From Donna Davis
All voices need to be heard to ensure patients receive safe care. When my daughter was in hospital following emergency surgery I had an experience that I will never forget and it provides an action that all healthcare providers can use to ensure the voice of the person sitting at the bedside of their loved one is sought and heard.
Deidre’s surgery hadn’t gone exactly as planned but she was now on the ward recuperating. A nurse came in at shift change, introduced herself and asked her, “How are you feeling today, Deidre? Do you have any concerns?” Then she turned to me and asked, “Are you Mom? How do you think Deidre is doing? Do you have any concerns?” I started crying. The nurse was so concerned. “I’m so sorry. Did I say something wrong?” she said. “No, you did everything right. If only I had been asked that question by the staff when my son was in the hospital. Maybe he wouldn’t have died,” I said.
I told her how my concerns about my son’s deteriorating condition fell on deaf ears when he was in hospital with a head injury following a single vehicle rollover. He was 19 years old and was not given the care that would have given him the best chance of surviving his injury because my voice wasn’t heard and intervention happened too late to save him.
With the two questions asked by this fantastic nurse I felt included in my daughter’s care journey. I was confident that my voice would be heard.
We, the person at the bedside, know our loved one better than anyone else. We are a readily available resource and our voice is important. Asking the simple questions, “How do you think _________ is doing? Do you have any concerns?” invites patients and families to share our voice. It is a simple action that could make a huge difference.
Health care providers, please make these questions a regular part of your communication with patients and families.
