The waiting room...

After arriving at my lab appointment yesterday I had the opportunity to sit and wait (what a surprise in a lab, huh?!)  As I waited I took the opportunity to observe.  In the waiting room there are patients at all stages of recovery.  I am just beginning my own treatment but I could already tell the veterans from the newbies (newer than me).  There is definitely a procedure to checking in to the lab.  Each patient is asked by the lab receptionist "Could the next person step forward, please."  The patient card is then requested, followed by verification of the name and date of birth.  "Have you had any cold or flu symptoms?" is the next question requiring an answer.  A bracelet is placed on a wrist, a schedule for the day is then provided to the patient, and they are instructed to sit.  All of this is done in the kindest way possible, of course. 

Once seated, you wait.  It is not hard to overhear other conversations and you get a sense of other patients' situations and support systems.  It is great to see those with a great support system and sad to see those hairless individuals who sit alone waiting to hear their name called.  Lab techs come and go from each door calling names (first name, last initial)  and each patient smiles, leaves the seat, and proceeds to the tech calling their name.  The bracelet is checked for the name and the patient is asked to give their name and date of birth.  Once confirmed the patient is escorted to their phlebotomist for the day.  The day of treatment has begun. 

What I find fascinating is that after a couple of visits people just know what they are going to do and the flow is so smooth.  Stand at the sign, wait to be called to the desk, show your card, confirm you name and date of birth, receive bracelet and schedule and then sit.  Stand when called, proceed to the tech, present bracelet, repeat name and date of birth, and follow escort to phlebotomist.  Blood work, IV or port, and proceed to treatment, as per schedule.  It is amazingly simple and well thought out.  It certainly gives the patient a sense of security that details are so often checked to avoid mistakes.  I know I am slipping into the routine quite readily.  I know I will be asked many times during my day of treatment to repeat my name and date of birth.  I know now the providers are not losing their minds or just not listening but are assuring that the care I recieve is the care that is indicated for ME.  It gives me great faith that this battle will be won with the wonderful provider army that I have fighting for me.  Thanks to God for that!

Keeping the faith! :~)
Kim