Would you like to learn more about rheumatoid arthritis and joint replacement? If so, you may be interested in attending a free patient education evening being held at the Galway Clinic.
The event, entitled Let’s Talk, is one of a new series of such evenings being organised by the private hospital. It will take place on Thursday November 23 at 7pm. Refreshments will be available from 6.30pm.
Dr Muiris Houston, a medical journalist and health analyst with The Irish Times, will interview a patient of consultant rheumatologist Dr Ronan Kavanagh about her experience of the condition. Dr Kavanagh will discuss the medical aspects of her case and will answer questions from the audience.
Dr Houston, who is also a specialist in narrative medicine (the study of patients’ stories ) will also interview consultant orthopaedic surgeon Mr Derek Bennett about having a joint, such as a hip, replaced. A patient of his will talk about the experience.
This is believed to be the first event of its kind in the country and will be the first in the Galway Clinic’s series of patient education evenings, aimed at empowering patients.
Dr Houston says he believes that the best decision about a person’s investigations and treatment are made by the patient with a healthcare professional acting as a facilitator.
“For doctors and nurses, this means listening carefully to the patient story in its entirety. There is evidence that active listening and an understanding of narrative can improve patient outcomes.”
Admission to the event is free. To register your attendance email [email protected]
