There’s a new best-selling book that is helping rebrand palliative care for the public. It is being heralded as an “indispensable resource for anyone facing a life-limiting illness” and is getting rave reviews from healthcare providers.
In Hope for the Best, Plan for the Rest: 7 Keys for Navigating a Life-Changing Diagnosis, Dr. Sammy Winemaker, MD, and Dr. Hsien Seow, PhD, draw on their decades of caring for thousands of seriously ill patients to reveal the seven keys for a better illness experience. The seven keys empower patients, families, and healthcare providers to take action early in a life-limiting diagnosis. In effect they are showing people how to leech out a palliative approach to care, from anywhere in the system and at any point in the illness journey, without the labels. Throughout the book, they provide real-life stories, tips, and exercises to support their practical how-to guide. It helps readers to be more informed, activated, and prepared, which in turn, increases choice, control, and hope.
Their work is part of a larger social movement called The Waiting Room Revolution aimed at putting the human back at the center of care. They are also co-hosts of a popular podcast of the same name and their website includes free tools and resources. (www.waitingroomrevolution.com)
Here’s what the reviews have said:
“Kind, clear, and system-changing: a clarion call for a patient-led revolution in health care.”
Kathryn Mannix, MD, Sunday Times–bestselling author of With the End in Mind
“A lightning bolt of hope! A palliative care tour de force and essential reading for all who feel overwhelmed and alone in the health care system.”
Theresa Brown, RN, New York Times–bestselling author of Healing
“Succinct, practical tips for getting the best care and living well through the course of your illness.”
Ira Byock, MD, bestselling author of The Four Things That Matter Most
“Shout it from the rooftops, the Waiting Room Revolution has begun! With Drs. Sammy Winemaker and Hsien Seow leading the charge, no patient or family member will face illness with their eyes wide shut ever again!”
Harvey Max Chochinov, MD, author of Dignity Therapy and Dignity in Care
“This book is a love letter to palliative care—to its principles and philosophy, to its ideals and methods, and to its patients!”
Jack Kimball, PA-C, MHS, Journal of Palliative Medicine, vol 26 (9), 2023
Author bios:
Dr. Sammy Winemaker is a palliative care physician who cares for patients with serious illness and their families in the home. She is an award-winning associate clinical professor at McMaster University in the Department of Family Medicine, Division of Palliative Care.
Dr. Hsien Seow is the Canada Research Chair in Palliative Care and Health System Innovation and a professor in the Department of Oncology at McMaster University. He publishes health care research focused on improving the patient and family experience for those facing serious illness.
Are these books on Amazon?