interview Etiquette

• Interview etiquette includes professional behaviors and practices that makes a positive impression
• Job interview etiquette includes before, during, and after a job interview
• Understanding the company's mission is the first step, and study the role by reviewing description and matching your skills
• Dress culture appropriately, and grooming and hygiene are important as well
• Rehearse common interview questions and Plan your route and allow extra time for arrival
• Turn your phone off or silent and be polite

Effective Interview Communications

• Smile and make eye contact to boost confidence and friendliness
• Avoid fidgeting, crossing arms, or looking at your phone
• Carefully listen and ask for clarification and avoid filler words
• Demonstrate enthusiasm and give direct answers to the point
• It's essential to be truthful if share you would approach finding a solution

Respect for Interviewer & Tech Etiquette

• Demonstrate appreciation for the opportunity/position and reiterate interest
• If virtual, test technology (internet, camera, microphone) beforehand
• Find a quiet, well-lit space and minimize distractions

Job Interview Types

• One-on-One: involves a single interviewer evaluating a candidate's qualifications
• Panel interview: Multiple interviewers assess the candidate together
• Group interview: Several candidates are interviewed at the same time
• Behavioral Interview: Focuses on past experiences to predict the future behaviors
• Technical interview: Assesses job-specific skills and problem-solving abilities
• Case Interview: Business problems can be tested and solved on the spot
• Video and Phone Interview: Conducted via applications (Zoom, Skype) for remote employees
• Stress interview: Evaluates candidate's ability to handle stress and pressure
• The interviewer creates pressure to see how the candidate handles stress to see their ability to handle pressures
• Lunch or Dinner: Examines candidate's etiquette and interpersonal skills.

Interview Types - Comparison Chart

• One-on-one interviews are conversational, relaxed, and personalized
• Panel interviews are formal and can feel intimidating but involve collaborative decision-making
• Assess multiple skills, but take more time to make decisions