The Waiting Room Renaissance
Les Misérables of the Health Care System
Back in 2022, I had an opportunity to visit France. It was a bucket list trip for me.
In high school, I read “Les Misérables” in French as part of my OAC French credit. Les Misérables is a French historical novel by Victor Hugo, first published in 1862, that is considered one of the greatest novels of the 19th century. Once we finished the book, our teacher took us to the Prince of Wales theatre in Toronto to see “Les Mis.” It was a profound teachable moment for me. The story of Jean Valjean, Fantine, Cosette and Javert is one I will never forget. Their story was on my mind as I travelled across.
I liked the 2012 movie with Hugh Jackman and Anne Hathaway, even Russell Crowe was good although I never really took him as much a singer. Good for him for getting a bit out of his comfort zone.
What does this have to do with palliative care in Canada?
The most basic definition of a vulnerable population is: a group of individuals who are at increased risk for health problems and health disparities.
Patients in need of palliative care are, in many ways, a vulnerable population, much like our homeless and mental health patient populations.
There is a revolution taking place right now in palliative care. And while the revolution is not being televised, it was a podcast and now it is a book.
Today, the Hospice of Windsor continues its commitment to high-quality education by hosting Drs. Winemaker and Seow’s presentation, Navigating A Life Changing Diagnosis: 7 Keys for More Choice and Control.
Drs. Winemaker and Seow have worked with patients and families who have felt unprepared and overwhelmed when dealing with a serious illness. They will share the 7 keys that allow us to take charge and feel prepared through the illness trajectory. The presentation supports their recent book release titled: “Hope for the Best – Plan for the Rest.”
According to Hospice Home North Lanark:
“This book is a guide for patients and families in providing practical help in understanding how to navigate a life-changing diagnosis. E.G., chronic illness (dementia; diabetes), cancer. The authors outline 7 “keys” for a better illness experience, helping patients and families to be “in the know” rather than “in the dark.” Stories of real-life situations are shared to illustrate how the 7 keys support patients and families to be informed and more in control of their journey. As an example, the first key is “Walk Two Roads” which relates directly to the title of the book— Hope for the Best, Plan for the Rest. To quote the authors, “This key teaches you to toggle between staying positive and maintaining faith in medical treatment, and seeking honest, accurate information.” This key is one of the core points of this book.”
It is an excellent book and I highly recommend it. In fact, I asked Sammy and Hsien for copies to give each and every single medical student and resident that rotates through our program here in Windsor.
Sadly, I won’t be at the presentation tonight (all blame to goes to CSPCP’s Leah Salvage and Lawrence ‘Don’t call me Larry’ Loh) but I have no doubt it will be both informative and inspiring.
Jean Valjean spent 19 years in prison for stealing a loaf of bread to feed his hungry sister.
Senator Sharon Carstairs identified the need to “raise the bar” on palliative care in 2010. It’s now 2022.
Let’s hope it won’t take 19 years to raise that bar.
As I stood in the Louvre gazing up on the Mona Lisa, I was acutely aware of the history around me. One of the most visited Museums in the world, the Louvre was transformed from a fortress to a Royal Chateau during the Renaissance in 1528 by French King Francois I. It would become host to Leonardo di Vinci and many of his most famous works of art.
Patients and families are being armed with information and tools to advocate for a Palliative Care Revolution in Canada.
50 years after Dame Cicely Saunders and Balfour Mount laid the groundwork for change, maybe it’s time for a Palliative Care Renaissance in patient and family-centred care in Canada.
