restorARTively

On the last Thursday of every November, "crazy Americans" overbuy, overeat, and stress out as we take a day to remember all for which we should be thankful. Of all our unique traditions, I am most proud to be an American on Thanksgiving Day. Whether with family, healthcare, work, education, or the law I have engaged in asking questions that many would have preferred not be asked aloud. But it is important to consider that questions are how a richer and more complete understanding of an issue is grained. I am grateful for those in healthcare and my extended family (both of origin and through nurtured friendships) who have accepted my questions not as a weapon for conflict but rather as a tool to sow peace. In my personal quest for answers and peace, I stumbled upon the following Gaelic Family blessing while completing my master's degree. It doesn't matter if you are American or Irish or Japanese or Greek or any specific nationality or religion, a doctor or a nurse or...

Below are letters to Modern Healthcare in response to an article from its November 2, 2009 issue that highlighted a few patient stories. For full access you need a subscription. My Letter … not the norm Thank you for continuing to highlight the dedication of patients and families who have been preventably injured in the healthcare system. Why, however, is it the same stories that are told over and over again? There is a disconnect in the patient-safety realm that pushed forward the concept that in reaching out to a hospital or institution that has caused iatrogenic injury to a loved one, there will be a welcome reception and lead to an ongoing productive relationship. Unfortunately, the experience of these few is still not the norm. There continues to be a huge group of marginalized individuals, patients and families. There should be more coverage of the stories of the masses who are trying to make a difference, which is evidence that medical errors are much more common than the public...

My five year old has what looks alot like the infamous pandemic flu of 2009. He also has a tendency to wheezing when he gets any kind of cold or congestion. We had an early morning visit to our pediatrician of almost twenty years (yes, my five year old has a sister who is nearly 20). This pediatrician has seen my children through their sickest, scariest, and darkest of times. Despite moving 45 minutes away from his office at one point, I commuted for his care because of the quality of his care and respectful relationship we have nurtured. I know our doc is among the best at what he does. I also believe he cares for my children and even for me. He has also never hidden his humanity. This morning when I dropped off the script our doc wrote for my five year old the pharmacy tech said, "He [our pediatrician] wrote the wrong dosage. I'm sorry but I will have to call his office before we can fill this." The CVS pharmacy tech phoned the office. The doc's nurse confirmed wh...

How is a movie about violent prisoners relevant to the health care discussion? Watch this brief trailer of "The Dhamma Brothers" . Many of the questions raised by the stakeholders in this movie can be considered for the benefit of all stakeholders in health care. Is humanity being locked away in the delivery of medical care? What are we breeding in our hospitals? By ignoring the humanity of every provider and every patient a passive and, sometimes, active violence comes creeping in through sarcasm, carelessness ;, aggressive responses in daily discussions; defensive stances in communications; laziness, risky behavior; dismissal of best practice policies as invasive, overbearing, and not beneficial; immodesty, cruelty, poor word choices; intolerance for imperfection; bullying; unwillingness to listen; inability to offer compassion. How can we release humanity within the boundaries of the gargantuan system? Individuals can begin. A collective of individuals willing to initiat...

Malpractice Confidentiality Clauses Could Put Others At Risk - Milwaukee News Story - WISN Milwaukee I posted this article on my Facebook page and it produced numerous comments. More than a comment box is necessary to explain my stance on transparency in health care. The underlying principles that guide work in restorative justice/practices under which I work towards education and communication in health care include accountability, respect, honesty, and community (all stakeholders included). These principles acknowledge the human condition/need to be a positive contributor within a community of caring. A group of individuals and institutions engaged in the delivery of or receipt of care to the sick and dying could be defined as a "community of caring." Anything that restricts the employ of accountability, respect, honesty, and community in health care impedes the restoration of health and healing (even in circumstances where dying occurs because there is healing to st...