On a Personal Note...from Mona
This past April, my son Seth
had a cardiac catheterization and electrophysiology study. At the
age of almost 17 years, Seth has had more caths than we care to
count - he is not a stranger to the experience. Although he had been
seen at this particular facility for about 5 years, this would be
his first cath and admission there.
When he talked to us about his experience the following day, he
seemed calm and relaxed. He said that it was the FIRST TIME
he had ever felt so comfortable and unafraid. We questioned him
further, and that is when he told us about the warm blanket.
He said that after he got onto the table and some things were
explained to him, he was asked to lie down. He was then covered with
a heated blanket that felt very warm and soft. A doctor whom he knew
and felt comfortable with looked him in the eyes and asked if he had
any questions. He also wanted to know if there was anything he could
do to make Seth feel more comfortable.
Seth told us that he went to sleep for the procedure covered in a
warm blanket, feeling very comfortable, while looking into the eyes
of someone he trusted. And he said he was not afraid.
As he talked about how nice the whole "warm blanket" thing was, I
couldn't help but think about this wonderful metaphor, and what it
means in terms of the quality of care we should all expect
for our children and ACHD'ers. I think the metaphor, and the message
is important.
A "warm blanket" means we care. We care enough about you and/or
your child to make you feel a little more secure. It says that we
respect the fact that you are a human being and not just another
chest. We understand that lying naked in front of a group of
strangers can be unpleasant, and we respect your desire for as much
privacy and dignity as possible.
A "warm blanket" is a philosophy, an attitude. A kind greeting
when you arrive for an appointment, the echo tech who comes out to
say hello, the secretaries and nurses who remember your name.
A "warm blanket" is a rapid response to a call from a frightened
mother, and a physician who takes the time to discuss things and
really listen to your concerns. A doctor who talks directly to
you (if are an ACHD'er), your child, or your teen-ager, and explains
things completely and honestly in language you (and/or your child)
can understand.
A "warm blanket" is a hug from your (or your child's) doctor
after he has given you news you did not want to hear.
I think that the "warm blanket" symbolizes the highest quality of
family-centered care, and an ideal that all centers should strive
toward. I also know that we are not the only ones to have had such a
positive experience.
On our Family Room page, you
will find questions especially for parents, teens, ACHD'ers, and
health professionals. Please take a moment to look at them, and send
us your response.
I'd like to invite you to tell us what a "warm blanket" means to
you, and to share things your (child's) hospital did that made a
procedure more comfortable and less frightening. What are some of
the things you wish your (or your child's) center would do
that would be helpful for you and your family?
I know there are many health professionals out there in
cyberspace who read our site, and I hope you will participate as
well! Tell us about some of your exemplary practices and programs,
and share your ideas about ways in which health care staff can work
with parents or ACHD'ers to help alleviate fears and concerns about
procedures.
We will post your responses in the Family Room as they are
received. I think that our collective thoughts and experiences have
the potential to create a valuable resource for families,
individuals, and the professionals into whose care we entrust our
loved ones, and I look forward to reading your letters.
Click here to return to the
Family Room
|
