Being in the Moment Being in the moment

Being in the Moment Being “in the moment” with seriously ill patients is a skill that can be taught to and appreciated by residents in primary care Alan S. Wolkenstein, MSW Brian K. Wallace, MD

Take 30 seconds and define “in the moment” for yourself. Maybe we will ask someone to share their definition with the group. Maybe not. Regardless, it is a gift to yourself.

What prevents our being ‘in the moment? ” An inability to be in SMRITI Our own fears and anxieties. Confusion about “objectivity. ”

The best predictor is a physician’s personal intention to be there or not.

Four categories for being “in the moment” 1. Residents who want to be there and generally are. 2. Residents who want to be there but lack the skills to do so. 3. Residents who do not want to be there, and are not! 4. Residents who do not want to be there, but seek it out of guilt or expectations of others.

Tough to stay in #1. Residents in #2 require a guide for direction and energy. Residents in #3 and #4 are uncomfortable and resistant to any reflective teaching that creates additional stress. A corrective emotional experience is not possible.

How to Learn the Skills Keep a Personal Journal Grow by Listening and Responding Develop Creative Imagination Through Visualization Utilize a Small Resident-Based Reflective Group Process to; learn, practice, give and get feedback, and reflect on these complex skills in a supportive environment

Patients being forced to confront their mortality in a real and painful manner can pull any physician off balance; residents and seasoned practitioners. They experience, they suffer loses, they grieve, and are transformed. You follow a similar journey. Not always, but sometimes.

First, learn to be “in the moment” with yourself. This will direct you to being fully present to a patient in need of you. By being ‘in the moment” you can guide patients on their journey, regardless of outcome.

You can truly place yourself in a more accessible, empathic and helpful position with sick patients. The reward of being “in the moment” with them is your development into a fully competent and confident physician. A worthy reward for such service. Brian and Alan

We are. Alan S. Wolkenstein, MSW Clinical Professor and Coordinator of the Behavioral Sciences Aurora University of Wisconsin Medical Education Group Brian K. Wallace, MD Associate Professor and Medical Director Aurora St Luke’s Family Medicine Residency Aurora University of Wisconsin Medical Education Group