Ideas That Work: Comfort Patients With ‘Handesthesia’

Staff at Vance Thompson Vision, an ophthalmic surgery center in Sioux Falls, S.D., hold the hands of patients who are particularly anxious before they enter surgery. The team is convinced the practice is every bit as effective as sedatives. “We all desire human connection, and some patients might just need a hand to hold to get them through the case,” says facility Director Bill Willis, RN. “Our CRNA Chris Bender is always literally willing to lend a hand.”  The rest of the staff pitch in as well, with similarly good results. “We do augment pain control as needed, of course, but try to meet that human need first,” says Mr. Willis. “That’s what we should do instead of always adding another medication. In most circumstances, just a gentle hand-hold and some reassurance is what patients respond to the most.” OSM