Supportive Voice Vol. 9 No. 3 Summer 2003
Chairperson’s Corner
by Bridget Carney, PhD, RN
Ms. Carney is the system director of ethics for PeaceHealth, Bellevue, WA.
Flying home from the June assembly of the Catholic Health Association (CHA)-with its theme of Advocacy: Uniting our Voice for Change-I reflected on the inspirational words of numerous speakers challenging conference attendees to be advocates of change in all avenues of health care. I also reflected on the CALL Care program (Supportive Voice, Spring 2003, Vol. 9, No. 2) presentation at the CHA meeting, where many heard of the profound impact this program of care delivery had for individuals with life-threatening illnesses and their loved ones. My thoughts about these experiences led me to write a "Want Ad" (at right) for your consideration in the hope that you will identify within your own organization people who can fill this critical position.
The revolutionaries you should look for in your organization to fill this role are individuals who are not looking for a "quick fix" or short-term solutions. These revolutionaries want substantive, long-lasting change in how we provide care to persons with life-threatening illnesses, from the moment of diagnosis until his or her death. These advocates seek change at all levels-from the way we communicate "bad news" to improvements in reimbursement for services provided.
The challenge for these revolutionaries-these advocates-is to find the people and resources needed, from obvious and not so obvious places, and then in small and large ways to bring about the revolution over time. One advocate may arrange for patient transportation to and from a doctor appointment, another may lobby congressional representatives for improved financing, a third may take time to be present to a patient upon the news of a life-threatening diagnosis.
This is the "Want Ad" for you to consider posting in your organization. Perhaps you already have filled these positions. I know these revolutionaries-these advocates-exist in health care institutions across the United States. Perhaps you have yet to discover them in your own institution. Look closely; they are there.
What will it take for this position to be filled? The answer is simply: individuals choosing to be revolutionaries, to be advocates. Each person can be an advocate for improving care for individuals with life-threatening illnesses. Every action, every interaction with patients and their caregivers, will either negate or support the revolution.
What choice will you make-to be a revolutionary or not? Choose wisely, for your choice, no matter how small, has profound effects on the lives of many people, including yourself.
URGENTLY NEEDED: Revolutionaries to change the way we provide care to individuals with life-threatening illnesses and their caregivers.
Advocates who are passionate,ordinary people desiring to help persons with life-threatening illnesses to live life to its fullest.
Three Desired Characteristics
1. A Sense of Outrage!
An individual who recognizes that we do not always provide the best quality care to persons with life-threatening illnesses and their loved ones. Each person requires consistent, quality care in order to live life to its fullest until he or she dies. However, we can improve care if we choose to try.
2. A Creative Risk-Taker with a Passionate Desire to Change the Status Quo
Someone with a strong desire to break the "'We've-always-done-it-this-way" chain. This revolutionary thinks "out of the box" and builds on the resources within his or her own institution, helping others to envision how it can be different.
3. Tenacity and Patience
This advocate will demonstrate a willingness to not give up in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles (e.g., budget shortages, limited staffing, lack of knowledge among health care providers regarding palliative care). Revolutions do not happen overnight. Advocates of change must be patient and not give up hope as they search for the needed resources from the least likely places.