Radiol Manage. 1981 Mar; 3(2): 6-8.

PR: a positive program, not professional rhetoric.

Smith TJ.

A great deal of literature dealing with holistic medicine has been published in recent years. The proponents of holistic care seem concerned with treating the whole patient. Influencing factors such as environment, social background, individualism, etc. are all considered in establishing the patient's treatment. Traditional medicine appears to be more directly involved with the discovery and eradication of organic disease. It is proposed that one facet of the holistic concept be applied to our current system of health care delivery. A patient relations program takes manpower, time, money and a genuine interest in the patient. But the rewards far outweigh the costs. The patient, it is felt, is treated with greater understanding and concern. This elicits a positive comment from them to the attending technologist. The technologist is gratified that his efforts are noticed, and he continues to work at improving the professional services offered to a caring patient. It works! You can be justifiable proud of the radiology aides, secretaries, registered technologists and radiologists that continually strive to provide this personalized service to the "Whole Patient."