BMJ  2007;335:318 (18 August), doi:10.1136/bmj.39303.685231.3A

Letters

ABCD of dignifying care

We need imaginative approaches to training

The first 150 words of the full text of this article appear below.

Chochinov's framework may help health professionals to provide more compassionate and respectful care for our patients.¹ However, great ideas alone don't always lead to better practice, even when supported by training and re-training.

We are all taught good practices as students but usually conform with the habits of colleagues and bosses once we enter the "real world" of work. Unfortunately bad habits contribute to the culture of our parent organisations and are engrained and very hard to change. Replacing a bad culture with a better one requires will, leadership, and good strategic planning, but, as is often said in business circles, "culture eats strategy for breakfast."²

So how might we persuade people to adopt new and better habits? An interesting approach is suggested by Fred Lee in his book, If Disney Ran Your Hospital.³ He explains how exercises in imagination are crucially important components of staff training at Disney . . . [Full text of this article]

NHS Institute for Innovation and Improvement, Coventry House, University of Warwick Campus, Coventry CV4 7AL

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Dignity and the essence of medicine: the A, B, C, and D of dignity conserving care

Harvey Max Chochinov
BMJ 2007 335: 184-187. [Extract] [Full Text] [PDF]