We Need to Learn From Our Mistakes
I want to share this interesting story in the Minneapolis Star Tribune dated March 29. It could not be more timely and I cannot agree more with the points made in this article. I am deeply convinced that the confrontational nature of our society actually makes it harder for people and institutions to learn from mistakes. What we do not learn, we are bound to repeat. And everyone loses. I hope the initiative shown by the hospitals in this story spreads across the land.
http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/health/17127841.html
An unrelated observation: it is cold and blustery day in Minneapolis, the snow is blowing horizontally as I type. This morning, like every morning, as I came into the transplant clinic I could not but help notice the usual bunch of determined smokers clustered outside the building getting their needed nicotine fix. What makes the picture all the sadder is that most of them are tethered to infusion poles, garbed in hospital smocks. These were patients with serious ailments for which hospitalization and intravenous drug therapy of some sort is obviously needed. And yet, the addiction rules their lives.
Harvey is doing well. The past couple of days have been uneventful. His appetite is gradually improving and the nausea has retreated. Things are quiet and we pass the time reading, listening to music or watching the snow outside the window. I wish time passed faster, but some one a lot wiser than me once told me to never wish for faster passage of time. It passes all too soon for us mortals.
Be well,
Chaya
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12 comments on "Hospitals Learn to Say Sorry"
Follow-up comment rss or Leave a TrackbackAh, just one more reason to choose the sunny climes of SOUTHERN Minnesota. I’m sure down at the Mayo they are reveling in sunshine and the palm trees are growing rapidly:)
The crazy thing I learned during all my time at the Mayo was that the locals LOVE this sort of weather. Go figure:)
Yes, folks from Minnesota seem to be of hardier stock than some of us from warmer climes. But the April snow will be short-lived I think, it is already melting away under the warm sunlight.
Harvey is doing well, so much so that he has started complaining about the weak coffee they send with his tray. I got him a “manly” double shot cappuccino from the shop downstairs. For a coffee addict he has spent more days without coffee than I thought possible. The nausea is under control and he is eating well. The treadmill is put to good use every day. He is now up to little over a mile of walking and when I am not looking he sneaks up the incline.
The sun is shining as Harvey and I share a companionable cup of good coffee and all is right with the world. One day at a time, today is a very good Day +6.
Thanks for all the good wishes you guys. They have meant more to me than I can say. Please bear with me as I have not had a chance to respond to most of the emails (I have tried to respond to the emergency ones). I promise I will write back as soon as the dust settles.
Love,
Chaya
I’m so glad you and Harvey are doing well, Chaya. I think about you both so much. I was glad to read the article on MN hospitals’ coming clean with patients about errors. When I was an epidemiologist at a large kids’ hospital in Chicago, we always told the parents about mistakes, for a very simple reason: it was the right thing to do. We responded to employees not punitively, but educationally, and as a result people were not afraid to tell me what they’d done wrong. And then we could discover and prevent more actual and potential accidents. As a medical school faculty member, I could then discuss these incidents in seminars with the medical students, so that many people could learn how to prevent future disasters. Amazing concept: everybody benefits from honesty.
You’re both in my heart in a big way. Love, Sherry
Glad to hear Harvey is doing well enough to complain about the coffee!
Just curious — I gather Harvey is not being kept in a bubble. What level of precaution do they take to insure that he doesn’t pick up an infection? (Do you wear a mask when visiting, for example?) Is he on so many antibiotics and antivirals that it is not a super-serious concern?
Chaya:
You sound very philosphical today which must be good for your soul. I know you will remain diligent as a hawk but perhaps you can get a brief well deserved respite. You have passed the major milestones with informed grace and determination and there is every reason to expect success. I do enjoy reading about your experiences and insights during this journey.
Best wishes to caretaker and patient,
Diane
My wife and I have been keeping a mental vigil for Harvey and you, to whom we owe so much. It gladdens our hearts to hear everything is proceeding well. Hey, a patient complaining about the coffee after what Harvey went through has got to be a good sign!!
I am negotiating my first tx protocol based on your CLLTopics article regarding CD20 shaving. I’ll let you know how it works out. Meanwhile, rest and recover.
Love you guys!
Sorry to hear about the snow and blustery conditions in MN. I am actually here in Sedona, AZ and it’s beautiful…though alot has changed since I was last here 10 years ago…so much building has occurred and things seem so much busier!
I’m glad to hear that Harvey is doing well and hope that you both can return to Sedona in the not too distant future.
I am so glad that things are going well. I love the idea of you two just enjoying the simple pleasure of having good coffee.
For the record, this 1/2 century resident of Minnesota has had it with winter.
Liz
St Paul
Yes Chaya the snow is melting, and we strong Minnesotans can handle it (even though we thought Spring had arrived). For Bruce’s information, Rochester got more snow than we did in Minneapolis. If you want to get the best coffee near U of M Hospital, try Dunn Bros Coffee in Stadium Village, just a short walk from the hospital (720 Washington Avenue). It’s a regional chain (about 95 franchised locations), which we think is the best around. Glad to read that Harvey is doing well. Our thoughts and prayers are with you both.
How wonderful to hear the good news that Harvey is doing well and that his appetite and energy are returning.
Great news!! It sounds like wild horses can’t hold Harvey.
Please take care, eat well, etc…all the things I’m sure you are on top of.
I was very happy to read that you have support from your daughter and son-in-law.
Dear Chaya and Harvey,
This news is better than a spring day. It is warming to all of us,
Beth and John