Are there miracles in healthcare? Miracles in healthcare probably follow the same Swiss cheese model of medical errors but in the opposite spectrum. When opportunities, incentives, hard work, compassion and ingenuity line up, good things happen to our patients beyond what we all have learned in medical school or in our professional continuing education. Here are a few small miracles…
A colleague of mine was able to convince her reluctant patient to start insulin. After years of probing and prodding, the patient mentioned that she does not have a fridge at home to store insulin—compassion, hard work and opportunity came together—a small miracle. The doctor inquired, the nurse investigated—thinking outside the box. The team hit the jackpot with the local Goodwill but they want to make sure that they are ready next time. A list of organizations that could donate furniture and appliances for free or at low cost was compiled. That is how change happens.
A Spanish speaking patient with renal failure had been followed in a free clinic for years with chronic kidney disease progressing toward dialysis, and he was terrified of dialysis because his father passed away from “the machine.” The healthcare team reached out to local organizations and support groups, was finally able to identify a peer navigator who connected with him and supported him through this difficult journey. These are only broad strokes description…documenting details and best practice is critical….
Miracles and the lessons they teach…please share them with us.