When I was writing 7 Steps to Your Best Possible Healthcare, I wanted to understand whether there was something that patients with positive healthcare outcomes had in common, so I asked them. And, over 2,000 healthcare consumers answered my online request.
Some wrote pages about their positive experiences with healthcare, others were brief, but just as useful. The interesting thing about the stories is that many of them did not have positive health endings - in fact, some ended in the death of a loved one - but on each occasion, the writer's experience with the healthcare provider was so positive that it left a lifetime of lasting impressions on him or her. What I learned from these individuals was first, that they were all very proactive in their interactions with their healthcare team. And, second, that it was usually one individual in the hospital that framed their entire experience. Sometimes, it was a physician, but more often, it was a nurse, a clerk in the finance department, a lab technician, or an admissions rep who framed the entire hospital experience for the patient. I include a few of the shorter stories subitted by over 2,000 patients below for your interest - but also because as healthcare providers (or representatives of healthcare providers), it's always helpful to keep in mind our primary concern......the patient. Hope you enjoy the stories.
K.W., Colorado Springs, CO
I had surgery in December and ended up with a spinal headache due to the spinal block. The anesthesiologist was so worried about me, he called me at home every day for the next week to check on me, because the blood patch had not worked to fix it. The nurse during my hospital stay was also wonderful and called me at home to check on me.
K.M., in Lewisburg, KY
My child was in the hospital for dehydration when the lab tech came in to draw blood and my 4 year old was terrified. The lab tech tried to reassure her by offering her stickers etc. My child would not be moved. The lab tech promised her something very special and she finally relented. Later that evening the lab tech returned with a doll for my child. I was very impressed.
My husband's brother died just days before I gave birth to my first child. When our son was born, the family used it as a way to focus on life after death. The hospital was so nice to us --- letting family order pizza into the room, having lots & lots of guests, staying past normal visiting hours. They truly made a difficult time much easier to bear.
L.R., Bedford, TX
I have had several Dr.'s take the time to actually listen to me and include me in the decision making process. I am grateful that I was treated with dignity and respect and not treated as if I knew nothing.
M.S., Arvada, CO
My best hospital experience was on the last surgery I had a small stuffed animal - a dog. I was allowed to clutch it into the operating room and when I awoke one of the recovery room nurses made sure it was still clutched in my hand. Having that small stuffed animal was a giant comfort to me (yes, I am an adult).
S.M., Phoenix, AZ
My doctor was as excited as I was when I got to leave the hospital in May after a two week stay. She hugged me and kept grinning from ear to ear. I had almost died with septic blood due to a very bad infection. Knowing your doctor actually cares is very important.
