Just wrapped up my poster session at ICEM2012. I managed to poll the audience about our survey [get it here]. People I spoke to came form all over the place [Hungary, Finland, Nigeria, South Africa, UK, Ireland, USA, fellow Canucks and even Israel].
Guess what? NO-ONE has a standard policy on taking a moment of silence to acknowledge those that die in the ER. BUT … all thought that it would be a good idea. I even accosted the convention staff and got their opinion as a non medical person!
Even more interesting were the responses of what gestures people DO perform:
Northern Ireland – Open the window so that the spirit can depart
UK – hang a large hand-made butterfly on the room door so that people know to be respectful
UK – pennies over the eyes
Comments I got were overwhelmingly positive. There was one caveat about forcing religion on a patient without family consent [but a simple moment of silence is non-denominational and shouldn't arouse tension].
Nevertheless I think that I started an important conversation. That’s what research is about – getting ideas out there.
great picture nadim! great work! i agreeing that the spirituality and sense of community can transcend particular religions. One of my favorite words is “Namaste” – i honour the God in you. I honour the story in you, I honour the story that you are. Last night a man died in the ER during my shift from a motorcycle accident. It seemed like the lack of any observed ritual left individuals in their isolated roles but without a way to express the common bond of humanity and community that can offer a collective ‘namaste’ . thanks for great research Nadim.
thanks Vicki,
One of the themes that came out from the comments that respondents wrote was that a moment of silence would be beneficial to the staff in terms of closure and the opportunity to transition into a debrief. The last tragic car wreck left a few of our staff very upset – not sure if anyone took a moment to do a debrief.