is known far and wide as a pioneer in palliative care. The profession has voted him one of the 30 Visionaries of Hospice and Palliative Medicine, and he certainly fits the bill. He has authored several books, the most recent of which is titled, “The Best Care Possible.”
Unlike his first book, “Dying Well,” the title makes no mention of dying or the end of life. His second book was titled “The Four Things That Matter Most, a Book About Living”. In fact, though his expertise began in end-of-life care, Dr. Byock has led the medical profession in understanding that the best care for the end of life begins well before the end is near.
The best care possible only comes from an understanding of what makes people tick, what their values are, and how those values apply to care. That is the connection with end-of-life care; nowhere is it more critical to get it right than at the end, when there won’t be a second chance. Taking those same principals “upstream” is what Dr. Byock is doing, and bringing the rest of us along on a journey which can transform care.
Doing the Right Thing
In this time of health care reform, accountable care, and all the flavors of change we are seeing, it is clear that the lion’s share of the efforts has been directed by and toward the cost involved. It turns out, though, that if you do the right thing, it improves quality, raises satisfaction, and reduces cost. Notice the key distinction here: the focus is on improving care, and cost is a secondary gain. The rising tide of patient-centered care lifts all boats.
Byock states that the fundamental nature of illness is not medical, it is personal, and that the sole rationale for our profession is the well-being of others, primarily the patient. He notes that there is a growing body of clinical research that suggests that for people with advanced illness, improvements in quality of life go hand in hand with extending the length of life. In other words, being comfortable is considered a key to living longer.
For patients, Dr. Byock states that the meaning of the best care possible may change over time. Reading his book today may give you a certain perspective on the state of health care, but that perspective can and most likely will change as you yourself one day attempt to navigate the labyrinth we call health care.
The fundamental truths of his approach are sound, and need to be clearly understood. By regaining our perspective as brokers of a personal service instead of purveyors of technical skill, we will see the impact on health, on quality, on satisfaction of patients and providers, and on cost.
This Book is a Must-Read
As always, Dr. Byock’s style is casual and easily understood. Reading his books feels like sitting with him in a consultation room, hearing him speak. Having had the opportunity to hear him in person, I can tell you it is a privileged experience.
This book should be a “must-read” for politicians engaged in debates on health reform, physicians who care for patients, and anyone who is or may become a patient someday with a serious illness… in other words, everyone.
Last Updated: November 6, 2018