Page 35 - Sharpening the Focus at UHN

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Looking at healthcare through a Setting the stage to help patients

different lens ENGAGE

Stethoscope. Blood work. X-Rays. process of taking pictures teaches her to look at the And though the night is cloudy, With the recent focus on UHN’s new Purpose, Values,
These are just a few of the tools Dr. patient through a new or different lens. The art of There is still a light that shines on me and Principles (PVP), the team on 9A was looking
PURPOSE, VALUES AND PRINCIPLES
Dawn Lim uses in her daily work as a writing helps her develop different perspectives for the Shine until tomorrow, let it be. for ways they could contribute to “transforming lives
UHN Emergency Medicine physician. patient’s narrative. If you happen to be passing by Toronto through excellence in care” to prioritize patients’ needs.
Then, twice a week after her shift, “I think patients like doctors who are not afraid to go Western Hospital’s (TWH) in-patient They identified a gap in care among long-stay patients
she swaps her medical tools for a Canon 5D Mark 3 beyond the facts, who take some time to connect on a unit on 9A Fell Pavilion, you might hear patients’ on their unit with dementia and cognitive challenges
CLINICAL OPTIMIZATION
and a laptop – the camera for a photography course more personal level, even if only for a short while,” says voices tentatively singing these well-known lyrics to the who had little social contact.
she’s taking at Ryerson’s Chang School of Continuing Dr. Lim. “On a more practical side, I sometimes use my Beatles’ Let It Be and other classics. “We had a number of patients sitting around with
Studies; the computer for a Creative Writing course at stories to entertain patients while I inflict necessary and Joined by staff from both the unit and Allied Health, nothing to do, which often led to behavioural issues,”
the University of Toronto. temporary pain on them. and led by a volunteer, the music activity is one of the says Olga Muir, Nurse Manager for 9A. “There was
CARING SAFELY
And Dr. Lim is convinced both pursuits improve her “It’s better than lidocaine!” many different sessions that make up 9A’s ENGAGE a need to develop something that would keep these
medical practice. Dr. Lim recently spent a day taking pictures in the initiative – a program that provides mental, physical patients occupied, entertained and help them cope with
“I’m a better doctor when I have time to exercise my Toronto Western Emergency Department for her and social stimulation to long-stay patients in acute being in a hospital.”
creative side,” she says. “I laugh more. I have more photography course. The task – create a visual essay care who have cognitive and physical challenges. Link to full story: click here.
patience. I listen to my patient’s stories with more on a subject matter that implies “….human presence
PATIENT EXPERIENCE
interest.” without showing people.”

For Dr. Lim, these creative outlets enhance the core
demand of medicine: to get the patient’s story. The Link to full story: click here.
TEAM ENGAGEMENT Also Making News
Also Making News

IT TRANSFORMATION Glioblastoma clinical trial shows
combined therapy extends life
Complications from Zika virus
may be underestimated Epilepsy Patient thanks UHN staff
for ‘miracle baby’
RESEARCH AND INNOVATION
Glaucoma: The strong, silent
type Cardiac rehab dropouts cost
Ontario healthcare system $100

Interferon drug shows promise million per year
in treating Ebola Toronto Western Hospital volunteer Haig Beylerian, (L), leads a group
MICHENER INTEGRATION of patients in song accompanied by Olga Muir, Nurse Manger, 9A
Fell, TWH, as part of 9A’s ENGAGE program, which provides social
UHN Emergency Medicine physician Dr. Dawn Lim says learning opportunities for long-stay patients. (Photo: UHN)
the art of storytelling through writing and taking pictures makes
her “a better doctor.” (Photo: UHN)

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34 Sharpening the Focus at UHN Year in Review 2016 – 2017 35