In the movie “Wit” (2001), there are many situations in which the delivery of patient care could have been improved. The movie “Wit” (2001) is about a woman named Vivian Bearing who is diagnosed with Stage Four Metastatic Ovarian Cancer. The movie shows Ms. Bearing’s journey with cancer as she undergoes a rigorous treatment. Throughout the movie, Ms. Bearing encounters many unpleasant and unethical situations with healthcare providers.
A specific issue related to the healthcare team that I identified as important to the care of the patient is when the healthcare team performed rounds. In this situation, the healthcare team did not acknowledge Ms. Bearing’s feelings or privacy. The healthcare team did not respect Ms. Bearing’s privacy by walking into Ms. Bearing’s room without knocking. Once the healthcare team was inside the room, they did not introduce themselves or nor did the healthcare team explain why they were there. As healthcare professionals, it is important to introduce oneself in order to establish trust and make the patient feel at ease. When Dr. Jason Posner was going to examine Ms. Bearing’s abdomen, he pulled the covers off without letting Ms. Bearing know. Dr. Posner then left Ms. Bearing exposed from the waist down. Instead, Dr. Posner could have left only the abdomen uncovered. Keeping the patient covered as much as possible ensures privacy and provides respect. As Dr. Posner was palpating Ms. Bearing’s abdomen he did not acknowledge Ms. Bearing’s facial expressions. This showed lack of attentiveness and concern towards the patient’s feelings. The residents then began to palpate Ms. Bearing’s abdomen all at once. This made it seem as if Ms. Bearing was a test subject rather than a human being with feelings and emotions. The use of medical terminology while in Ms. Bearing’s presence was inappropriate. The use of big words in front of patients that are difficult to understand can cause patients to feel overwhelm and anxious. Although Ms. Bearing is an English professor, it does not necessarily mean she understands medical terminology. Instead, the healthcare team could have used layman terms or stepped outside to continue teaching the residents. Also not once did the healthcare team engage in a meaningful conversation with Ms. Bearing. When a patient is first diagnosed he/she may feel scared or terrified. Sometimes just engaging in a conversation with the patient helps to relieve these feelings.
As healthcare professionals, it is important to remember that the patient is at the center of the care. In doing so, we must establish a trusting relationship with patients so that they feel comfortable expressing their concerns. We need to listen to patients and make sure their voices are being heard. In the movie, Nurse Susie ensures Ms. Bearing’s voice is heard when she advocates for Ms. Bearing’s wishes of DNR. Although Ms. Bearing herself could not voice her wishes, Nurse Susie continued to advocate for her patient until the end. To me this scene depicts what it takes to be a nurse. It is showing compassion towards the patient’s feelings, and respecting and supporting the patient’s wishes.
