Mastering Initial Assessments: Building Trust and Treating Substance Use Disorders
If you do a good job with your initial assessment, it really sets you and the patient up to have a good ongoing provider-patient relationship where they can trust you going forward, that you're not going to judge them or try to punish them for their substance abuse, that they're here to get treatment for.
Picture this: You're meeting a new patient who's struggling with substance use. How do you start? In this episode of 'Spero Health Clinical Insights', Dr. Byron Crider, Regional Medical Director for Spero Health, shares his approach to initial assessments with host David Hayden. Dr. Crider emphasizes the importance of connecting with patients from the get-go. He believes that understanding a patient's complete history is key to effective treatment.
By asking the right questions and truly listening, providers can uncover underlying issues like depression or anxiety that often accompany substance use disorders. Dr. Crider also highlights the role of medication in treatment. It’s not just about managing cravings; it's about helping patients engage in other critical services, like finding housing or employment. This holistic approach can make a world of difference in a patient's recovery journey. Throughout the episode, Dr. Crider stresses the need for realistic expectations.
Recovery is a learning process, and setbacks are part of it. Building a strong provider-patient relationship is crucial, and it all starts with that first assessment. If you're a healthcare provider, this episode offers valuable insights into making those initial interactions count. For anyone affected by substance use disorders, it’s a reminder that you're not alone, and there is hope.