His Story: “I would be better off dead”

A physician shares the story of his brother’s experience in an ICU, how the hospital caring for him failed him as a human being, and how the pain of not being properly cared for and not being treated with dignity and respect left the patient feeling he would be better off dead. In the back of his mind the patient wondered if it was because he is Black. The story prompts the author to reflect on patient rights as a reminder that healthcare is called to serve, to love, to be empathetic, to be respectful, to be humble, to listen, and to be trustworthy. Re-establishing trust with the people and communities that healthcare serves is the hill that all in healthcare must climb together to ensure his brother’s story is never repeated.
Related content
-
Culture & Leadership | Patient Family & Community Engagement | Staff & Provider Engagement
The “What Matters to You” Movement: Fostering Sustainable Change in Healthcare
Are you curious about how to ignite a movement within your organization that enhances care quality and workforce well-being and delivers a return on investment? Inspired by the global What Matters to You (WMTY) movement, this webinar will showcase successful improvement initiatives that have led to better quality outcomes, increased joy in work, and financial
Learn more -
Patient Family & Community Engagement
The Impact of Learners on Patient Satisfaction in the Orthopedic Setting
This investigation evaluates the impact of learners and their post-graduate year (PGY) levels on patient satisfaction in the orthopedic outpatient clinic, an area with limited prior research. A retrospective cohort study was conducted using data from July 2020 to December 2022, involving 2,484 patients, with a 39% response rate. Satisfaction was measured via NRC Health
Learn more -
Patient Family & Community Engagement | Quality & Clinical Excellence
What Healthcare Providers Need to Know About Newcomer Health Equity
Newcomers are a vital yet often misunderstood segment of the population that healthcare providers serve. This webinar explores the landscape of newcomer health equity in Canada and the United States, offering valuable insights into the challenges faced by this vulnerable group. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the various categories of newcomers in each
Learn more