(This was originally written as a 3 part series in a Radiology newsletter for a Michigan hospital)
In 1933 on the heels of the Great Depression, President
Franklin D. Roosevelt established the Civilian Conservation Corps, otherwise known
as the CCC. As a part of the New Deal,
the CCC gave unemployed, unmarried men ages 17-28 jobs in rural areas focusing
on the conservation and maintenance of natural resources owned by state or
federal governments.
These men got up close and personal with rocks, dirt, trees, streams and rivers. The Northern part of Michigan came under the care of the CCC; most
of which can still be seen. My family has camped many times at the CCC Bridge
between Grayling and Kalkaska as we canoed the Manistee River.
There was something basic and fundamental to what the CCC
accomplished. Their work, though elementary, was not easy, and has had a lasting
impact. With that in mind, I would like for us to consider forming our own “CCC”
in Radiology.
Our first “C” is connection.
For many us, what we do is “old hat”, "breezy", "piece of cake".
We have been doing it for so long we could do it with our eyes closed (please
don’t).But to our patients, it may be something new, different, or even
scary. This may be the final piece in the
puzzle their doctor has been trying to figure out. This maybe the answer they have been fearing. So, some level of anxiety
walks into our exam room with each patient.
A meaningful connection with our patients will only take a couple of moments. Think of it as an investment in your patient. A steady gaze coupled
with soft and calming words of reassurance can reduce a good measure of nervousness. Asking if the
patient has any question about the test or the procedure they are about to have
can do wonders in helping the patient’s anxiety levels lessen. Don’t ask the
question while preparing the much dreaded and unknown “instruments of torture”. Focus on
the patient for this moment, your machinery isn't going anywhere. A reassuring
touch on the shoulder or arm can also help your patient feel like they are
important, cared for and connected.
Now, you can destroy all of this wonderful work by sprinkling an abundance of “Honey’s” and “Sweetie’s” in there. When I go out to a restaurant, I learn my
waitresses name. Almost all of them have responded in kind. The TV series Cheers reminded us every week with it's theme song how important it is to "go where everybody knows your name". Should we, as caregivers, be more indifferent to a person who places the physical well-being in our hands than the local watering hole? I hope not. Learn your patient’s name so they can see your interest in them as a person the moment you greet them. They will appreciate it.
We are not working with widgets. This is not an assembly line. These are people who are sick or hurting and afraid. They have come to us for help. Connection only takes a couple of minutes. This will be time well
spend. You and I have the ability to make a world of difference to our patients.
