For many of us, our families are our most important support group. While this won't be easy to accomplish, try to get the family together for one more meal per week. Perhaps everyone could get up early on Saturday, even the teenagers. Or perhaps Sunday lunch could be sacred. Whatever you decide, I guarantee a valuable return on your investment.
Lag time is a thing of the past that patients are finding harder to accept.
Technology promised and delivered a faster pace and faster response times, and expectations have increased accordingly. In those cases, all you can do is acknowledge your patients' eagerness and provide reassurance. Our fast-paced lives increase our stress levels and may also affect the level of courtesy we extend to others. A kind smile or touch can be priceless to a vulnerable patient, colleague or family member. One physician I know gives out car wash and restaurant gift certificates to patients who've had to wait an unusually long time.