Dr. Christopher B. Overgaard, an interventional cardiologist at the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, shares a new approach to communicating with patients’ families. At the PMCC, doctors invite the families to join them on rounds. (Photo: UHN)
Working in a cardiac intensive care unit populated by men and women with life-threatening heart issues, I have witnessed many patients and their families sit on the edge of darkness and despair, hoping for a miracle.
I have had to relay difficult news to many families over the years. There have also been many astonishing recoveries and modern-day marvels. Thankfully, these occurrences happen often. They are what we strive for each and every day.
For patients and their families, the single most important human element that can make or break their experience is effective communication between themselves and health care providers.
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