March 29, 2020
In the context of the COVID-19 crisis, we recognize the imperative to emphasize the patient and clinician experience. You may relate to my range of emotional responses as I witness the escalating pandemic: worry for patients, families and clinicians; anxiety for looming uncertainty; sorrow for the suffering caused by the pandemic; hope for our resilience and compassion; and yearning for opportunities to help.
In this issue, I am pleased to share the following COVID-19 updates from The Journal of Patient Experience (JPE):
– Special Call for COVID-19 Submissions: JPE encourages immediate submissions related to the current crisis. Authors should focus on the patient and clinician experience as related to COVID-19. Submissions related to telemedicine are also of heightened interest.
∘ Submission categories: Perspectives, Features, Special Interests/Narratives, Letter to the Editor, Case Reports, Patient Experience Research Briefs, and Research Articles.
∘ This call accelerates peer reviews and expedites online publication of accepted submissions. Please utilize the submission process at the link below: https://mc.manuscriptcentral.com/jpejournal
– Perspective Article: “How COVID-19 Disrupts – And Enhances – My Clinical Work”
∘ Submitted in late March 2020 by Calvin Chou, MD, PhD, this perspective article represents our first publication in the Special Call for COVID-19 Submissions.
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“Quick Tips to Connect”:
In the escalating pandemic situation, we need to focus on facilitating human connection. With social distancing, how can we continue to connect and meet urgent healthcare needs? We are most effective when considering what we say and how we say it. Based on the broader evidence-based educational materials from The Academy of Communication in Healthcare (ACH)
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, consider the communicative tips below:
– Be present: Urgent and distressing encounters challenge our ability to remain mindful. Consider how you feel and with whom you are meeting. Invest in a moment to make introductions and build rapport.
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Identify needs:
Evaluate what the other person could expect and examine your assumptions. Ask open-ended questions to identify needs.
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Listen:
Time and resource limitations urge us to interrupt. Allow the other person to feel heard with attentive listening, which often improves efficiency and accuracy. Consider the content and emotion that surface as you listen.
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Respond with empathy:
Intense emotions often trigger reactive, abrupt responses. Assess what you heard, and attempt to name and validate the emotion. Offer empathy.
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Share information:
Crisis situations increase the value of clear and concise information. Consider how to transmit information to facilitate understanding.
Thank you for your dedication to patient experience and sincere thoughts during uncertain times,
Laura
Laura Cooley, PhD
Editor-in-Chief
Email: cooley@ACHonline.org
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/achonline
Twitter: @LauraCooleyPhD
