Polite society has certainly gone the way of the hoop skirt. Pardon my sainted bloomers, but the ability to express oneself in a reasonably polite and courteous manner, keep civil when one's opinion differs, or engage in respectful dissent is non-existent. Many people unapologetically present their problems thus: "I have a pain in my ass" instead of "low back pain" without shame. Descent into name calling and profanity to make their point is the new norm. You can't reason with people, and it isn't just because they are dumber than a bag of hammers. It is strictly ignorance because THEY THINK NOTHING IS WRONG WITH THE WAY THEY SPEAK. Don't get me started on how they talk to their kids.
Hospitals have scripting and behavioral expectations for staff, why should we not hold patients to a higher standard? How about a little accountability for unacceptable language, profanity, and inappropriate expressions?
I offer a guide for alternative language; scripting for patients if you will.
Instead of: "Why do you have to ask so many fu*king questions?
You might try: Forgive my impatience, my good woman. Would you kindly assist me in understanding why you need to know what medicines I take and how it is relevant to any treatment I might receive for my chronic, debilitating, and narcotic-requiring back problem? I would like to be an active participant in my care.
Instead of: "I have a mother-fu*king toothache, my pain is through the roof. I can't afford no fu*ing dentist. Just hook me up with pain pills, bitch"
You might try: "Alas, dear lady, I am irretrievably guilty of neglecting my dental health and am suffering from yet another exacerbation of uncontrollable pain. I can imagine that it seems inconceivable that I have allowed this situation to deteriorate to this degree. I regret that my current financial situation severely curtails my ability to offer adequate monetary compensation to a dental professional as I would be unable to purchase cigarettes, liquor, or marijuana. Would it be at all possible to provide me with some additional narcotic pain relievers?"
Instead of: "I am sicker than anybody in this shit hole and I shouldn't have to wait for a room"
You might try: Please excuse me if I seem short-tempered, but might I respectfully request that my condition be re-assessed? I understand that my man-cold is not especially urgent, but I do believe this illness seems to have escalated in the 10 minutes I have been asked to repose in the anteroom"
Instead of: Any expressions such as "Coochy pain", "Kicked in the scrote", "My girlfriend/boyfriend gave me some nasty-ass infection in my pu**y/dick".
You might try: I regret that I have a matter of some....delicacy to discuss. Please forgive me if I offend you with any unacceptable slang, but...oh, I blush to say it...I have an injury/possible disease in my nether regions.
Instead of: "I fired my doctor because he/she is the world's biggest douche bag. He blew me off when I asked for an increase in my pain meds because he thinks I am full of shit".
You might try: I am currently between primary care providers, thank you. We have come to an amicable parting of ways and I find myself in an unaccustomed awkward position. Might I beg your indulgence in providing me with just a few of my usual analgesics just to tide me over until I have engaged another primary care provider?
Instead of: "What the hell am I waiting for?"
You might try: Excuse me, I completely understand that you are very busy caring for people much sicker than I am. When you have a moment, might I trouble you for an update?
Instead of: "You are all a bunch of bitches/ c*ck suckers," etc.
You might try: I would just like to thank you so much for the excellent care you have provided me today. I would love to let your administrators know how great my visit has been"
Let's raise the bar a little, people.
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