Book[edited by] Ann F. Schrooten, Barry P. Markovitz.
Summary: This book tells true and poignant stories from both sides of the physician-patient/parent relationship and provides a unique glimpse into how parents and physicians think, feel, and interact. The stories are grouped under four sections: Hope, Compassion, Communication, and Trust. Each section includes stories contributed by parents from all across the United States and by pediatricians practicing at many of the best children's hospitals throughout the country. The parents tell of interactions with physicians that had a significant impact on them and their child and offer context and insight that promote empathy and reflection. The physicians tell of interactions with patients and families that served as learning moments in their career and promote the humanization of medicine and show there is more to a physician beyond their scientific knowledge and white coat. The stories are edited by Barry P. Markovitz - a pediatrician specializing in critical care medicine who has been in practice for more than 20 years and by Ann F. Schrooten - the parent of a child born with a chronic complex condition who has more than 15 years of experience interacting with pediatric subspecialists and other healthcare professionals who cared for her son. The editors have written commentaries to the stories to provide an independent perspective on the events and messages conveyed and to encourage reflection, inquiry, and discussion. In addition to being a valuable resource for pediatricians, pediatric subspecialists, nurses and other healthcare professionals, the book will also appeal to families of children living with complex medical conditions because it shares physician encounters and behaviors many have experienced in the care of their own children. By giving a voice to both parents and physicians, the goal is to create a bridge to better understanding that can improve communication, minimize conflicts, and foster trust and compassion among physicians, patients, and families. .
Contents:
I. Compassion
What Matters At The End
I Didn't Have To Fix It
No Wrong Decisions
Reuniting Families
Leading With Compassion
Minute By Minute, Step By Step
Seek Permission First
A Sacred Relationship
Kids Like These
A Smile Worth Saving
II. Trust
Team Harlie
Best Laid Plans
If We Are Paying Attention
Full Disclosure
The Photograph
Learning Together
Altered Path
The Befores And The Afters
Not Everyone Is Born A Superhero
Beyond The Numbers
Shared Experience
Tying The Threads Into A Bond
III. Communication
A Voice That Doesn't Use Words
Brave The Difficult Conversation
A Roadmap
Teamwork
Re-Learning To Listen
Words Matter
Trust Their Voice
Knowing Your Family
Advocacy Is Not Anger
Where Is The Doctor?
Failure to Communicate
When A Patient and Family Forever Change Your World
Respect: A Two-Way Street
IV. Hope
Persistence Of Hope: A Story In Two Acts
Can I Offer You Advice?
The Life Of The Party
Every Single Second Worth It
Partners In Hope
Answers For Rosie
We Treat Souls, Not Just Bodies
Never Give Up
The Sliver Of Sky
The Many Voices of Hope
Mothers Club
Glossary.