Wound inspections are a vital part of surgical rounds, especially in a plastic surgery rotation. I remember thinking it was a test of the quality of my in-built camera in mobile phones more than anything else. That all changed after a senior called us out for being mere photographers, instead of clinicians – it was expected that if a wound did not look in a good state, that debridement and cleaning should be done. This completely changed my perspective, which, I must say, gave more meaning to my job and certainly a greater sense of fulfillment.
At times, wound inspections could take an hour as I meticulously work through debrided slough off bedsores, diabetic feet and burn wounds. My reward would be the certainty that I was making a difference in patient care, which often translates to a grateful patient. The work is unglamorous but necessary nonetheless!
Unglamorous tasks are often the most crucial – wound toilette, cleaning patients, suctioning tracheostomy tubes. To some, these are simple things that 'anyone' can do. However, it is important for doctors to be that 'anyone' especially if it helps improve patient care. For instance, if I choose to delegate the task to 'anyone' else who may not be as equipped as I am, it may mean that a patient must stay covered in a sputum for the next one hour. In fact, it would have taken me only five minutes to help with that.
I recall what another senior taught me even before I entered Residency that even simple things like how micropore tape is cut and its placement matter. Patients themselves will also feel more dignified if their external appearances were look kempt.
Just as how I have been with my patients, I hope the medical team taking care of me would pay a little attention to the 'unimportant' little things, which matter.
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