It seems that rules and protocols have replaced some of the human connection in healthcare. Without question, rules serve their purpose to ensure a standard of care and maintain safety. Yet, there are times when sticking to protocol is at the expense of empathy and practicality.
As a patient, it’s disheartening to hear, “Sorry, those are just the rules,” with little to no explanation when the situation could be remedied by some compassion and a sense of being heard.
One example from this stay is having trays of food automatically sent to my room for each meal. Despite asking for this not to be done, I was told it was protocol. Why is this rule? When the warm plates of food (filling room with smells) are set in my room three times a day, it serves as a brutal reminder that I can’t eat and take part in that common human pleasure. Also, psychologically, I just don’t like waste. There are too many who can’t afford food and the idea of throwing it out saddens me.
Yesterday, I was so excited to go one floor up to visit a friend with EDS who is also hospitalized. I had been looking forward to it all day and desperately wanted connection with someone who was experiencing a similar health journey. Being admitted can be very lonely, but the rules dictated I wouldn’t be able to leave the room on my IV ketamine drip despite being allowed to in the past.
When I asked if I could be disconnected for a few minutes, the answer was unchanged. The nurses and PAs were noticeably disappointed to tell me no, and agreed the visit would be beneficial emotionally to both patients, but they wanted to follow the rules. I don’t blame them individually for wanting to adhere to protocol, but I do wish the hospital staff as a whole felt empowered to make decisions based what they felt was best for each patient rather than having silly rules trump all. Unfortunately, what’s common sense isn’t always common practice.
These scenarios can define the culture and strip patients of their individuality. Who makes these rigid rules, and could they be subject to evaluation? Providers possess the capacity for critical thinking and logical decision-making; perhaps it’s time to prioritize these qualities alongside adherence to protocol.
