By Christopher Burrows,
Registered Orthopaedic Technologist

Orthopaedic technology is a diverse occupation that enables the practitioner to be exposed to every aspect of the human
state. Naturally, the physical body and its visible and palpable injuries are essentially what we assist in repairing. In addition, we utilize diagnostic tools such as radiology, ultrasound, MRI and an array of other tools as a means of rectifying our patients' injuries.

Patients are seen in large numbers and, due to the increase in population and aging population, this is not about to
change. As technologists, we find ourselves under enormous pressure and stress at times, to cope with turnover and quality care. Somewhere amongst the chaos of the cast room or in the emergency room, the needs sometimes are not met. It is difficult, if not impossible, to deal with the needs of the most evolved life form upon our planet. The most successful way to help heal patients is a tool all of us have at our disposal- communication.

Communication in its many forms, touch, eye contact, intuition and listening, has been limited to a great extent by
time limitations. For example, taking the time to communicate through touch by putting one's hands on a limb to determine whether or not the injury may be a Salter Harris fracture or soft tissue damage is essential to diagnosis. Not only can you feel the heat from inflammation and soft tissue damage, but also the hardened sensitive area concerning localized pain that is quite intense. In so doing, you make contact with the patient, empathizing with their situation as you discuss the mechanism of injury. Respect and understanding go a long way and, in the long run, may buy you more time.

Most often we see the patient first and last. We apply the casts, braces and soft goods as we instruct their follow-up
and management of their injury. They look to us to establish a relationship as a means to develop trust. Credibility of
the practitioner develops trust, thus potential for healing is more promising. What I am suggesting is to momentarily
immerse yourself in the world of your patient all the while staying well grounded and certainly conscious of the needs
and severity of the situation. Be aware of circumstances that may have an impact on the care and outcome of the
situation.

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