Psychiatry Commons^™

The "M" Word: Accusations Of Malingering Are Harmful To Patient Care, Joshua S. Ellis

Cooper Rowan Medical Journal

It starts as a small seed of doubt. It can be planted by anyone: the physician, the nurse, a family member, or even the patient. But once the seed gets planted in the minds of those involved in caring for the patient, every word and action from the patient function as water and sunshine, encouraging the seed to grow. The seed of doubt grows into a small tree of criticism which blooms into a collection of judgment and prejudice that prevent the patient from receiving the care that he or she deserves. All of this can happen after a patient …