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One Last Question: Opening Pandora's Box?
Janet M. Townsend
Background In their busy practice lives, doctors may concentrate too much on efficiency in conducting visits and completing tasks for patients. This essay tells the story of two patient visits in which an experienced family physician almost missed her patients' deep fears. Asking one last question allowed these patients to reveal their concerns. Doctors worry that asking a last question will "open Pandora's box," but such questions can lead to insights into the patient's world that help share worry and isolation, or mobilize support from family and friends. Connecting to patients through simple personal questions connects them to hope. By opening Pandora's box, doctors make room for listening, reflection, and healing.
