I saw this story in the paper today from the AP and thought it was interesting, http://tr.im/xI0e
When thinking about the service provided by hospitals, I think this is an interesting approach to education. It’s not only interesting for the family, but truly a way to help those who may be considering the procedure understand it’s complexities.
I have waited for hours while a loved one has a procedure. I know from recent experience, depending on the severity of f the procedure hospitals have special waiting rooms, where you receive a number and you can learn the status of the procedure (Much like watching flight schedules at the airport)… Or for lighter procedures, you may even receive a light up/buzzer device (like waiting at a restaurant) to notify you when the procedure is done (not so personal).
For the major procedures, the waiting room is a low lit room filled with TV’s lots of nooks and crannies for families to wait in private, and soothing snacks light snacks (plus snack machines for those who need more). So while this is a more detailed version of a flight schedule, the waiting experience has been in some places well thought of (though I don’t think perfected).
I admire this “open door” approach to the procedure in terms of educating the public. And found the tweets to be fascinating, http://twitter.com/StLukesCR