There’s no slowdown to sickness.

Healthcare provision often feels like a constant state of “busyness”. Appointments line up, and it’s not uncommon to feel hurried. But the costs to both patients and providers of “hurried-up healthcare” may be causing more damage than we realize.

Barriers are real–our collective healthcare system can make it difficult to spend the time with patients that they really need. It’s easy to feel like we are constantly flying along to the next place, the next appointment, the next patient.

I’m not writing this article to tell you what you should or shouldn’t do. What I hope to reveal here is what you may miss when you hurry.

An Example That Continues To Shape Me

Kim had a rare, progressive and terminal neurological disease that slowed down her motor function. As I worked with her for over 2 years, we fought against the disease’s progress. Even with therapy, she deteriorated from being independent to wheelchair confined, and ultimately passed away.

There was no rushing Kim–her movements were difficult and slow. Simply reaching to pick up her phone was an incredibly difficult task, as was speaking a full sentence. As a provider, I had to learn how to slow down and use the time I was given well–she couldn’t be rushed.

Working with her undoubtedly shaped my perspective on presence, time, and space with my patients in home health care.  I learned so much about the value of becoming unrushed, and the time, experiences, and conversations Kim and I had stick with me to this day.

What I Have Gained In The “Unhurrying”

I’ve had unexpected and powerful conversations happen. I’ve learned things about my patients I wouldn’t have discovered had I been rushed. When at ease, they often reveal what they really need the most.

I have come away more encouraged and more satisfied in the work that I am doing, knowing that it matters beyond the tangible timeframe of a visit, and that I can move towards what they really need. That, I know, will leave a lasting impact.

Moving Forward

The cost of hurrying matters–and no one enjoys feeling rushed. How you connect and relate with your patients in the time and space you have is something to consider. Life is short. Who knows if it is the last time that you will see them?

Today, I encourage you to filter your time with your patients through a lens of gratitude and unhurry, looking for opportunities to discover more about them. Slow down a little and enjoy being with them. Think of how your considerate actions and presence can say “you matter to me.”

It has been truly amazing to discover and enjoy what I have in the process of unhurrying healthcare.

Alex Gerber
Doctor of Physical Therapy
gerberxc@gmail.com

4 Tips To Unhurry Patient Care

Before Starting: be ready and alert.

Upon Entering: stop, sit, and listen.

In Closing: remain present and undistracted.

Follow Up: respond thoughtfully.