Two ears, one mouth!

The "Talkover"...I hate it. It pushes my buttons in the worst possible way and creates a huge mass of human rage, from a fairly easy going, friendly pharmacist...occasionally like me!

So, what am I talking about? Remember? All of us have been victims. It is the person that thoughtlessly ambushes you half way in to a conversation where a cogent thought might be useful...say, counseling a patient on a new medicine. They talk "over" you with a question or a lecture or a whine or a complaint, or a whatever... before the first syllable is out of your mouth. It is like a listening disease! Its symptoms are closed ears and open mouth and usually with a foot in that same mouth, following close behind. Hello...two ears one mouth, ya'll!

Take today. If this patient at the pharmacy counter would have let me finish my thought (and I was fairly confident that I knew what I was talking about) before he popped off as if I was the stupidest guy in a white lab jacket, our verbal exchange wouldn't have escalated to ,"I don't like you Mr. Pharmacist!" and in response, "Quite frankly, Mr. Patient, I am not real fond of your present attitude either!" It didn't end well, but I deftly defused the situation... by what else? I walked away. Oh...that was mature!

So what does this have to do with being a better health care receiver and advocate? Isn't it obvious and yet almost impossible to accomplish? Improve those listening skills, rookie! Get in the game!

Oh, by the way, physicians are not immune to the "Talkover." Neither are pharmacists. In fact, in many ways we can become experts. This is not good. Just for giggles, be your own referee. On your next doctor's visit pay close attention to his or her "doctoring" listening skills. You make the call on the "Talkover" infraction. If you have to, throw the penaly flag! They should be trained listeners, although I have seen some disturbing exceptions on the health care field. Nevertheless, they are trying to dial in to what you are saying with both the verbal and non-verbal signals. Hold them to that standard. Many are very good!

And just for good measure, how about turning the tables on the well educated, highly trained doctors? First, don't do the "Talkover!" Stake your health claim quickly and sit back and listen to the MD's response. Stay on point and you will be enlightened. You will know your provider's level of investment, interest, expertise, etc. My daughter saw nearly 34 physicians before a trip to the Mayo Clinic nailed the diagnosis. THIRTY FOUR! She can immediately tell, within seconds into an appointment whether a doctor is genuinely engaged with her medical care or politely (or sometimes not so politely) dismiss her.

Remember, you are ultimately responsible for your health care and active listening is one of the first steps. It starts with your own body and mind. Trust yourself and act...move and listen...and then act again. Incidentally, follow up questions during these brief but critical moments with your doctor is not and I repeat not the "Talkover!" Just be wise with your timing.

Okay...I'm done, lest you criticize me for the "Talkover" and after today, I just might be very close. Beware of creepy Halloween pranks and of course... the "Talkover." Remember....Take, as directed!
blake