With the sun pouring through the window of Lied Tower Room 4709, medical student Connor Mulhall learned things about patient Roberta Noah that aren’t listed in her chart, things such as that she likes going to the movies and playing bingo with her friends.
As part of National Solidarity Week, UNMC students in the Gold Humanism Honor Society took time to connect with patients as people. Those conversations are part of a campaign called “Tell Me More.”
Students engage in discussion with patients, guided by four questions such as “What do you for fun?” and “Which skill/talent gives you the greatest sense of pride?” They then leave the answers posted in patient rooms so other staff members can make connections. That’s not always easy to do.
“We’re there in your room at 6:30 in the morning, waking you up and no one wants to see us at that time,” Mulhall explains. “And then in the afternoon everyone is busy with new admissions.”
“I’m glad someone understands,” Noah said after a lengthy chat with Mulhall. Doctors amputated her left foot in January due to cellulitis. While she’s ready to be out of the hospital, there is also some fear. “I’m just a little anxious about the next step, and how long it’s going to take and how I’m going to get around.”
Talking to Mulhall helped ease her fears, and in turn, Mulhall left the room inspired by Noah’s positive attitude. “Through our conversations today, I’ve seen you have a really good outlook even though you’ve been through a lot.”
And what he’s learned from the experience will stay with Mulhall long after National Solidarity Week ends. “It’s nice for us to remember why we made it into this field to begin with.”
Wouldn't it be wonderful if there were time for the Doctors to have this 4 question conversation with all their patients?