"Patient/client states..." is also a standard documentation phrase that may
sound less accusatory or negative.  These terms, I believe, are meant to
help clinicians to record more accurately their findings, and distinguish
between the practitioner's point of view and information directly obtained
from the client.  "Patient denies..." is not inherently implying that the
patient is "wrong," it simply states that according to the patient, the
symptom or experience is not occurring.  For what it's worth--
Sincerely,
Patricia Ellis, RN, MA, IBCLC
----- Original Message -----
From: "Beth E. Johnson" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Sunday, June 17, 2001 1:45 AM
Subject: Watching our Language


> Not to pick on anyone, but in the last few weeks I've seen a few
> mentions of a client "denying" this or that.  I have to say, IMHO, I
> really dislike this term.  It may make us feel more a part of the
> medical continuum to use terms like this, but it has such a negative
> connotation!  Like, "pt denies pain."  She's in pain but she's *lying*
> about it?  How about "she says ...?"
>
> <sigh> So many things to be aware of.
>
> This insomniac's kicking aside the soap box and heading for bed.  I'll
> find out in the morning how many of you think I'm off the wall!
> ;-)
> --
> Beth Johnson
> Perinatal Educator, Doula
> Springfield, MA USA
>
> "Breastmilk: anything else is less."
>
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