It is now September 2003, and we have been on the journey of transformation for 15 months as part of the Pursuing Perfection Initiative.  [2 years if we count the planning and collaboration that occurred with patients, healthcare professionals, and support members such as education, information technology and quality improvement staff].  We have met many milestones and created infrastructures that support change.  Clinical outcomes have been improved for some diabetes and heart failure patients.  Methods of communicating between and among healthcare team members have been established.  We are not "there" yet....if there is a destination....and for some who want concrete signs of change, it can be discouraging. 

The healthcare system continues to be overburdened, with staff/doctors working frantically to keep up with the pace of change and expectations.  And those stories of the burden continue to be shared.  Sometimes, that venting can cloud our ability to notice that there has been change and that things are different....

However, it was undeniable that positive change had occurred,  when Representative Rick Larson and Mary Conway, from Senator Patty Murray's office came to visit on August 25, 2003.  They spent time with patients/family members whose experience of healthcare was positive and engaged them in partnership with healthcare professionals at their clinics or in relationship with a Clinical Care Specialist.  Stories of their growing awareness that they [ patients/family members] played a part in the solution for healthcare transformation, the clear role that new ways of getting support through group visits expanded their skills and connections to move toward improved health outcomes.   Rick and Mary also made visits to Center for Senior Health and SeaMar Community Health Center to see first hand how technology was shown as a useful tool to assist in the flow of information to better care for patients.

It is important to have those opportunities to step back from the focused and fast-paced work to notice the changes and to know each change has made a positive difference.  It helps us renew our energy to continue to work ahead.  However, it is important to remember we are not on this journey alone and that patient/family members can help us see the way ahead, if we ask for help, engage their creative minds and the resources/strengths they have to contribute to this transformation. 

So, if you as a healthcare professional begin to lose focus and lament, "I can't do this [change, transformation] "...know that is only true if you believe you must do "this" alone.  You are not alone....as I looked around the faces at the 1st International Family-Centered Care conference, it was clear those in healthcare are not alone...we have team members ready, willing and able to bring their gifts, talents and skills to bear on making a positive difference in their own health outcomes...we have to believe this is a team endeavor and not an individual event....and share the burden and possibilities of a future with those most invested in a positive healthcare outcome.

1:53:48 PM     comment []   Google It!  

Just returning from the 1st International Family-Centered Care Conference sponsored by the The Institute for Family-Centered Care  www.familycenteredcare.org.  I was accompanied by Hal Petersen, a patient representative to the P2 project in Whatcom County.   There were many diverse groups represented who are working on integrating patient, family-centered care in the fabric of what is delivered in a variety of arenas.  The number of stories told by patients, parent of chronically ill children and others who partner with healthcare professionals was powerful...In a room of 700 people, almost 20% of the attendees were those individuals.  Sorrel King opened in the first plenary, sharing her story of medical errors that killed her 18 month old daughter at John Hopkins and the efforts being made to improve the system.  More information is available at www.josieking.org. Clearly much more can be done to integrate patients, family members into the fabric of what we are doing in Whatcom County.  Creating patient/family advisory councils and hiring paid patient/family coordinator reporting to top leadership at some organizations showed a level of commitment beyond lipservice.  Ideas, energy and commitment were in evidence at the core of the center.  Creative and innovative ways using videos, dialogue and role-playing with healthcare professionals to heighten awareness and build skills at true partnership were highlighted as interventions that changes culture and behavior.  I noticed that on a topical basis over 80% of the examples of patient/family-centered care was in pediatric and maternal/child services and much fewer with adult populations.  It renewed my commitment with the ever increasing number of people with chronic illness that expansion to working with patients as partners and members of the care team is even more important.  I heard many examples of the burden being lifted from healthcare professionals when they joined with patients in partnership...how they continue to take their responsibilities for excellence seriously...but how they didn't have to make all the decisions, know all the answers and that patient/family members could provide resources to reduce the burden on the healthcare professional and resulted in a better clinical, functional and satisfaction outcome. 

1:31:25 PM     comment []   Google It!