Trust is a Must

Editorial by John Sackett

People often check Yelp before going to a restaurant, read reviews before making a purchase and talk to family or friends before selecting a movie. We are accustomed to having many perspectives in addition to our own impressions – even when making relatively minor choices.

When faced with a medical crisis, people seek reassurance more than ever to make sure they will get the best diagnosis, the latest equipment, the highest-quality care and the most compassionate service. That’s why we pledge to provide a world-class patient experience to every person, every time. When people are feeling their most vulnerable, we want them to feel overwhelmingly reassured by every review they read, every person they talk to and every experience they have that Adventist HealthCare is a place they can trust for their care.

But trust is hard to earn. First impressions are crucial – from the asphalt in the parking lot to the smile at the reception desk to the regard for privacy during triage. A gentle touch when taking a blood draw or the calm explanation of what will happen next can go a long way to ease fears. And practices like our “Commit to Sit” initiative can help patients and their loved ones feel respected while they hear key information. Countless small factors add up to either bolster confidence or erode it.

And as caregivers, we know how much trust can lead to enhanced results. Patients who believe their providers are committed
to supporting their complete health will disclose more details that can lead to better diagnoses, care plans or outcomes.

They will also be more likely to follow instructions to return for recommended screenings. But perhaps most of all, patients who have trust in their care team feel less anxious. And that is at the heart of our Mission to extend God’s care through the ministry of physical, mental and spiritual healing.

When individuals are feeling scared from a symptom or diagnosis, we want their first instinct to be to turn to us and feel hopeful that we will help them make informed decisions and provide the very best in award-winning care. We want them to feel confident that we will be with them as a reliable partner during their health journey. And we want them to trust that we will help them achieve total well-being.

Thank you to every member of our Adventist HealthCare family for helping those we serve feel individually valued so we are the trusted choice for healing in our community.