Bedside manner

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Bedside manner is a term describing how a doctor handles a patient. A good bedside manner is typically one that reassures and comforts the patient. Vocal tones, body language, openness, presence, and concealment of attitude may all affect bedside manner. Poor bedside manner leaves the patient feeling unsatisfied, worried, alone, or frightened. Bedside manner becomes difficult when the doctor explains to the patient the true diagnosis, while keeping the patient from being alarmed.

Examples in the Media

• The Bedside manner of Dr Gregory House (of House) is often criticized. He is often rude to his patients, but makes up for this with his medical genius.

• In Grey's Anatomy, Dr Burke compliments Dr George O'Malley on his bedside manner after seeing him taking care of a patients baby.

• Doc Martin from the TV series of the same name is a good example of a doctor with a poor bedside manner.

• In Lost, Jack Shephard is told by Hurley that his bedside manners "suck". Later in the episode he is told by his father to put more hope into his sayings. Which he does when operating on her future wife.