It’s Personal: A Patient’s Perspective on Continuing Care During COVID-19

“Mom, I don’t think it’s a good idea to go into the doctor’s office.”

I’m a breast cancer survivor. My octogenarian parents with multiple chronic conditions live with me. I’m in healthcare, and I should know better. But all three of us are putting off going in for check-ups. We watch the news. See the case numbers rising. Know how difficult this disease can be for those with compromised immune systems and co-morbidities. We’re afraid. And we’re staying home. We’re considering a holiday season without the traditional family gatherings. It’s stressful. Worrisome. As a caregiver, the sense of responsibility is overwhelming at times.

What can you do for patients like me and my parents? We live in the communities and neighborhoods surrounding your hospitals, clinics and doctors’ offices. We may not have a current relationship with you. We may have consulted specialists and experts in cities hours from where we live. But we’re staying close to home right now, and we need you. Have you reached out to us? Do you know what we most need right now? Have you tried to repair relationships that may be broken?

Now is the time for you to listen to your patients and connect. Let’s have a conversation about how to do that.