Written by Dr. Aisha Harris
The hospital is its own little ecosystem within a city. Large hospital feel like a small city functioning and moving constantly. There are so many pieces that it is easy to get lost in the chaos, even if it is controlled.
But the patients have a different experience. Many are not regulars in the hospital, they do not know the lingo, schedules or intricate details that help hospital function, improve health outcomes and save lives. But patients are always in the hospital and one thing that does not get mentioned often enough is the power and impact visitors can have on a patient’s outcomes, experience and overall quality of life.
When family members or friends are hospitalized, having someone that helps make that patient feel seen and loved is important. Family engagement with patients in the hospital improves health outcomes because it can boost the morale of the patient by them simply being present and supportive. Sometimes patients want to discuss their medical problems, but sometimes they want a good distraction from the hospital food and bland walls.
Family engagement through visitors also helps provide helpful information, context, care, coordination and help with the transition home. Sometimes patients are not able to express or explain themselves clearly or effectively. Sometimes a different perspective can provide valuable insight of events that led to the hospitalization or what a transition home may look like. Sometimes a patient’s support system can dictate the type of discharge they are able to cleared for.
While in the hospital, people miss the comforts of home or the life they enjoyed as they get care. But as they wait and get their care managed, a friendly face can rejuvenate their spirits and help decrease readmission and complications.
So the next time you have a family member or friend in the hospital, consider offering support in their time of need, consider a quick visit while you were in the neighborhood or send a kind text so they know they are not forgotten.
Unfortunately, many people do not have family or friends in the area they live or that they regularly communicate with. Our social connections are important for our quality of life inside the hospital, but also outside the hospital in our everyday lives. Engaging with our community on a large or individual level can create valuable relationships and improve our own health outcomes by having a social circle in general, not just for hospital visits.
Dr. Aisha Harris, MD is a Flint native and board-certified family medicine doctor at Harris Family Health in Flint, Michigan. Harris Family Health is a membership-based clinic that provides personalized and full primary care to adults and children. Learn more about Harris Family Health by visiting www.harrisfamilyhealth.com.
Feel free to submit health questions to Dr. Harris via theintcouriernews@gmail.com.