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Bringing a new energy to health care. Joy Germs | Rationale | Things that make people feel good | Initiators
Joy germs are friendly people. The goal of OUTBREAKS OF JOY is to promote friendliness amongst everyone involved in health care, this includes patients (clients/residents), visitors and staff. It can be as simple as people wearing brightly coloured clothes, smiling and wishing people a happy day. Another group may be making music in the staff cafeteria or foyer. Others may be wearing funny hats and giving out cartoons. We may see a demonstration of hobbies such as patchwork quilting, painting or belly dancing. Staff in the stroke ward may be receiving pats on the back from oncology. Others may be hanging posters in a drab waiting area. Patients (clients/residents) may be receiving a hand massage. Joy Germs are only limited by their imagination. Health care celebrates life. The talents, skills and commitment of health care workers combine to help people live as well as they can for as long as they can. This is achieved with astonishing success especially when you think of the complexities of health care delivery, both in hospitals and in the community. It's expensive too. We suggest that where there are OUTBREAKS OF JOY the health care dollar is being maximised. When health care workers are in a good mood they tend to work better, are less prone to accidents, make fewer mistakes and take less sick leave. While OUTBREAKS OF JOY makes good economic sense, the primary reason has to do with the way a person's mind and mood can impact their biology. We have been slow to see the survival value of positive emotions. The vital emotions for patients (clients/residents) include hope, optimism, faith, amusement and joy. (This seems to be understood when it comes to children in hospital and is the reason for "clown doctors" and "play rooms".) In contrast, negative emotions such as fear, panic, helplessness, and despair are thought to weaken the immune system, slow recovery and compromise quality of life. Unfortunately, one of the consequences of the crazy world of health care with its crises and stresses is that it gives rise to negative emotions in both staff, patients (clients/residents) and visitors. The social activist Dr Patch Adams, has devoted his life to transforming health care. He saw the answer in building an alternative hospital - a happy hospital combining voluntary service with complementary therapies, humour and joy. OUTBREAKS OF JOY is not a revolution in health care but a way of using what we already have to lift the mood of patients (clients/residents), staff and visitors. It's strength is in its simplicity. It draws attention to the behaviours that make a difference to the way people feel. Some of these are time-consuming, but many are not and can easily become daily habits of thought and action. OUTBREAKS OF JOY remind people that: "Life itself is bigger than illness, diagnosis, treatment, The actions of Joy Germs are symbols of happiness. They keep hope and optimism alive. They connect people to the good emotions, the soft emotions so vital for health and wellness. It's the little things that can make a big difference to the way people feel. Here are some examples of joyful activities:
Our experience shows that most people who work in health care already know how to be joyful. Whether they work in housekeeping, food services, nursing, administration or medical - they are quick to identify the things that can make a difference. We have found that staff learn with and from each other. Our seminars and other learning resources do make it easier to get people inspired and involved. But we are available for consultation and encouragement at anytime by phone or internet. Joy Germs can encourage each other online by sending us their email address. These are staff who volunteer to conduct OUTBREAKS OF JOY within health care facilities and in the community. A colony of Joy Germs may comprise motivated staff from various areas who band together for their 'outbreaks'. No group or department should be forced to participate, so not areas will be involved. Most official volunteers in health care are already involved in joyful activities and are key resource people. Keep in mind the difference between clinical judgement and common sense. OUTBREAKS OF JOY is largely common sense and people need to be trusted with their joyful activities. Some things are more fun if they're spontaneous and not bogged down by committees and working parties. It's not brain surgery. People have to discover for themselves what works and what doesn't. The greatest encouragement Joy Germs can receive is to see their senior staff involved in some way. This can take the form of granting time away from their usual work to joining in the activity themselves.
The highest drug in the world is giving. (Patch Adams) Good ideas usually attract objections. Here are some of the more common:
We've spent many years in health care, promoting, initiating and consolidating change. For all good reasons, most people would rather curse the darkness than light a candle. Change can be slow in health care. In particular, some health care workers appear OUTBREAKS OF JOY acknowledges the mind-body connection. It is an initiative that can start anywhere - with one or two people, a group, a department, facility, region or district . It doesn't need consensus. If health care is to be more than sick care, it needs fresh insights. It needs revitalizing.
Patricia Cameron-Hill BaAppSc(Adv Nsg) Authors "Doctor, I feel funny" How to take the stress out of hospital for patients and visitors. 1999. |
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Brainstorm ideas together. Discuss your talents and skills. Be creative.
