Gaps in Healthcare Communication

In the first half hour Patricia interviews Dr. Barry Prizant PhD, author of Uniquely Human: A Different Way of Seeing Autism. The book suggests a major shift in understanding autism: Instead of classifying “autistic” behaviors as signs of pathology, Dr. Prizant sees them as part of a range of strategies to cope with a world that feels chaotic and overwhelming. In the second half hour Patricia interviews Dr. Elaine Meyer, PhD of The Institute for Professionalism & Ethical Practice. Elaine’s focuses on patient and family perspectives as they relate to critical care illness, pediatric end-of-life care situations, and providing innovative psychosocial services within healthcare organizations. She was invited to deliver a TEDxLongwood Talk. Entitled “On Being Present, Not Perfect. She introduces the Institute’s educational philosophy of the “one room schoolhouse” and shares a Wizard of OZ metaphor to describe the key ingredients of honest, direct, and genuine conversations.