What to do when patients want to give back?
When you encounter that moment when a patient or their family expresses profound gratitude for your care and healing, it can make the long and stressful days a little easier. In addition to providing your exceptional care, you can also support Ovation, the Foundation’s new grateful patient program, by recognizing the cues of a grateful patient. Why is this important? It can help the HonorHealth Foundation connect with patients who can make philanthropic gifts which then allows us continue to provide exceptional care by expanding existing programs, adding new services and getting the latest technology.
How you can help: When a patient or family member says, “Thank you so much; what can I do to give back?” or “How can I help make sure this care is available to others?” these are cues that they want to discuss a philanthropic gift. We simply ask that you:
- Recognize these cues
- Respond to their desire to give
- And refer them to Ovation
Information is coming to you this month, including pocket cards you can give someone who expresses an interest in making a gift, which most often support the program in which they received care. We will also recognize our care teams by sharing the tribute stories they submit.
Did you know that for the patient, expressing gratitude can even contribute to healing?
Robert A. Emmons, PhD, a professor of psychology at the University of California, Davis, is a leader in the science behind gratitude. His research examines the effects of gratitude on health outcomes using biomarkers of health and aging. His clinical trials found the practice of gratitude can have dramatic and long-lasting effects on a person’s life, including lower blood pressure, improved immune function and better sleep. When a patient expresses gratitude for the care you provided, it feels good and is good for them.
That’s what makes Ovation so powerful. Through Ovation, patients and families can submit their story of HonorHealth caregivers that made a difference through their care, compassion and commitment. An optional gift in tribute to their physician or nurse will help advance the care available for the next patient.
Grateful patients have made a profound difference at HonorHealth. The Bob Bové Neuroscience Institute at HonorHealth was largely funded through the philanthropy resulting from Mr. Bové’s gratitude for his care. And there are patient support programs throughout HonorHealth that exist almost entirely on philanthropic donations.
Learn more or refer grateful patients to www.HonorHealthFoundation.org/Ovation. Questions? Contact the Foundation at 480-587-5000 or [email protected].