Attitude, Ethics and
Communication (AETCOM)
Example-1
• A girl is getting married in next 2 months. She has come to you to ask
how to use Oral Contraceptives. Explain to her how to use
combination OCPs keeping in view her hesitancy, age group &
upcoming wedding.
Checklist
• Explains that she’ll be on a contraceptive
• To start on 5th day of menstrual cycle
• To start a new packet at end of this without gap
• If pill is missed, to take it next day
• If >2 pills missed, additional contraceptive cover
• Additional methods for first cycle
• Explains withdrawal bleeding
• Explains breakthrough bleeding
• Explains adverse effect
• To take at same time each night
• When to return- next visit
Example-2
• A 30-year-old diagnosed to be a case of bronchial asthma has visited to
your OPD to ask how to use a Metered dose Inhaler. Explain to him
how to use a MDI.
Checklist
• Explains that he’ll be on a MDI
• To use it as when needed
• To check manufacture and expiry date
• Explains the components of MDI
• Educate pt on how to replace the empty canister
• Emphasis on to clean mouthpiece on every use of MDI
• To remove the cap and put the mouthpiece in the mouth
• To take a deep inspiration, hold for about 10-15 sec and then a deep exhale
• Same procedure for each cycle
• Explains the adverse effect (oral Candidiasis) and how to prevent it (Mouth gargling after each
use)
Example-3
• A 56-year-old diagnosed to be a case of chronic TB has come to
visit your clinic. Motivate him on how to comply on proper anti-
tubercular regimen keeping in view his ignorance, age group.
Checklist
• Explains that he’ll be on an anti-tubercular regimen
• Explains different types of ATT regimen
• Explains color coding for each intensive & continuous phase
• Educate the pt about common adverse effect & also when to see the doctor for serious AEs
• Not to stop the drug on his own without doctor consultation
• Motivate the pt to complete the ATT regimen by giving example of treated cases & also to
explain the risk of MDRTB in incomplete regimen
• Cost effective t/t option by enrolling to TB programme for free medicine
• TB is a social taboo, so mentally prepare pt to deal with this (e.g; its completely curable,better
drugs available & better tools for early diagnosis.
• When to return- next visit
Example-4
• A 40-year-old with troubled sleeping pattern came to visit your
clinic. She is on a sedative drug for her condition for last 3 months.
Communicate/motivate her on how to decrease the high chances of
dependency of the prescribed drug.
Checklist
• Explains that she’ll be on a sedative/hypnotic
• To maintain a strict compliance
• To take the drug as per prescription
• Explains withdrawal effect
• Explains the dependency of the prescribed drug and how to treat in case the
dependency is confirmed.
• Explains adverse effect
• To take at same time each night
• Regular monitoring & follow-up visit
Example-5
• A 6-year-old diagnosed to be a case of type-I DM has come to visit
your clinic. Motivate him on taking lifelong Insulin keeping in view
his ignorance, age group.
Checklist
• Explains that he’ll be on Insulin regimen for life long
• Mentally prepare him for lifelong Insulin treatment
• Educate him about sites , how to take Insulin & various types of Insulin
preparations
• Regular monitoring of blood glucose level
• Explains common adverse effect & how to address it (e.g Hypoglycemia
signs and how to treat it)
• Regular monitoring & follow-up visit
