Interview with Primo Botti, AICARM volunteer
di Laura D'Ettole
Table, chair, computer and every Thursday afternoon Primo Botti, an Aicarm volunteer, is there, at the Careggi Cardiomyopathies Unit: medical clinic, pavilion 13, second floor. His role is an integral part of the doctor-patient approach that is increasingly developing in this context and which consists of listening, talking to patients and giving them support.
First Botti
It is called the "Reception and Information Service", it has been operational for just over a month and Primo has already met about thirty patients: "The Cardiomyopathies Unit currently has about 4000 people in charge", he says. Each of them goes to the two Unit clinics at least once a year, they are patients of all ages: "I welcome them before or after the visit, introducing myself as a doctor with cardiomyopathy, or as an expert patient". Primo Botti has in fact practiced the medical profession at Careggi for many years, but his approach tends to be more "empathic" than specialist. “I approach, I ask how they are, what are the most important changes compared to the previous visit, I inquire about the family members. Then I tell them how I am." The core of this relationship becomes the common search for disease acceptance, and how to find the best in diagnostics and therapy.
"Patients generally welcome me well, some are more hasty because they have commitments of various kinds, some come from far away or from other regions, but all are willing to talk". In fact, everyone is pleased to talk and converse with a doctor in their same condition: “This experience is teaching me many things; in the first place the fact that those suffering from an illness need to be listened to, not just medical services”. Fear? “The fear may be latent, but there is no perceived anxiety, obsession or drama. Their comfort is the exact diagnosis and the assurance that they are dealing with cardiologists who are experts in their disease and with one staff level nursing”. However, there is a concern, this very present one, the fear of having transmitted the mutated gene to one's children, but even in this case the serene attitude of those who know "they are in good hands" prevails.
Fortunately, the family is always very present: "There is always someone next to the patients, and this is a nice parachute!". Many are interested in the existence of an organization like Aicarm which interprets many of their problems: "They really appreciate the service"Hearts listening” that offers psychological support, as well as providing practical information”.