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- Talk
- 22/09/2022
- UK
BOA Trauma Committee - The Patient Voice: Could We Better The Patient Advocates?
Description
In this transcript from a conference presentation, Bob Handley addresses the importance of understanding and representing the patient's voice in healthcare. He questions whether healthcare professionals genuinely advocate for patients or if they are merely assuming they know their needs based on limited interactions. Handley emphasizes that clinicians witness only snippets of a patient's long journey, especially in cases like orthopedic trauma, which can span several years. He suggests that understanding the full trajectory of patient pathways requires collaboration across disciplines beyond just orthopedic surgery.
He shares insights from his work with the GIRFT initiative, which examines how various clinicians are involved in patient care during hospital stays, revealing the necessity of interdepartmental communication. Notably, he critiques the lack of participation by various specialties in discussions that shape patient care, indicating a cultural need for change in how professionals engage with one another and with patients.
Handley uses analogies, including a comparison to moving deck chairs on the Titanic, to illustrate the need for a broader perspective in healthcare settings to ensure that the focus is not solely on immediate clinical concerns but rather encompasses the overall patient experience. He concludes by calling for a shift in medical culture where engagement with all parts of the patient’s care pathway becomes a shared professional responsibility.