Novant Health Patients as Partners

This episode explains how patients access their medical records and those of their children. It explains restrictions related to accessing medical records once children reach a certain age. Learn how MyChart creates an easier process to view items such as treatment notes, medication, and lab tests and provides ability to communicate with providers about your care.

Are you curious about taking a photo or recording your loved one as they receive treatment? Learn the guidelines and restrictions provided by Novant Health about taking pictures and recording patients.

When it comes to my healthcare privacy, what are healthcare providers allowed to share with my family and friends? Are there times when my consent is assumed? You will find answers to these questions about patient privacy and more.

We continue our conversation with Ladale Benson, chaplain, as he shares his love for chaplaincy and what makes it unique. He also shares lessons learned from patients and families faced with difficulties about what it means to really listen, learn and grow in the face of difficulty.

Spiritual care services go beyond the traditional view of hospital chaplains. Ladale Benson, chaplain at Novant Health Huntersville Medical Center, explains how the spiritual care team provides a space for people to process their challenges, the relationships they build with patients and Novant Health team members, and how they are able to honor what gives each person life in supporting patients and families along their journey.

Language and cultural services not only ensures our patient's preferred language is used, they understand the impact language and culture have on care and advocate for patients and their families.

Language and cultural services partners with patients to improve care and services. Not only does this team work to ensure we are able to communicate with our patients in their preferred language, they partner with patients and their loved ones helping them navigate the healthcare system and connecting them to community partners. Hear more from Pedro Mendez, director of language and cultural services.

Nickalaus Goodman is a healthcare professional, paramedic, and community advocate. Nickalaus is passionate about making a difference in his community and is particularly interested in health equity. As a member of his local patient family advisory council, which we refer to as Community Voice, Nickalaus has been able to bring the voice of the community into rooms where decisions about how to provide remarkable care are being made.

Donnie Holt is a retired high school principal who has served his community for decades in various capacities. One of the ways Donnie serves is as the co-chair of the patient family advisory council at his local hospital. Community Voice, as we refer to our councils, has given Donnie a platform from which to advocate on behalf of patients and their loved ones. Donnie talks about his experiences and his commitment to helping increase the diversity of his local council.

Caroline Strauss is a wife, mother and attorney. When her son Edward was born prematurely, Caroline and her husband experienced healthcare first hand. Their journey led Caroline to want to give back. Even with a full plate, Caroline made time to lend her perspectives to her local hospital. She did so believing her feedback has the potential to improve healthcare and the overall patient experience.

Adam Koontz join us once again for this final episode on advance care planning. He tells two poignant stories from his own personal experiences but with two very different outcomes. Adam credits his current role as director of advance care planning at Novant Health, to these two experiences and the end of life journey of his loved ones.

This is your chance to set some expectations for the unexpected. Adam Koontz, Novant Health's advance care planning director, delivers more solid information in this episode about ways you can plan for end of life. He goes beyond the plans that are coordinated when you're in good health and speaks on planning when the end is near. A must listen for anyone facing this issue or loved ones that may be caring for someone near end of life.

It's not as bad as you think...getting your affairs in order when it comes to your healthcare. Advance care planning puts you in control of your care plan, even during the times when you are at a loss for control. Adam Koontz joins us once again to discuss the logistics and the best people to engage as you develop your advance care plan.

No one really wants to think about what will happen in the event of a serious healthcare emergency or even end of life care. The reality is that it's important to think through who and what you may want or not want as it relates to your healthcare. Adam Koontz, Director of Advance Care Planning at Novant Health walks us through the 'Choices and Champions' associated with advance care planning.

This example is straight-forward...you want a cup of coffee as you recover in the hospital against your physician's advice. But what happens when you have more complex issues that are in conflict with your physician or family about your care plan? Novant Health's Shared Decision Making service is available to assist in making the best decision for our patients. Any Novant Health patient, loved one or physician can consult the Shared Decision Making service by calling their toll-free, 24/7 hotline: 844-307-2721.

When you can't speak for yourself, they are there. Novant Health's Shared Decision Making services are integral in helping to understand the best way to advocate for our patients. Hear more about our 29,000+ advocates at Novant Health and why this culture is so important to ensure our patients get the best care when they need it the most. Any Novant Health patient, loved one or physician can consult the Shared Decision Making service by calling their toll-free, 24/7 hotline: 844-307-2721.

Learn more about tough decisions and the skilled team that intervenes to help guide the discussions and ultimately decisions for our patients, loved ones and care team. Shared decision making services at Novant Health are an option to help make the right decisions for your health or the health of your loved ones. Hear more on this from Deb Love, Novant Health's bioethics, spiritual care and healing arts senior director.