A new patient visited my office early last week requesting an appointment. Now that I’m experimenting with social media and “Web 2.0,” I thought this case might be an ideal test of the medium. There are quite a few mysteries surrounding my new patient. Although I can’t give out any revealing details due to confidentiality agreements, I hope that the Millennial brand of “crowdsourcing” may lead to new insights or approaches.
The patient appeared to be in his thirties and had an unkempt appearance as if he’s spent time on the streets. He was withdrawn and sullen and lives at a local cooperative where members share food and chores around the property. It includes a small garden and a “halfway home” for former homeless citizens. No family members or prior addresses were mentioned on his information form. It’s almost as if he appeared in Boston out of nowhere.
His first appointment is next week, so I will be sure to post an update after the session. In the meantime, feel free to let me know if you have any theories.
Dryunya says:
The Web Magic is on your side. I believe our community could help you identify the man if he has any distinctive features.
Dryunya says:
By the way, I’m intrigued by the use of crowdsourcing in your profession. I must admit, I can’t even think of how it can be applied. Would you care to elaborate?
MindsAndMatters says:
Haha! I’m glad it’s on my side!
I do actually know who he is of course, I just can’t reveal that information here. But, because he’s an unusual case, I was hoping that someone online might have faced similar struggles and could share what helped them improve.
After his appointment next week, I’ll work out what information I can share, and maybe you all can help me figure out how to help him. That would make a big difference for my paper.
Thanks for reading!
VicariousShaner says:
Hello, I think all of us would be very glad to help, but it seems a bit difficult at current glance. I understand your confidentiality agreement, and why you can not discuss your patient’s physical features, but I believe it could be beneficial to list a few of the patients major issues with functional correctly in society.
Did anything seem off about him when meeting him, for example?
John says:
I’m not sure how strictly Ms. Matters (for lack of a better title) adheres to ethical code, but it’s worth noting that giving out that information can cost her her liscense.
Lordxana0 says:
Is it possible this man might have lost his memory? Maybe he was just walking along Boston one day, took a blow to the head and developed a serious case of memory lose.
Dryunya says:
It’s possible, but not that possible as the movies may have lead you to believe. A man can’t just take a hit and lose his memory – it requires some serious damage, in which case the wound would probably be evident.
Lordxana0 says:
I see, prehapse he just doesn’t want to mention family or that he is an orphan? It quite often happens that people with bad home lives end up living in a bad way. And if he is an orphan he couldn’t have the information regardless.
But I think that memory lose should be kept as an option, it could have happened quite some time ago and the wound might have healed.
Yankee White says:
Hey M&M!
I don’t know how effective ‘crowdsourcing’ can be with a lack of information provided. It’s like getting only part of the puzzle. Unless we all get different pieces to put together. I fear confidentiality may hinder your project before it gets off the ground. But I’m very much onboard to see how this develops! As to your new patient, I only have one question. How does he plan to pay for your therapy?