The members of the Sainte-Justine of the Future Committee have been trained to dream of what our hospital could be. As part of a research project, the Committee decided to plan discussion groups with patients (children, adolescents and adults) and their loved ones (parents, spouses, siblings, grand-parents) in order to define this dream. The comments raised proved to be both specific and enlightening.
The most desired change would be to ensure that everyone at Sainte-Justine has the ability to help them deal with illness and the changes it brings about. Three major themes were identified for achieving this goal.
The first is recognizing what living with illness represents (feelings, coexistence of mourning and hope, mourning normalcy), learning to manage the illness and the need for relational and therapeutic continuity with all stakeholders.
- In this respect, the method identified as being the most helpful in facing illness and life changes is the presence of a relational patient navigator.
- The second theme focuses on a partnership relationship with all caregivers.
- Finally, the third theme states that everyone working at Sainte-Justine should consider themselves caregivers.
Of all the statements made in the discussion groups, the Committee retained the idea of Daring to have a relationship with patients and their loved ones. These results call on doctors, nurses, all professionals and staff to be, first and foremost, curious about others, and generous with their being and their time. They need to dare to be open and turn to others while maintaining a professional relationship.
Therefore, Sainte-Justine of the future is a hospital where people dare to build relationships, take interest and adapt to others. This is easy and inexpensive—it simply requires openness, availability and a constant concern for continuity in the relationship and care.
Certain organizational adjustments will be needed to allow Sainte-Justine staff and patients to dare to have this relationship as effectively as possible.