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DECEMBER 2010 -- ISSUE TEN
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LIFE QUALITY INSTITUTE NEWS |
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It is traditional at this time of year to reflect on activities and accomplishments. As I'm still learning about the extraordinary work of this organization, I thought I might take a different tack. I could "tot up" the hours of education we've delivered this year (4,690 to Residents, PA, Medical and Nursing students and 3,300 to community members and healthcare professionals), or rattle off the presentations we've delivered (more than 100 on a dozen or more topics, see our Web site), or even tally the average evaluation scores our programs have received (always better than 4 on a 5-point scale). But that wouldn't really tell the story of the impact of our work. I'd like to try to tell you that story, instead.
Way back in 2004 I attended a "friendraiser" event for LQI. Several medical students who had participated in the LQI-designed hospice rotation spoke movingly about their experience-how it had radically altered their view of medicine, given them insights that would be valuable throughout their careers, touched them deeply as people. After the presentation, I asked one of the students, "How long was your rotation with hospice?" "Just one day," he said. One day-and LQI had changed his life . . . and possibly the lives of countless patients he would care for (not just "treat") over many years.
We hear this all the time. One of our Residents said, "I feel that I'll be a better physician now that I understand palliative care." A Physician's Assistant student said, "This experience has taught me the importance of treating the patient as a whole person, not just the disease." Another commented, "I won't be as scared to discuss [end-of-life choices] with a patient . . . because I will feel good about the quality of care and won't fear being ignorant about it." And from our Medical students, we hear many variations on this theme, "Watching someone near death: valuable experience for any doctor in training." This is the core of LQI's work with students . . . to give them the art and the heart of caring.
If possible, our community education has an even deeper impact, because a lot of our work is directly with families who are struggling with caregiving or grieving, and with people living with serious illness every day. This is where the rubber hits that very unforgiving road. When a caregiver who has formed a Community of Care following one of our trainings can say, ". . . I have my head above water again. And I'm loving every chance I get to float in calm water," we feel like we've saved a life-or maybe a few.
Changing lives, saving lives. That's the work that LQI is able to do, thanks to you and your support. Thank you for attending our conferences and professional programs. Thank you for receiving (and reading!) our newsletter. Thank you for being a passionate advocate for the improvement of end-of-life care. Together we can one day achieve our vision: that all people facing a life-limiting illness find support, dignity, and peace through compassionate palliative care. May you and yours be blessed in this holiday season and in the coming New Year. |
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 Called to Care:
Family Systems and Caregiving
What is existential suffering, and why is it a concern at the end of life? There are four basic existential conditions that challenge the existence of persons: death, isolation, freedom (an implied responsibility to respond to life), and meaninglessness. Obviously, all four conditions come into question when confronted by life limiting illness, a prognosis that generates incredible fear and an overwhelming sense of loss. Fear is a major source of existential suffering as well as loss of relationships, autonomy, and meaning. Please join us to explore the relationship between spirituality and existential suffering to learn appropriate assessment tools and effective interventions. Please join us for dinner and discussion on Thursday, December 9th at 6:00 p.m. at Bethany Lutheran Church. More Information
Moral Distress at Sarah Cares
A person experiences moral distress as a result of an ethical conflict in which one is constrained from doing the morally "right" thing. Within our healthcare system today, clinical, psycho-social, spiritual, and administrative professionals confront complex medical questions and concerns that give rise to moral distress. In a broader context, all those working in end-of-life professions are at risk of experiencing moral distress. Moral distress is often depicted by increased employee dissatisfaction, diminished quality of patient/family care, and elevated staff attrition rates. Therefore, it is important to distinguish moral distress from other forms of stress so that the root of the distress can be effectively addressed. The goal is not to eliminate moral distress. Rather, the goal is to recognize, confront, and transform the "elephant in the room." Please join us on January 12th at Noon at Sarah Cares. More Information
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WHERE WAS PALLIATIVE CARE? |
 If you watched the recent Frontline program, Facing Death, perhaps you had the same reaction I did. Where was hospice? Where was palliative care? Where was the message for the legion of viewers that there is real, effective, and-yes-aggressive treatment for pain and care for the complex emotional and psycho-spiritual challenges of dying for patients and families? And, by the way,... Read More |
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HOSPICE & PALLIATIVE MEDICINE NEWS |
 The holidays are the time of the year when many families come together from across the country and world. For many of us, we actually get to see our siblings, nieces and nephews, and parents instead of just talking on the phone. It's usually during these times when it becomes evident that our parents or grandparents have aged a lot more than we remember from last year. We can't hide behind phone conversations and false assumptions.
During these times, families come together and share memories, often realizing what is yet to come. Many questions arise about the coming task of caregiving, and what it will look like. Who will pay? Who will be the caregiver? How are we as a family going to handle this? Pre-planning is one of the best ways to deal with these questions and the best way to avoid stressful times in the years to come. Recently Newswire published an article on the Top 5 Myths of Family Caregiving. Although the realities of caregiving can be scary (increased financial contributions from family, income hit, career impact), talking with your family can help alleviate some of the stress, worry, and changes that caregiving can bring.
Sometimes the better way to understand your parent or grandparent is just to listen. Pauline Chen recently wrote an article for the NY Times entitled, Listening to Patients Living with Illness. Although she is addressing doctors in her post, it is equally important for family members to ask their loved ones what they need or want. Do you want to stay home? Who would you like to care for you? Are you okay with selling the house and moving into an assisted living?
What better time than the holidays to start the practice of asking and listening when the entire family is together! Take advantage of the opportunity to listen and to plan. You might be surprised at what you hear.
Happy Holidays |
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