Psych-Social aspect of medicine

This semester we have focused on the medical care of children. I am taking a class that talks about the psychological and social aspects of medicine that practitioners need to consider when caring for a patient. Last summer we talked about different cultures and that can affect the type of questions and care that an individual might need. For example, other cultures often use alternative medicine or herbal remedies that can interfere with prescriptions. It is important for doctors to know EVERYTHING you are taking, even if it is herbal. Some of them can negate the effects of prescriptions OR interact poorly.

Last Friday we had someone speak to us about neglected children. One aspect of the talk that struck me is that if a parent doesn't find a "suitable substitute" to take care of their children, it could be considered neglect. For example - a babysitter. So I asked if there was an age that was too young for babysitting: 13! If you leave your child with someone under the age of 13 and something happens (even if it is a basic accident), you, as the parent, can be convicted of neglect. I started babysitting at 11 and I know many parents hire young people to watch their children. Just be careful - it could backfire!

There are many aspects of neglect - including environmental. Living in an unsafe environment or a filthy home (filled with refuse) is considered neglectful. I always considered neglect as lack of attention or failing to provide food but there is so much more!

What I find interesting is that there is such a broad definition of neglect yet so many children live in these situations daily and nothing is ever done to fix it! So sad. Even without a lot of money, parents can keep their home clean or send them to school to get fed or help them study their homework. Lack of money does not indicate an inability to care for and love their children, but they often go together. Tragic!