As we embark upon colder weather and only too soon winter, we find ourselves in the midst of a changing culture in health care. With the increase in internet medical-related searches, our consumers are becoming more knowledgeable and involved in their diagnosis and care than any other period of modern history. How well this new partnership of consumer/caregiver works out is primarily our responsibility.
We have all heard the expression It is what you make of it muttered all too many times to the point where we tend to let this bit of advice roll swiftly off our minds like the water upon a ducks back. However in this ever expanding internet phenomenon, the phrase has possibly met its ultimate destination. We are the care givers and service providers to the ultimate needones health. What we make of this new partnership will be the foundation for what happens going forward.
In our drive to become the regions provider of choice, we need to welcome and even embrace the passion of our new partners. They can certainly gain much healthcare knowledge from viewing a computer screen in the quiet of their own home. They can understand the effects of various pharmaceuticals by visiting a web site. They can even get a list of symptoms to match a potential diagnosis for nearly any ailment they have by simply typing a few key words into a search engine and watching as the multitude of inviting sites arrive on the monitor, available, and awaiting the double-click of a mouse.
What they cant get from a PC is the personal touch each of us provide; the compassion and tears of joy or pain that you can share with a patient or family member. They cant click on a mouse and get a personality that encourages their healingnor can a monitor screen offer a hug.
What do we offer, personally, to our patients and guests that bring a positive value to their experience at GCHS that will make them want to invite us to be their partner in healing and comfort? The answer is simpleheart. jim
