A patient finished treatment today and we had our bell-ringing ceremony for him. We are a tiny department and 6-7 of us are usually there. The patient typically says a few words, we share some laughs and tears with them and wish them luck.
"Simul, are you ignoring the evidence that says this is potentially harmful? There may be unintended consequences." There are actual studies on this - about the "harms" of ringing the bell.
Life is not simple and cannot always be simulated with a randomized trial. A few times a week, in the midst of the routine of work, the sadness of loss, we celebrate our patients. We ask them if they would like to ring the bell at the end of treatment. A minority of patients say "nah, I'm good" and we respect that. But, most say yes.
Why do I do this in spite of "the evidence"? Note, I am saying evidence with many many grains of the most sarcastic salt you will find.
- We are rarely all together in the department with the patient, as we all have our own roles. But, here we get to spend this moment with the patient and their family.
- The patient just did something really hard! If they choose to celebrate it, we are here for them. If not, we will see you in 2 weeks.
- It is a safe space for tears - there are times when every single one of us and the patient and family emote. It's okay even for you doctor to share a cry with you.
- Patients that are really into it bring their family - kids, friends, partners. We get to celebrate with them, as well, and to see the people that will help take care of our patient when we aren't in the picture.
Overall, the patients that choose it very much appreciate it. This is seen over the course of years and being a perceptive reader of people. There is a "killjoy" nature in oncology that want to take away even the smallest of joys. We are a community clinic in the truest sense of the word - we provide care, but also sometimes money for groceries and rent and prayers and rides. My door is literally always open and patients walk in on random days to chat.
When you read studies like this or that resident Steve that says things like "Actually, ringing the bell might be harmful" (Steve is so annoying!), think a little more deeply about this. If you're at some center where you flew in, saw a student, a resident, a fellow and occasionally an attending physician once in a while, then flew out, this ceremony may not be appealing.
If you are being taken care of by your neighbors and friends, people you attend church with or play pickleball with, people that you'll see out in the world that feel connected to you, celebrating small victories may be one of the small joys that keep patients going.
And stop wasting time and energy studying this stuff. Just learn how to be a person.
https://lnkd.in/gcFTMXvc.
Clinical Research Coordinator at Alliance Spine and Pain Center
1w