Three weeks ago, I wrote a newsletter about an Indiana urogynecologist who had crowdsourced ideas to redesign his practice from the ground up. I also spoke to other practitioners who are thinking about patients’ experiences at their own offices, and asked what changes you would most like to see.
This question clearly touched a nerve; we received hundreds of thoughtful responses. Some were amusing, like the proposal from Adam Herbst of River Edge, N.J. to “ban Kelly and Ryan on the TV in the waiting room.” (Although, in my opinion, the “Live” stars are better than jarring news reports of 10-car pileups.)
Others were more poignant and pressing. The most numerous responses, by far, centered around the lack of accommodations for patients with disabilities. Andy Schoenhofer of Toronto, whose wife has multiple sclerosis, wrote: “I’m a caregiving spouse, and I regularly have trouble in doctors’ offices to find room to maneuver her wheelchair. And the exam table is always too high for a comfortable transfer and can’t be lowered.”
Accessibility, which we are going to be talking more about in upcoming Well stories, is an ongoing issue for many. “I’m amazed at how many doctors’ offices will tell you they are accessible,” said Wendy Woods of Huntington, N.Y., “and believe that having an elevator, disabled parking and a curb ramp makes them accessible.”
Many other recommendations were for small tweaks that could go a long way toward improving patients’ overall experience at the doctor. Here are some of my favorites:
“My mother is hearing-impaired. This means that when her turn at the doctor’s office arrives, she often doesn’t hear her name being called. How about giving people those pagers that restaurants use (the ones that light up and vibrate)?” — Helen Mango, Tinmouth, Vt.
“Keep the patient informed of the exam process by verbalizing each step before performing them, using everyday wording such as, ‘I am now going to gently place the speculum,’ rather than medical terminology.” — Eleanor McLees, Syracuse, N.Y.
“Given how much of the time is spent talking to the doctor, rather than lying on the exam table, I’m always surprised that there aren’t comfortable chairs facing each other (like a therapist’s office) where the patient and doctor can speak directly to each other.” — Dan Groberg, Montpelier, Vt.
“I’ve been horrified by what I’ve heard over shared walls. I recognize that most doctors are at the mercy of a larger establishment, but a cheap design improvement is acoustical panels. ” — Janet Roche, Boston, Mass.
“My main suggestion goes more to the structure of the time spent with the doctor: During the initial consultation, allow patients to keep their clothes on. When you stop and really think about it, the one-person-naked and one-person-fully-dressed scenario creates such a power imbalance as to be ridiculous.” — Pam Weinstein, Detroit, Mich.
“I’d advise that all medical personnel be required to have a uniform and name badge that is pinned above heart level, so patients quickly know who they’re talking to.” — Pam Horovitz, Mullica Hill, N.J.
“Rethink the constant weighing. For doctors who insist on weighing you at every visit, even for strep throat, move that scale out of the hallway and into an exam room. (One of my doctors has you weigh yourself in the exam room on a manual scale, and then leave it for a nurse to record.) And don’t weigh someone and then immediately take their blood pressure!” — Katherine Stanford, Alexandria, Va.
“I would love doctors to ask if there is any past trauma they should be aware of. It’s really hard to disclose that kind of thing, but being asked shows that there is some awareness of the impact it has, especially in medical settings.” — Leah Skrzypiec, Brooklyn, N.Y.
“Something I saw at a family practice office that should be in every medical office everywhere: When I was handed my urine cup, I was also handed a slip of paper and a pen and was instructed to read the slip of paper carefully before I gave my sample. The paper said, ‘If you are experiencing any form of abuse, please check the box next to this paragraph and hand this piece of paper to the nurse along with the urine sample. If you check the box, you will receive private advice, alone with a doctor.’” — Dez Crawford, Portland, Ore.
“I’ll never forget accompanying a friend to a radiation treatment at a major Philadelphia hospital. The waiting room was full of people of all ages, presumably all battling cancer. What struck me were the dismal gray walls of the waiting room. I have a friend who is an artist and I wanted to just go in with him and start painting a vibrant, uplifting mural; we would likely be arrested, but it would be worth it. Physicians’ offices and treatment centers can create a comforting, positive environment by using colorful paints and murals to help take the patients’ minds away from the treatment they are about to experience.” — Denice Ferko-Adams, Nazareth, Pa.
“My first gynecologist had plastered the ceiling in her exam room with photos of hunky, ‘Baywatch’-style guys. It was brilliant because it gave you something to look at (and joke about) while your insides were being prodded.” — Christina Smith Anderson, Brooklyn, N.Y.
P.S. Last week, our story about yoga for seniors was omitted from the links list. We apologize for the oversight! You can read it here.
Have you let your fitness routine slide? Here’s how to get back in the groove.
Taking weeks or months off from regular exercise can result in what’s called a fitness loss. One of the first things to decline, reports Knvul Sheikh, is cardiovascular endurance, which can fall off in just a few days; strength levels drop at around eight weeks. There are many not-too-daunting ways to get back to being fit though, including exercise snacks — short bursts of movement that you can easily work into your day.
Read the story:
How Long Does It Take To Get Fit Again?
Endorsements for detox “cleanses” are everywhere on social media. What does the science say?
The wellness world is awash in cleanses. These liquid concoctions, primarily made with fruit and vegetable juices, are purported to give your body a reset by ridding it of toxins. Not only is there scant evidence to back claims such as clearer skin and more energy, finds Dani Blum, but experts tell her that cleanses can come with risks ranging from unpleasant (diarrhea) to worrisome (kidney trouble.)
Read the story:
The Sneaky Allure of a Detox
The Week in Well
Here are some stories you don’t want to miss:
Dana G. Smith investigates whether rapid tests for Covid-19 still work.
Hannah Seo asks experts how to stop ruminating.
What happens if you take melatonin after drinking? Rachel Rabkin Peachman asks sleep specialists about their concerns.
Christina Jewett and Emily Anthes reveal that the F.D.A. plans to revise their rules for blood donation that had previously excluded most gay and bisexual men.
Catherine Pearson explains how to find the right couples therapist.
Let’s keep the conversation going. Follow Well on Instagram, or write to us at well_newsletter@nytimes.com.