Perspectives and Client Care - For Better or Worse
I recently read a letter to the editor in which an OT called PTs on the carpet for "pushing too hard." The author was a retired OT who had undergone physical therapy and felt her physical condition had been adversely affected by PTs who aggressively forged ahead without regard to her individual physical status.
The fact that she appeared to be lumping all PTs in with the few she had encountered bothered me. But the comment that really got me hot was, "OTs wouldn't have done that." Seriously, now, could someone honestly think that one group is without redemption while another group is without fault?
My knee jerk reaction was to respond with a scathing letter. Then I checked myself, reasoning that logic would be wasted on someone that ignorant. As calm and reason penetrated my defenses, I realized this retired OT had challenged my perspective. Maybe I was the one who had something to learn. Over the next few weeks, we'll take a look at how perspective influences client care...for better or worse.
For now, consider the statement, "OTs wouldn't have done that." Have you ever lumped a whole group into one category-either good or bad? Chiropractors? The more interaction I've had with them on both personal and professional levels, the more I see that there are at least as many good apples as there are bad. Doctors? Come to find out they aren't all perfect...who'd a thought it? Government agencies? Still waiting on the verdict! Just kidding. I worked for the VA and, despite all the negative press, it was one of the most pleasurable experiences of my career. The list is inexhaustible, but you get the picture. When I make a wide sweeping statement, it is usually the result of my emotions (or ignorance) trumping reason. I end up playing the part of the fool.
In large part, finding balance is gaining perspective. Here's to gaining perspective as we close out 2007 and ready ourselves for 2008.
Janey