talking to family

[OneChance28]

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Hello everyone,
I just wanted the opinions of others on something bothering me. Today after we got done with a routine surgery I was on my way out and the family stopped me. I tried to keep things short because I was unsure if the attending had talked to them yet or not. Even though the family knew I was a student they still asked me questions and I answered them. They were not specific but just how the patient was doing and did things go OK. They did go OK and so I told them that because they looked really worried. Now I feel like I should have kept my mouth shut because the attending is probably going to be unhappy because I talked to them first.

Thanks in advance

 

[Rollo]

That's why I make sure to stay behind to help move the patient, hang out, and BS around with the OR staff because by then my attending has gone out talked to the family and is back dictating the case.

Anyway, I wouldn't worry too much because you said it was a routine procedure and everything went well.

 

[MilkmanAl]

In my opinion, it's perfectly appropriate to tell them that everything went okay if it did. Even if you know what's going on in detail, though, it's always smart to excuse yourself by saying that the attending will be out with more details and decline to answer anything further.

 

[Mr hawkings]

In my opinion, it's perfectly appropriate to tell them that everything went okay if it did..

This has happened to me too and i agree. Only thing i did different was i then went to the attending and told him exactly what i had told the family. That way, in case things did not go as well as i thought, he is not blind-sided.

 

[OneChance28]

That's why I make sure to stay behind to help move the patient, hang out, and BS around with the OR staff because by then my attending has gone out talked to the family and is back dictating the case.

Anyway, I wouldn't worry too much because you said it was a routine procedure and everything went well.

That is probably what I would have done but it was 11 at night. Also, while we were walking out the attending and I were having a chat at the end of which he told me to go home and rest up. So while I went to go change, he was dictating when I was ready to leave. I figured he had already talked to them by then. Hopefully, it isn't as a big deal as I am thinking it is.

 

[Valadi]

Hello everyone,
I just wanted the opinions of others on something bothering me. Today after we got done with a routine surgery I was on my way out and the family stopped me. I tried to keep things short because I was unsure if the attending had talked to them yet or not. Even though the family knew I was a student they still asked me questions and I answered them. They were not specific but just how the patient was doing and did things go OK. They did go OK and so I told them that because they looked really worried. Now I feel like I should have kept my mouth shut because the attending is probably going to be unhappy because I talked to them first.

Thanks in advance

You're fine.

 

[OveractiveBrain]

In my opinion, it's perfectly appropriate to tell them that everything went okay if it did. Even if you know what's going on in detail, though, it's always smart to excuse yourself by saying that the attending will be out with more details and decline to answer anything further.

This. especially on surgery. You're probably fine, though. Wouldn't make it a habit.

 

[OneChance28]

I did end up mentioning it later to my attending and as it turned out he was actually impressed with the way I handled it. I guess I was making a bigger deal out it then I should have. The rotation was going well and I really enjoyed working with my attending so I was afraid of ruining it. I do plan to avoid similar situation in the future. Thanks for all the responses.