Patient Advocacy Thoughts Pt.1

I know I did a Q&A for that last patient (“Patient Advocacy Q&A”; read it if you haven’t already), but I wanted to express my commentary. This first part will focus on the hospital-based part of the interview.

First, I was so inspired by her incredible vernacular and ability to portray herself and her experiences. Not only her diction, but also the way she eloquently spoke about her life was powerful, especially because I could imagine her communicating with patients with that same clarity. Moreover, she spoke with a very passionate tone. She was so touched that I had even reached out to interview her on this topic, as she personally dedicates her life to patient advocacy. She had so much to say; every comment spilled right into another. 

I also want to note that I had no idea who she was before I started this interview. The introduction that I quoted in the Q&A was the same introduction that I received. I was so excited to see that she was also a healthcare provider because she was able to give me the unique perspective of someone who has seen both sides of patient care. 

I thought that her commentary on sanitation and hygiene was very insightful. I didn’t expect her to bring up Florence Nightingale as her work was prevalent over a century ago, but it is very true: her work in the Crimean war to improve hygiene and sanitation dropped the mortality rate. Still, I felt that it was most impactful when she discussed her personal experience of being punished for using gloves while working with a patient. That completely contradicts the standards today, and it truly is telling in regards to how significantly the healthcare system has changed in the last few decades. In my experience volunteering with the surgical center, I wash my hands even after handling something with gloves on. I leave with hands nearly deprived of all other scents than the disinfectant. This patient’s anecdote made it easier, but I still find it difficult to imagine a world with any other standard. 

Her comments on the shifting priorities within the corporate world of hospitals were slightly extreme but absolutely valid. It’s not accurate to make the generalization that all hospitals care solely about money, first by the nature that not all hospitals function the same way and second by the central moral that the people who run hospitals should put patient care first. However, her claims came from very legitimate truths. Hospitals are both caring units and businesses. In order to care, they must make money. Inherently, they must focus on generating a profit (as well as competing against other hospitals). Moreover, it is true that many physicians often feel pressured to as many patients as possible within a day. This means spending minimal time truly conversing and understanding the patient. While this is most efficient time-wise, it is not necessarily the best method to approach patients with. Personally, I hope that I would have the ability to take as much time as I need to communicate and understand my patient, but I also know that there will be factors beyond my control. As such, I truly appreciate my interviewee’s efforts to ensure that patients are taken care of. It is inspiring to see someone so involved in advocating and legislating proper standards of care.