Some time back, while at a conference, I heard the term “Participatory Medicine” and immediately thought of the philosophy behind the care my colleagues and I provide as clinicians. I have since discovered that the idea of “Participatory Medicine” came from the term “P4 Medicine.” It is short for “Predictive, Preventive, Personalized, and Participatory Medicine.” The premise of this approach is that medical practice will move toward managing people’s health rather than their diseases. Such an approach aligns well with my clinical work and that of like-minded colleagues.

With the benefit of state of the art technology and innovative treatment methods these days, each patient is challenged to discover, and work within, even the smallest window of opportunity for growth. Since patients present with unique psychophysiological characteristics and psychosocial situations, an individualized approach is necessitated. Thus, treatment is based on each person’s unique physical body, psychosocial situation, and emotional capacity. Individualized care means being adept at modifying a routine to create a unique protocol for a specific patient’s needs.

As clinicians work to design this individualized care, it helps to remember that most, if not all, patients will present with preconceived ideas about and reactions to various facets of treatment and life situations. Indeed, self-awareness is paramount here as well because clinicians’ own fixed ideas and reactions can impede patients’ progress. Dissolving such preconceived ideas and reactions is central to encouraging each individual’s strengths. In order to do this, both the patient and the clinician are challenged to let go of limiting ideas. To that end, to inspire our clients, clinicians must be equally aware of our own intentions and mindful of our interactions.

There are many ways to foster mindfulness. A variety of techniques such as meditation, yoga, and Thai Chi have been found by researchers to strengthen areas of the brain associated with awareness, problem solving, learning, and happiness. Individuals can be taught all these modalities through coaching or group learning. Additionally, it is imperative that clinicians have some type of practice in the area they are teaching in order to create significant differences in their daily satisfaction as well as their patient care.
Whether or not you–as a teacher, clinician, and/or patient–are inspired to embark on a formal mindfulness training, there are simple steps you can begin to practice in your everyday life. An easy way to introduce daily mindfulness is to take frequent moments to become aware of your breath. You do not need to change anything about your breath…simply notice it. Whenever you transition into a new task, or interact with a patient or provider, simply take a moment to reflect on your breath. Simply notice if the breath is quick or slow, deep or shallow. As you get comfortable with this, you may venture into noticing other areas of your body. Are your shoulders tense or relaxed? Are you clenching your jaw? Remember, you don’t even need to make yourself relax. Simply notice. Over time, you will find your body adjusting to what is healthy on its own.

If you are a clinician, when you get comfortable with the above technique, consider asking your clients to notice their breath at certain times. You may begin by encouraging them to notice what they are doing with their breath when they are transferring, or in pain, or anticipating a hated task. Doing so can help redirect their attention from anticipation and fears to something they have more control over.

Participatory medicine is rooted in the idea that all individuals possess the capacity to rejuvenate their health. It becomes the provider’s task to assist the patient in harnessing that healing power. Clinical work can be one of the most challenging and rewarding jobs. This is not because of the tasks done for the patients but rather the work carried out with the patients. Whether we are physicians, nurses, physical therapists, psychologists, or other clinicians, the way we assist others to learn and heal will be directly shaped by our own mindfulness presence.

Please call or email Dr. Urszula Klich for further information on coaching for clinicians. Check the website for a schedule of future seminars offered on health and wellness.