ICARE values: Our culture of well-being for patients and clinicians

This month, we focus on the ICARE value of empathy. It’s important to be vulnerable and seeking first to understand others in order to best meet their needs. It’s also crucial to have empathy and compassion for yourself.

ICARE recognition expressing empathy: Stuart Triester, MD, HonorHealth Gastroenterology

Dr. Triester’s colleague Julie Lake, patient care specialist, wanted to recognize him for the empathy he showed to one of his patients. After receiving a call that the patient was running late, Julie investigated the issue. It turns out the patient was supposed to have an appointment for an MRI that day but had confused it with the date of their scheduled colonoscopy. This patient had dutifully completed the colonoscopy prep but for the wrong day. Despite having a full schedule, Dr. Triester was able accommodate the patient that day rather than requiring a repeat colonoscopy prep – something no one would ever want to do. Thank you, Dr. Triester, for going above and beyond with empathy for the plight of this patient.

Tips for expressing empathy with patients

Here are some suggestions on ways to express empathy with our patients:

• Connect: Connect on a human level (ask about hobbies, family, occupation or pets).
• Listen: Sit down whenever possible, limit interruptions and remember body language.
• Acknowledge: Recognize emotions and ask how the situation might be affecting them.
• Partner: Reassure them that they are not alone and include patients/families in decisions.

Empathy for ourselves and our colleagues

As clinicians, we are often our own worst critic. Practicing self-compassion and working to treat ourselves as we might a colleague or friend can help reduce the pressure we put on ourselves.

Connecting with a colleague to share challenges and successes is another way to help maintain the enjoyment of our work. Prioritize some time to connect with those around you. If you ever need a colleague reach out for confidential peer support. A new book titled “Inner Practice of Medicine” by Wendy Lau, MD, an emergency medicine physician, is a good resource for more insights on self-compassion.

If you want to learn more about how you can support your colleagues or get involved with work focused on improving the HonorHealth work experience for physicians and advanced practice providers, sign up here.

Recognize a colleague

GO BEYOND is a small recognition effort set forth by the HonorHealth Medical Staff in conjunction with HonorHealth administration. We want to thank all of our members for their outstanding contributions to patient care, collegiality and wellness in our medical centers.

Please nominate an exceptional individual who merits recognition. You can recognize a physician, allied health member, hospital staff or an administrator whom you feel has gone above and beyond. Please forward your nomination to any member of your campus’ Division Executive Committee (DEC) for consideration.

We truly appreciate everyone’s hard work and dedication to help make HonorHealth the best place to practice.