AACVPR News & Views - April/May 2015 - 8

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Book Review
Inspired to Change: Improving Patient Care One Story at a Time
Linda R. Larin (Editor);
Review by Tracy Herrewig, MS, RCEP, FAACVPR

I

nspired to Change: Improving
Patient Care One Story at a
Time is a simple reminder of why
each of us is in the business of
health care: to care, physically
and emotionally, for patients and
their family members. This series of
short excerpts from patients, family
members and health care workers
highlights exceptional experiences
as well as missed opportunities.

Statistics, outcomes and
competencies are all critical to
providing optimal care, but we
should not forget the human touch
that is so very important to building
a relationship with and maximizing
the care of our patients. Our
patients and their family members
are often frightened, confused and
sometimes ignored as they navigate
the uncertain waters of the health

care system. But they are also
intelligent and articulate. Talking
with, and more importantly listening
to our patients and their family
members can give us a window into
the true essence of care.

are trying to comprehensively
meet the varied patient needs.
But it's still within an old system.
Healthcare reform is compelling us
to start thinking of ways to change
what we do for our patients.

in legislation to allow for a more
comprehensive program.

Linda Larin is the Chief Administrative
Officer of the Samuel and Jean Frankel
Cardiovascular Center at the University of
Michigan Health System. 

Re-imagining Rehab
Continued from page 5

difficulty with diet, depression,
hostility, adjustment to lifestyle
changes, adapting their walking
stride, changing sexual activity,
relaxation, stretching or learning
to change their golf game to keep
fun in their lives. Imagine that,
based on a thorough system of
assessment for these needs, we
can give it to them. After all, the
goal is to improve the functionality
and quality of their life.
There's some growing talk about
making a shift in our thinking
about what rehab truly is. We
know this shift is needed and
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News&Views APRIL/MAY 2015

Perhaps this involves changing
a view of rehab as only exercise
based, recognizing home based
exercise or variable exercise times
might be more effective for some,
expanding research to test new
interventions, building a staff
with wider ranges of expertise
to meet the varied patient
needs, or lobbying for changes

Some of our colleagues are already
innovatively using current tools
and meeting many of our patient
needs. But, as in the example
above, there are gaps. I do believe
there are many colleagues who
are taking up the challenge to reimagine what rehab is now and
what it needs to be to fill those
gaps. I hope you are one of them
and will give the profession your
ideas and findings.
It might change the world. 
AACVPR News & Views - April/May 2015

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of AACVPR News & Views - April/May 2015
