Checklist for physicians seeing patients with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity

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Checklist for physicians seeing patients with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity

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Multiple Chemical Sensitivity patients are advised to ask physicians for

specific items during an office visit or examination, rather than merely

asking for **accommodations.**

MCS America publishes a check list for physicians:

_Accommodating Multiple Chemical Sensitivity in the Doctor’s Office_

(http://mcs-america.org/September2011pg56789.pdf) .

While a chemical- and fragrance-free office would be the most ideal

situation, there are still simple ways to accommodate a patient with MCS. It is

best to ask the patient what would work for them based on their knowledge

and history of MCS. Patients are advised to ask for specific items, rather

than merely asking for **accommodations.**

Setting the Appointment

-- Provide a first appointment of the day when not many other patients are

around and wait time will be minimal.

-- Ask the patient what would help to make their visit more comfortable.

Before the Appointment

-- Flag the patient’s chart for “allergies.â€

-- Remove candles, air fresheners, and other scenting devices.

On the Day of the Appointment

-- Allow the patient to wait outside or in vehicle when weather permits.

-- Provide an isolated room for the patient to wait where contact with

other patients is limited.

-- Allow the patient to enter through the back door or staff entrance to

avoid contact with other patients.

-- Refrain from the use of any scented personal care products the day of

the appointment.

-- Assign unscented staff to work with the patient.

During the Appointment

-- Check with the patient before coming into contact with them or

administering any medications, including the use of alcohol and latex gloves.

-- Provide oxygen, if/when needed.

-- If the patient unavoidably experiences a reaction to an exposure, remove

the offending substance or person immediately. Move the MCS patient

outdoors or to another room with separate ventilation.

-- Refrain from using cleaning products, aerosols, and office equipment

such as faxes and copiers while the patient is in the building.

-- Listen attentively to the patient. They usually know what they are

reacting to and how to best remedy the situation.

-- Refrain from creating tension and feelings of being misunderstood by

telling a patient “try not to think about it†or “relax.†These

suggestions

are no more effective than telling a diabetic not to think about her low

blood sugar emergency. Corrective action is the only way to remedy the

emergency.

_PDF of full article_ (http://mcs-america.org/September2011pg56789.pdf) .

If you enjoyed this post, please read these related stories:

1. _Letter: German hospital creates rooms for patients with chemical

sensitivity_

(http://www.thecanaryreport.org/2011/03/03/letter-german-hospital-creates-rooms-\

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2. _Letter: Alternative physicians opting out of Medicare no longer

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(http://www.thecanaryreport.org/2011/04/21/physicians-opting-out-medicare/)

3. _Multiple Chemical Sensitivity and the ADA_

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