You have more experience with congenital heart disease than I have.
This is a humbling thought to have as I write my first (ever) blog post. But it is likely a reality, as many of you have been living with CHD since birth, and I just transitioned to this field two years ago. It has been a happy transition and I find that my 24 years of prior experience in (regular) adult cardiology and cardiothoracic surgery have prepared me well to care for your unique needs. I am so in awe of the strength, determination, resilience and attitude of my adult CHD patients and I look forward every day to going to work to see the patients that I have come to think of as true heroes.
Outpatient clinic is generally my favorite time of the week. It hardly feels like work to be meeting new and interesting patients or following up with someone returning. I share your triumphs and empathize with your defeats. Honestly, what could be more satisfying than knowing that someone is doing well or to having the honor of helping someone to feel better?
“They” say do what you love and it will never feel like work. I don’t know who “they” are, but they are right. I am so thankful that I left engineering, chose nursing, and landed here.
This is why I found it surprising the other day, when, in the midst of a clinic visit, I found a scene from the 1996 movie Jerry Maguire replaying in my head. In the scene, a desperate Jerry (Tom Cruise) is pleading with his athlete client (Cuba Gooding, Jr.) for him to “help me help you.” Cruise’s chant scene was one of the best of that movie, and ranks with his “show me the money” and Renée Zellweger’s “you had me at hello.”
But why was this scene disturbing my thoughts now, mid-clinic, almost 20 years after having seen the movie? The last time images of Tom Cruise flashed through my mind, I was much younger and he was starring in Top Gun! The truth is, I was frustrated because I knew my patient needed something, but I couldn’t identify what it was.
A late arrival coupled with delays at check-in from a lack of referrals led to double booking. I felt rushed (and stressed) to see both this patient and the (on-time) patient who was still waiting. I knew she wasn’t feeling well, but a lack of medical records and current medication list along with a very vague symptom description made it difficult to identify how to proceed. We came up with a plan of action, but I think I wished I could have done better.
Later that day, I had my own doctor’s appointment. After checking in, I pulled out my list of questions. While waiting, my thoughts drifted back to my own clinic day and Cruise’s chants. I found myself thinking how imperative it is that we—as healthcare consumers—play an active role in getting what we need from our healthcare visits. Let’s face it, care providers are busier than ever and need to see more patients per day than they did years ago. This, along with sicker outpatients and increased documentation requirements, has led to busier days and shorter visit.
I thought about how important patient preparation is prior to healthcare visits. For adults with CHD, whose disease is complex, histories are complicated, and symptoms are subtle, this is even more important. I am happy to say, my personal visit went well. I arrived prepared and on time with records in hand and written reminders of my concerns. My issues were addressed, and I was satisfied with the plan. I helped my doctor to help me.
I sincerely think (and hope) that I speak for most providers when I say that we want to help our patients. I think I speak for most patients when I say that we, as patients, want help to be at our best health. A few minutes of preparation prior to clinic visits can help providers help us. In healthcare, that’s where the money is.
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The opinions expressed by ACHA bloggers and those providing comments on the ACHA Blog are theirs alone, and do not reflect the opinions of the Adult Congenital Heart Association or any employee thereof. ACHA is not responsible for the accuracy of any of the information supplied by the ACHA bloggers.
The contents of this blog are presented for informational purposes only, and should not be substituted for professional advice. Always consult your physicians with your questions and concerns.