Mission: Healing November 2, 2011

PGY 39, Day 124
For FAMILIES of Patients In the Intensive Care Unit

Here are a few pointers based upon my observations while caring for patients in the ICU over the years.
First, For Families and Loved Ones
StepWisely(R)
Improve Quality First = IQ First(TM)= Best Outcome = Best Care = Most Cost Effective Care = Best Practices

The First Ten Steps to Rational Cost Containment(TM) (RCC)

For Families of Patients In the Intensive Care Unit
1. Trusted Doctor: You must have Faith and Confidence in the physician(s) who take care of your family member, friend, or significant other. If you do not trust the people you are dealing with, arrange for a transfer of care to another facility, or doctor, or both.
2. CARRY OUT THE WISHES OF THE PATIENT: Make sure you have advanced directives that are based upon the wishes of the PATIENT, not your wishes, or the wishes of another family member. Do not impose your beliefs upon the patient. Do the RIGHT THING for the patient.
3. TEAMWORK: You are a member of the team. Find out how you can help. Ask what you can do to help. It is NOT HELPFUL for you to interfere in the care of the patient by spending too much time at the bedside. Ask the Doctor and the Bedside Nurse, what you can do to help when you are at the bedside.
4. Take Care of Yourself. You can't help if you are exhausted or in the way. Get some sleep. Identify your preference (if any) for religion and religious support. When the situation is critical get these folks involved.
5. Designate one or two members of the Family who are the primary representatives and spokespeople for the family. You will be responsible to coordinate information sharing with Family and Friends
6. Do not disrupt care: It is not helpful to have any DRAMA at the bedside
7. Write down your questions and the names of the people who are members of the care team
8. Make sure you understand the care plan
9. Review the care plan with the Critical Care Team Every Day and whenever changes are made
10. CONTACT INFORMATION: Give your contact information and GET the contact information for your care team.

Let me know if you want me to elaborate on any of this. Next will come a piece for PROVIDERS and I promised some guidance regarding influenza.

Questions or comments, contact me.
Dr. Mike