“Touchstones” grew out of an effort to improve the human side of health care. It is a set of principles that encompass awareness, communication, conflict resolution, and cooperative goal-setting. In 2000 PeaceHealth in Eugene, OR, sponsored a series of discussions where staff members (including nurses, receptionists, MDs, respiratory therapists, food service personnel, administrators…basically everyone who works in the health system), patients, and their families discussed their experiences at the hospital, both positive and negative.
They utilized 8 basic principles (i.e., Touchstones) to provide a structure for developing better communication, compassion, and care. These same principles were adopted by AHDI-Oregon, and then again by AHDI-West, to carefully (i.e., “full of care”) and effectively work though the tough issues, celebrate the successes, and maintain a “healthy” and cohesive group, all working toward common goals.
With the establishment of patient-centered care and more healthcare providers becoming a Patient-Centered Primary Care Home (PCPCH), a higher level of careful and effective communication and cooperation with others, including the patient, is required. Touchstones continue to be an effective tool, both professionally and personally.
Learning Objectives:
1. Learn about the eight (8) Touchstones principles.
2. Recognize your own characteristics in each Touchstone.
3. Apply each Touchstone to any given situation.
4. Discover how Touchstones are being used throughout the healthcare encounter.
Credit: 1 PD
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