"Impressive high quality clinical care."

I attended an appointment at NHS Tayside sexual and reproductive health service following concerns that my IUD may have moved. 

I don't think anyone skips into an appointment likely to involve an internal exam. But I left genuinely having had a valuable and positive experience. 

As a health professional myself I can have quite complex reflections about health appointments. This one was flawless and I spent time reflecting afterwards about the components that created such a positive experience for me. 

The main points to note were:

- Rapport, the consultant took the time to speak to me on a very human level, which immediately placed me at ease when discussing more intimate topics. There was clear active listening and the interaction felt like a collaborative discussion rather than an interrogation or ticklist directed array of questions. There was genuine curiosity about my experience. 

- Robust explantion of what was happening throughout. The consultant took the time, not only to explain what would be happening, but also why. Taking additional time to support my understanding of procedures and the topic of IUD. Eg explaining with a model IUD why I have been having the experiences that I had described. During my internal exam, she spoke throughout, explaining her observations and thoughts. As well as pointing out what the images on the screen showed. 

- Collaborative approach. Rather than being advised or told what to do at the conclusion of my appointment. An explanation and review of the pertinent considerations was provided and options available to me were discussed with acknowledgement of pros / cons. I was then allowed adequate time to consider how I would like to proceed. 

-Thoughtfulness. Finally, within my appointment, the consultant enquired about my SMEAR history and looked this information up. She explained that as we were doing an internal exam anyway to check my IUD. If my SMEAR was due in the next few months, she could do this at the same time to prevent a further internal exam / appointment in the near future. I was due in 3 months, so she completed this at the same time. This was so thoughtful and considerate and I have never before experienced a family planning clinician considering this as part of their consultation. 

It's unfortunate that I have not retained the name of the consultant, but I still wanted to provide this feedback as I feel passionately about credit being provided where it's due. 

I'm always proud to work for the NHS, but it has a new level of meaning when I experience services as a patient and I am the recipitent of high quality care.