Outpatient Surgery Magazine, providing current information on Surgical Services, Surgical Facility Administration, Outpatient Surgery News and Trends, OR Excellence and more.
Issue link: http://outpatientsurgery.uberflip.com/i/519657
2 4 S U P P L E M E N T T O O U T P A T I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E J U N E 2 0 1 5 spectrum of possible outcomes. For the first time, I realized the true meaning of the phrase "ignorance is bliss." • Life lessons. Surgical professionals are trained to treat patients, but they're not taught about truly understanding the patient perspective. No program or curriculum can convey such a lesson. You can't fully appreciate what it's like unless you've gone through it yourself. I hope to impart at least some of the wisdom the journey has provided me. • At their most vulnerable. I arrived in the pre-dawn hours to register for my proce- dure, hungry, tired and nervous. Fortunately for me, the hospital where I had my operation is one of the finest medical facilities in the United States and staffed by the most professional, competent and compassionate nurses and physicians. Nevertheless, the surgical experience is long and difficult. Gowns are revealing and cold. The pre-op prepping process is filled with endless questions and prod- ding. The expertise and confidence of the nurses, however, made me feel com- forted and secure. Surgical staffs need to realize the importance of connecting with patients when they're at their most vulnerable. • There are no minor operations. Each patient who enters your facility is more than a number. They have lives and loved ones waiting for them to emerge from sur- gery healed and healthy. I'm hoping the leaders who hear my talk gain a little more appreciation for what patients actually go through on the day of surgery and convey that message to their staffs, who will hopefully treat patients with renewed respect and compassion. The simple phrase everything will be OK, we're going to take great care of you makes an incredible impact. • Remember why you chose surgery. Patients and their family members want to stay informed during every phase of the surgical process. Even though I'm a surgeon,