Dignity in Care: The Human Side of Medicine

Kindness and compassion are essential for success in healthcare, but there are instances when contact with healthcare is tainted by experiences that chip away at patients' sense of pride and personhood. Dignity in Care aims to provide readers with what they need to know about the humanity of care and the tone of care and how to engage in these facets of care in a thoughtful and meaningful way that will satisfy patients' needs to be seen and appreciated as whole persons.

Format: Hardback
Length: 184 pages
Publication date: 20 January 2023
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

No one enters the field of healthcare with the intention of causing harm or appearing uncaring, cold, or unfeeling. Fortunately, the majority of healthcare professionals recognize the importance of kindness and compassion, which are essential components of providing successful care to patients and their families. However, it is disheartening to acknowledge that encounters with healthcare can often be marred by experiences that range from mildly irritating to emotionally abusive. Patients may face situations that erode their sense of self-worth and individuality, such as being kept waiting for appointments, being subjected to wearing a plastic hospital bracelet that tracks them based on institutional numbers or codes, or being referred to as abnormal body parts, such as the "GI bleed" in room two or the "breast tumor" in room three.

Dignity in Care is a book designed to provide readers with essential insights into the humanity of care and the tone of care. It aims to empower individuals to engage in these aspects of care in a thoughtful and meaningful manner that meets the unique needs of patients, allowing them to be seen and valued as complete individuals. The author will delve into the ways in which the humanity of care can be overlooked and offer strategies to prevent this from happening. Furthermore, the book will teach readers how to communicate more effectively with patients, fostering a sense of not just being cared for but truly cared about.

Sir William Osler, a renowned physician, once stated, "The good physician treats the disease; the great physician treats the patient who has the disease." Dignity in Care embraces this philosophy and applies it to the entirety of healthcare, recognizing that technical competency alone is not sufficient for success. True greatness in healthcare lies in the ability to connect with patients on a deeper level, understanding their unique circumstances and providing compassionate care that addresses their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.

By prioritizing dignity and compassion in healthcare, we can strive to create a more patient-centered and respectful environment. This approach not only benefits the individuals we serve but also contributes to the overall well-being of our communities and society as a whole. Let us embrace the humanity of care and strive to make a positive difference in the lives of those we encounter every day.

Weight: 410g
Dimension: 164 x 245 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780199380428