Prof. Dr. Gökben Hızlı Sayar: “Small but Meaningful Supports Improve the Patient’s Mood”

An event titled “Patient-Benefiting Approaches in Healthcare Services” was organized by the Üsküdar University Faculty of Dentistry within the scope of March 20 Oral and Dental Health Day. The event, hosted by Üsküdar University Rector's Advisor and Institute of Social Sciences Director Prof. Dr. Gökben Hızlı Sayar, attracted significant interest. Sayar emphasized that beneficial approaches are of great importance in healthcare services, stating that small but meaningful supports improve the patient's mood and facilitate the process.

Faculty academics and students participated in the event held at the Ibn Sina Auditorium of Üsküdar University NP Health Campus.

Prof. Dr. Ziver Ergün Yücel: “Protecting public health is one of the primary responsibilities of dentists”

Dean of the Faculty of Dentistry Prof. Dr. Ziver Ergün Yücel pointed out that dentists have the responsibility not only to treat but also to protect public health. Yücel stated; “Dentistry is an important profession with the function of being a first-tier physician. Today, our primary focus is humans. We are the first group to identify most diseases and health disorders. In this regard, we have responsibilities such as treating patients, creating awareness, providing correct guidance, and referring them for treatment. Dentistry is a profession that requires cooperation with many medical fields. Oral and dental health is among the most common chronic diseases in the world, and these problems are also related to other systems of the body. Protecting public health is one of the primary responsibilities of dentists.”

Prof. Dr. Gökben Hızlı Sayar: “Beneficial approaches are of great importance in healthcare services”

Üsküdar University Rector's Advisor, Institute of Social Sciences Director Prof. Dr. Gökben Hızlı Sayar, gave a presentation titled ‘Patient-Benefiting Approaches in Healthcare Services’. Sayar, referring to the important role emotional bonds play in the treatment process, stated; “Beneficial approaches are of great importance in healthcare services. I believe that human emotions should come to the forefront in professional life. Our education can sometimes diminish our human skills. I often ask my students this question: ‘What should we do when a patient cries? Should we offer them a tissue, or should we ignore them?’ Communication with people is very important in healthcare services. In our professional lives, alongside technical knowledge, the emotional bonds we establish with patients also play a vital role.”

“Small but meaningful supports improve the patient’s mood”

Sayar underlined the importance of empathy and a humane approach in healthcare services; “Although a healthcare professional may be proficient in technical knowledge and skills, they should also develop themselves in human relations and empathy. Many examples illustrate how small but meaningful supports improve the patient's mood and facilitate their process. This is akin to providing patients with a sense of trust and assurance when they are in a highly stressful situation. You emphasize that individuals should continuously develop themselves professionally while also demonstrating a more humane approach. This is a very valuable perspective. Such discussions can serve as a guide for professionals in the healthcare sector to enhance their skills.”

At the end of the event, Prof. Dr. Ziver Ergün Yücel presented a certificate of appreciation to Prof. Dr. Gökben Hızlı Sayar.