Abstract
As the year closes, I can’t think of a better way to highlight how the field of patient experience is evolving than with this issue. This issue reflects creative solutions for various patient populations, such as designing aspects of physical space, programs, and processes; providing services that enable patients to more easily navigate the health-care system or advocate for their own care; and interpreting patient experience data to improve services.
In the first article, Wong and Nilges take us through a personal story about Western expatriates in Asian countries. Although a small group of patients, the phenomenon of clashing cultural determinants impacting care delivery is a more widespread issue. The article inspires greater awareness for the needs of oncological and palliative care patients far away from home.
MacAllister et al explore patients’ perception around the meaning of healing. What aspects of the physical space contribute to, or detract from, the healing process in the patient lens. The healing power of the environment will only be fully realized when we partner with patients and families that sit in and explore these spaces. And what they tell us has the opportunity to inform future design to establish standards that we build upon for human-centered design.
Our feature article continues the thread of human centeredness by addressing a set of important issues surrounding care in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). The authors describe engaging stakeholders in the development of a navigator program. Through a year-long iterative process, they involved 96 stakeholders to capture the voices of all those working within, and being touched by, experiences in the PICU.
Additional populations with unique needs were met through novel approaches. Cancer survivors face the possibility of infertility from the disease or its treatment. Hariton et al examined referral rates for fertility preservation consultation before and after the initiation of a dedicated oncofertility clinic at Massachusetts General Hospital. Alhuwail et al discuss how patients and their caregivers care can better manage fall risks at home. Interviews with patients and caregivers revealed opportunities for leveraging health IT solutions. Health IT could empower patients and caregivers to reduce fall risks by automatically acquiring clinical information and communicating clinical advice and recommendations.
Finally, a thorough understanding of patient experience data can contribute to an organization’s ability to improve services and provide quality health care. Springman et al report a case study describing their process for creating a more real-time patient experience dashboard in a major teaching hospital. This information should be helpful for organizations seeking a purposeful approach to simplifying and disseminating patient experience data. Furthermore, the study by Otani et al draws attention to the need for gender-based analyses of patient experience data. There are multiple demographic variables that we know impact patient perception but also different clinical populations and patient personas that have different needs with respect to IT, health literacy, access, and engagement. Better understanding of these variables and their relationships to each other is essential to the evolution of health care.
As always, thank you for reading and contributing. Your feedback is always welcome at
Wishing you all a fantastic new year!
©2006 Allison Massari.
International keynote speaker and acclaimed visual artist, Allison Massari, deeply understands the critical value of receiving personalized care from empathetic providers. Having survived two devastating and near fatal car accidents, one where she burned alive, Allison's compelling authority has made her a leading educator on the power of compassion as a healing tool. Her journey of determination, courage, and the rigorous pursuit of hope inspires confidence, ignites vitality, and illuminates how patient-centered care can build an expansive, life-changing foundation for healing – for both patient and provider. Learn more about Allison here at: www.AllisonMassari.com
I always start with the eyes. I look into the mirror and paint my eyes. My intent, though, is not necessarily to create a likeness, because often the figure that emerges is a different person. The point is to anchor the first strokes of the painting in something that is true. Something that is deep, and human, and real, so that the rest of the work can unfold from this unguarded moment. The eyes are a doorway. Through that passage, you the viewer have the opportunity to be seen. The vulnerability that I express and expose offers you an opportunity to truly connect with the painting, and awaken to something deep within. Encircling the figure I incorporate symbolism, surrealism, and allegory, for example, birds, fruits, and flowers. Each is chosen specifically for it's meaning; in particular, as symbols of my gratitude and of my desire to share my hope with the world.