The Caregiver Designation

A new buzzword seems to be popping up by which hospitals describe their staff: “Care givers.” Years ago I heard Cleveland clinic representatives during an “Empathy Summit” proudly proclaim that this is now a byword they affix onto all their personnel’s clothing to show how they care. The other day I saw the term used on the advertising board of another hospital. The term though has some unintended implications.

Designating a person as a “giver” automatically cements a hierarchical relationship in an in an already inherently unequal relationship: The healthcare professional as the “giver” is superior, the patient as recipient is dependent on getting it, and probably expected to be grateful for it. Isn’t the whole idea that nowadays one should partner with a patient towards improved outcomes?

Health or a cure cannot be “given” or installed – it takes a patient to heal. That takes effort on behalf of the patient, and this effort may not appropriately be appreciated when care is perceived as a one-way-street. I would prefer to have a “care supporter,” “care partner,” or “care coach” – a person who helps in a patient’s overall care, and above all helps patients help themselves.

If a healthcare professional cares about a patient it is plus (unless it is excessive). Caring is something one feels and is authentic, not something one dispenses. One cannot give one’s caring away like a commodity in a job description – that would risk to deplete the sentiment, suck the “giver” dry, and make the term meaningless. Sure everyone should be concerned about patients’ well-being, be courteous, and act professionally. That can be done whether or not one deeply cares about someone. Research has shown that empathy does not result in better patient outcomes, at least not in the ICU and during procedures.

Medical staff has to undergo rigorous training to obtain and maintain their professional privileges. Wikipedia defines a caregiver as “an unpaid or paid person who helps another individual with an impairment with his or her activities of daily living.,” thus not necessarily a professional. I don’t see why a hospital would rather call their staff “caregivers” in analogy to the public who takes care of their sick, dependent, and elderly at home without specialized training– rather than emphasize their contribution as professionals.