Caring Greatly

In this episode, Dr. Bright and I talk about the emotional journey that frontline care team members have experienced as they went from fear and uncertainty to reckoning with injustice, through a brief respite in the summer to a rising national caseload through the fall and the holidays. We look at the ways that team members have supported one another individually and across organizations, and we look ahead to a future built on safety and trust that cares for team members and patients alike as whole humans.

In this episode, Ms. Drane and I talk about the impact caregiving has on caregivers’ well-being. We look at the challenges and joys of caregiving and the kinds of support that is often available but unknown. We examine how COVID-19 has changed the role and visibility of caregiving, and we look ahead to future transformations that start with empathy.

In this episode, Dr. Dimond and I talk about the challenges of ensuring team member safety both before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. We discuss the critical role of communication in providing a lifeline to security resources and in connecting care team members across disciplines and locations, which is equally critical – especially when infection control protocols prevent easy mobility. We look ahead to the broader implications for team member safety and well-being in the aftermath of COVID-19.

In this episode, Dr. Slominski and I talk about how her focus on clinical experience has shifted as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. At the time we spoke, New Mexico was in the midst of a surge of infections that was putting strain on team members, patients, families, and the community. We delved specifically into the concept of Code Lavender, a program for emotional support that Presbyterian had implemented prior to the pandemic, and how it has evolved to meet the changing needs of the care team. And we look ahead to a future in which humanity is at the center of healthcare decision making.

In this episode, Dr. Jenike and I talk about how his work as a chief well-being officer has evolved, and how the COVID-19 pandemic is putting increased pressure on the well-being and mental health of team members. Dr. Jenike outlines how Novant Health is supporting team members, and why continued support is essential for the functioning of the health system.

In this episode, Mr. Dawson and I talk about the value of human-centered design and why it is necessary for constructive and cost-effective healthcare innovation. We look at some of the barriers and imperatives for designing solutions that meet the health needs of patients and families while also creating supportive, human-centered work environments for healthcare team members. Finally, Mr. Dawson shares his vision for a more health-centered future that moves beyond the traditional walls of healthcare institutions.

In this episode, Dr. Howell and I talk about how he and his fellow clinicians shifted rapidly to virtual care when COVID-19 struck. We look at the importance of a whole-team based approach during any transition, as well as the way that Dr. Howell and others are re-examining care processes in the wake of the COVID-19 disruption. Finally, we look at the role of culture and mission in driving meaningful, sustainable innovation.

In this episode, Dr. Alexanian and I talk about the rapid adoption of virtual care during the COVID-19 pandemic from the providers’ perspective. We look at the challenges to adopting new technologies and adapting to the circumstances of the pandemic. And we look at how support from fellow physicians paves the way to a practice approach that supports professional fulfillment.

In this episode, Dr. Hart and I discuss his approach to integrating equity into core quality and safety work. We examine why that integration is so important and delve into some of the specific approaches he and the organization are following to make that a reality. Dr. Hart outlines a newly revamped root cause analysis process that adds equity as an explicit focus.

In this episode, Dr. Kneeland and I look at the impact of COVID-19 on home care services. There’s been enormous focus on telehealth as a response to the pandemic, but providing acute care in the home has also been a critical lifeline for patients with both urgent and chronic care needs. In addition to the care model, we delve into the professional implications for well-being and satisfaction that comes with connecting with patients on their home turf.