Messiness in Our Health and Well-Being ~ Jessica M. Schrieber

Staff, February 26, 2021

"The Lord is my light and my salvation - whom shall I fear?  The Lord is the stronghold of my life - of whom shall I be afraid?" ~ Psalm 27:1

The COVID-19 Pandemic has caused messiness in health care on a systemic and personal level for both patients and health care providers.  In addition to the normal challenges associated with navigating a complex system, the pandemic has forced us all to face new challenges in accessing and providing quality care.

As an ophthalmologist, I am not a frontline worker nor am I involved in healthcare administration. For those who are, I am grateful for your unwavering service, even at great cost to your own physical and mental health. But, even in my position in healthcare, we’ve dealt with increased disarray over the last year, including acknowledging changed or missed opportunities, managing altered patient expectations, and working to prioritize and allocate health care resources. None of this has been comfortable.

We’ve also seen a shift in how we provide care.  In my office, we’ve had to limit visitor and companion access to appointments, which has resulted in patients getting both good and bad news alone.  We limit physical touch, including handshakes and hugs.  In an attempt to bring increased order, we’re working hard to make telehealth feel personalized and accessible, and to keep patients’ family members engaged through technology.  Not everyone has appreciated new safety efforts, and navigating this new normal has been messy and humbling for providers and patients.

While the emotional, mental and physical challenges of seeking and providing health care are likely to continue for many months to come, there is light and help ahead, as we all continue to work to make our new systems more manageable, safer, and more comfortable.

Lord God, please help us accept and move through the mess before us with courage, hope, and grace, by focusing on your light and strength, even during darkness and danger. Amen.