When Family Care Starts Maria Bourne FCSS One

When Family Care Starts Maria Bourne, FCSS One. Legacy

When Family Care Starts • Initial impression in the ER sets the stage for the rest of the experience • What families need to hear…… – “Your loved one has suffered a devastating brain injury. We are in the process of stabilizing them. He is being moved to the ICU. We are caring for him and will be examining him to see how he is doing. We will then meet and decide together the best course of treatment. ”

When Family Care Starts • In the ICU… – “Your loved one has suffered a devastating brain injury. We stabilized and have performed our exams. We have consulted with neurosurgery and they also determined him to have no brain activity. We have cared for him but sadly there is nothing more we can do. He has been declared dead. We are going to give a little time to say goodbye. The chaplain, social workers will meet with you to discuss end of life care from here.

When Family Care Starts Does your Hospital have an EOL Care Team?

When Family Care Starts Mental MD Spiritual Chaplain Family Patient Physical Social Worker, Child Life Specialist RN

When Family Care Starts When does EOL Care Team get involved? Prior to Calling One. Legacy? When OL trigger is met and referral is made to OL? When there is a plan for BD evaluations? After BD notes have been written? When OL FCS is onsite and ready to meet with family?

When Family Care Starts • Lack of Communication – families need to be informed and updated on status of their loved one. • Lack of Consistent Communication – Care Team needs to be all on the same page – contrasting information will confuse families. • Language is Important – has the potential to confuse families. • No Early Mentions - Inappropriate

When Family Care Starts Who is assessing the Families understanding? Social Worker, RN, Chaplain? How is this being assessed? Do you understand? vs Have we done a good job explaining things to you?

When Family Care Starts • Never in the Hallway – Family is distracted enough • Team Approach – Never Alone – Always have nurse or SW • No take backs – Don’t say Brain Death until you are Certain.

When Family Care Starts • Trust = Honesty, Integrity, Reliance, Ability • Perception comes from the observation over time of our … – Attitudes – Behaviors Create an environment of “ Compassion in Action”

When Family Care Starts WE have no control over the tragedy – We cannot bring their loved one back. WE do have control of the Care we provide – We can be the difference in the family’s last goodbye, and have them walk away with peace in their hearts, knowing that everything was done for their loved one.