Off With the White Coat, On With the Backless Gown

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There is nothing like perspective to realign your viewfinder. Every
professional that I work with who has been a hospital patient at one
time or another describes the experience as career-altering, in that
life looks very different from the patient's side of the stretcher. When
you actually "hear" what you sound like, when it's your turn to be the
patient and the very words you say to patients come echoing back in
haunting ways, that's your aha! moment, and I believe that it changes
irrevocably the way you practice.
Thanks for the link to a book that should be MUST reading for all of us
in this field.

Terry at Counting Sheep of PA 8:22PM December 13, 2007

Dear Mr.Comarow: How right you are!
Sadly, the mindset of our healthcare providers is deteriorating and the healthcare "bar" gets lowered continually. Many of us who have cared for patients for 40 or more years and also sat on the other side of the curtain as patients know full well about the omissions of care and the commissions of near miss errors. Small steps forward in improvement of safety and "care" are being spearheaded by many groups in the patient safety industry, all of whom are patiently waiting for a change of "culture to take place in the healthcare setting.
Many of us are impatient, and can't understand how the acceptance of a culture of safety can be optional.
New legislation, and more government committees won't make it happen either. Market forces in the form of people power and market share control by the healthcare consumer will mandate the necessary changes.
I sincerely believe that the voices and demands of millions of patients such as those members of AARP and Consumer's Union can successfully bring the changes necessary for optimum care and safety at the bedside.
Thank you for all your interest and for your wonderful commentary on these issues.
Sincerely,
Robert B. Schultz M.D.
Plantation Florida

Dr. robert B. Schultz of FL 8:57AM December 12, 2007