Hyannis, Mass., November 13, 2024 – Cape Cod Healthcare is furthering its commitment to inclusive and compassionate care through its involvement with the Human Library, a unique program designed to foster understanding and empathy among healthcare providers by bringing personal stories to life.
The Human Library is a concept, founded in Denmark, that challenges stereotypes by creating a safe, informal setting for individuals to share their stories. At a Human Library event, participants can “borrow” a person – referred to as a “book” – to engage in an open, respectful conversation. Each “book” represents a diFerent experience or identity, such as living with a disability, facing addiction, or experiencing discrimination. For Cape Cod Healthcare staF, the interactions provide valuable insights, fostering a more compassionate approach to patient care.
Through the Human Library initiative, Cape Cod Healthcare staff members had the opportunity (Human Library events were held during October at both Cape Cod Hospital and Falmouth Hospital) to interact with individuals who shared a variety of experiences, including living as a single parent, a wheelchair user, an immigrant, a veteran, navigating mental health challenges, or managing chronic illness. One Cape Cod Healthcare nurse described the experience as enlightening, “Listening to someone’s firsthand story gives you insights that simply cannot be conveyed through data or clinical notes.”
Some of the questions asked by Cape Cod Healthcare staff during the Human Library sessions included, “What would you like medical staff to understand about your experience?” and “How can healthcare providers better support individuals like yourself?”
Originally introduced to the Cape Cod area by the Osterville Village Library and its Executive Director, Cyndy Cotton, the Human Library initiative has proven to be a valuable asset to Cape Cod Healthcare.
Cape Cod Healthcare’s Chief Health Equity and Wellness OFicer, Dr. Kumara Sidhartha, believes the public Human Library events held at the Osterville Library and the CCHC employee Human Libraries work together to educate both sides of the healthcare equation so that all interactions have the best outcome for all parties by breaking down barriers and increasing understanding. “These dialogues bring to light issues that are often misunderstood, helping our team build empathy and understanding that translates into better patient care. The patient may be less judgmental of a nurse who has tattoos or a physician who speaks with a different accent. Similarly, during the next clinical encounter, the healthcare team member may pause and reflect on any judgments about a patient who may be recovering from substance use or has chronic pain or requires interpreter services,” he states.
The program complements Cape Cod Healthcare’s ongoing eForts to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion across all facets of its operations. For more information on Cape Cod Healthcare’s diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, please click here.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Media requests for interviews will be further coordinated by Julie Badot, Executive Director of Marketing Communications, Cape Cod Healthcare:
Julie Badot
jjbadot@CapeCodHealth.org 774 470 5518 For additional information, contact:
Gregg Jensen
gjensen@pierce-cote.com
About Cape Cod Healthcare:
Cape Cod Healthcare is the leading provider of healthcare services for residents and visitors of Cape Cod. With more than 600 providers, over 5,000 employees and 250 volunteers, Cape Cod Healthcare is comprised of two acute care hospitals, the Cape’s leading provider of homecare and hospice services (VNA), six urgent care centers, a primary and specialty care network, a skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility, an assisted living facility, and numerous health services and programs.
For more information, visit the Cape Cod Healthcare website at www.capecodhealth.org
