Compassionate Healthcare

A few of the SRMC team members met with a group from our community last week and we asked of them what it is that they want from a new hospital in their community. Their answers were reflective and thoughtful. One gentleman had spent a significant time in an intensive care unit several years ago. He told us that he wants the care team to remember that being a patient in ICU can be scary and the nurses caring for our patients need to be able to explain things well and have compassion.

He is right. In healthcare, more than any other industry, the understanding of communication surrounding a person’s care and treatment is critical. Unfortunately because the language of healthcare can be unique, there is often a mismatch between the clinician’s level of communication and a patient’s ability to understand. “Health literacy” is an individual’s ability to read, understand, and use healthcare information to be able to make effective healthcare decisions and follow instructions for treatment. Last year, a research study found that a significant portion of the population – perhaps as many as one half of American adults-lacks sufficient health literacy to effectively undertake and execute their own medical treatments.

At SRMC, we are committed to help the patients we are privileged to serve, assess and improve understanding about healthcare needs. Communication to our patients and their families will be made with compassion and in a way that promotes their understanding.  It’s just the right thing to do.