Review by: Kristin Baird, RN, BSN, MHA
Christina Dempsey has written an engaging and thought-provoking book challenging her readers to recognize and rectify unnecessary suffering endemic within the healthcare industry. Dempsey candidly shares stories from personal and professional experiences that will hook you in the first two pages. She thoughtfully pushes her readers to explore, not only the patient suffering that comes from physical and emotional pain (inherent suffering), but also the suffering caused by our healthcare delivery (avoidable suffering).
As Chief Nursing Officer for Press Ganey, Dempsey offers solid data throughout the book that gives a nice balance between the head and the heart of compassionate, connected care. Her compassionate, connected care model gives the reader the art and the science needed to reduce suffering for both patients and the people who care for them.
At a time when employee engagement is at the fore throughout the industry, Dempsey shares solid data on the value of improving engagement as a business imperative.
I highly recommend this book for healthcare leaders at all levels.
